This is one of those dishes my family would cycle through and eat once every couple weeks growing up.
A blend of Western and Japanese culinary traditions, Omurice holds a special place in my heart. The name “Omurice” is derived from the English words “omelet” and “rice,” reflecting its fusion origins. It combines a Western-style omelet with Japanese fried rice.
Omurice typically features a fluffy omelet draped over or wrapped around a bed of ketchup-flavored fried rice, often garnished with a drizzle of ketchup on top.
What Type of Rice to Use
Choosing the right type of rice can be confusing, especially with so many varieties available. From long-grain basmati to aromatic jasmine rice, each type has its own texture and flavor. In Japanese cooking, however, Japanese short-grain or medium-grain rice is almost always the go-to choice.
Short-grain rice, often labeled as sushi rice, is particularly prized for its soft and chewy texture, which pairs beautifully with traditional Japanese dishes. Medium-grain rice is a great alternative if short-grain isn’t available (I actually almost always use medium-grain myself because it’s generally cheaper where I live!). Both are ideal for recipes like this one, where the rice’s stickiness helps meld the flavors into every bite.
Recommended Rice Cookers
Do I need to have a fancy rice cooker to make this meal? NO!
Just like anything, generally, the higher the quality, the better. But you can make my rice cooker meals in a cheap rice cooker, too!
Click the rice cooker photos to see my top picks, from $20–$200! I use the Tiger 5.5-cup model shown. About 1/2 cup of Japanese short- or medium-grain rice makes 1 serving.
Key Features to Look For in a Rice Cooker:
- Steaming Basket or Tray: Allows you to steam vegetables or cook other ingredients while the rice cooks.
- Multiple Cooking Functions: Ensure it has settings for steaming, slow cooking, and possibly even baking.
- Non-Stick Inner Pot: Makes cleaning easier and prevents sticking.
- Timer and Keep Warm Function: Useful for planning meals ahead of time and keeping them warm until you’re ready to eat.
5.5 cups or 10 cups
5.5 cups or 10 cups
3 cups
2 cups
Omurice (オムライス)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
Omurice is a comforting Japanese dish that combines a fluffy omelet with ketchup-flavored fried rice, often garnished with a drizzle of ketchup on top.
Ingredients
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2–3 boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 cup peas & carrots
- 1 cup day-old rice (I recommend Japanese short-grain or medium grain rice for the most authentic Japanese experience!)
- 6 eggs (I recommend doing 3 eggs per serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For sauce:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3/4 cup milk (can substitute for water)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chicken to the pan. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, or until cooked all the way through.
- Add your peas and carrots, and allow to cook for 1 minute. Then add your rice, followed by the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Break up any clumps in the day-old rice. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, ensuring the rice is heated through and starting to get slightly crispy.
- While the rice is cooking, make your sauce. Over medium-high heat, combine all of your sauce ingredients and mix until the sauce begins to thicken a little. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk your eggs vigorously for 1 minute until they are well-mixed and slightly frothy. Place a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil, just enough to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.
- Pour half of the whisked eggs into the pan. Immediately, using one hand, hold a pair of chopsticks and draw small circles in the eggs. This helps create soft curds and makes the omelet fluffier. With your other hand, gently wiggle the pan back and forth to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Do this for just the first 15 seconds then let the eggs sit and cook about 90% of the way through.
- Add your fried rice in the center, and shape it into a football shape. Fold in the sides of the egg and place a plate on top to flip it upside down. Serve with the sauce drizzled on top or on the side.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
I want to try the viral omurice so bad! This looks awesome too
Time for a Japan trip!
Folding the omelet on top looked tricky but your instructions made it really approachable.
Hi Paxton – thanks for your review! That’s great to hear 🙂