What is Omurice?
Omurice is a popular Japanese comfort food that combines fried rice and a fluffy omelet. This dish is a delightful fusion of Western and Japanese cuisines, typically made with fried rice seasoned with ketchup and wrapped in a soft, savory omelet. It can be customized with various fillings
Why You’ll Love This Easy Version of Omurice
This easy omurice recipe is a simplified version that is beginner friendly. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables, and you can tailor it to your preferences with different proteins or vegetarian options. Whether you’re new to cooking or looking for a quick, comforting meal, this recipe is perfect for you.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup multicolored peppers, finely chopped
- 100g beef rolls (or your choice of protein like chicken or tofu)
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 cup cooked Jasmine rice (leftover rice works best)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/2 tbsp butter
- 3 medium eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Ketchup and Japanese mayo, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat 1 tbsp of canola oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add your protein of choice (I’m using beef in this recipe) and cook until browned. If you’re vegetarian, tofu is a great substitute.
- Add the finely chopped multicolored peppers to the pan. Cook until the beef is fully cooked and the peppers are slightly tender.
- Stir in 3 tbsp of ketchup, followed by the cooked Jasmine rice. Note: Leftover rice works best because it has a firmer texture, making it easier to stir-fry without becoming mushy.
- Season the mixture with a pinch of salt, 1 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tbsp of oyster sauce, and 1/2 tbsp of butter.
- Stir-fry everything for 1-2 minutes until well combined. Set the filling aside.
- Make the Omelet:
- Whisk 3 medium eggs in a bowl. You can add a pinch of salt to the eggs if desired.
- In a non-stick pan, heat a small amount of canola oil over medium-low heat. Pour the eggs into the pan, spreading them out evenly.
- Cook the omelet until the bottom is set but the top is still slightly runny. This is key to achieving that soft, custard-like texture.
- Assemble the Omurice:
- Place the fried rice mixture in the center of the omelet.
- Carefully fold the sides of the omelet over the rice, rolling it to enclose the filling completely. Be gentle to avoid tearing the omelet.
- Transfer the omurice to a serving plate, making any necessary adjustments to ensure the omelet covers the rice neatly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Drizzle with ketchup and Japanese mayo for that classic omurice look.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Protein Options: You can use chicken, ham, shrimp, or tofu instead of beef.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the fried rice.
- Sauce Customization: For a spicy kick, mix a bit of Sriracha with ketchup for the garnish.
Omurice is a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s comforting, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Give this easy version a try and enjoy a taste of Japanese comfort food right at home!