Omurice (Japanese Omelette-Topped Fried Rice) Recipe
Omurice is a popular Japanese comfort food featuring savory fried rice topped with a soft, fluffy omelette and finished with tangy ketchup and creamy Kewpie mayonnaise. This recipe combines tender chicken, vegetables, and ketchup-seasoned rice wrapped in a silky egg blanket, creating a delightful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
Scale
Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked white sushi rice (12 ounces; 350 g)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 1/2 cup minced yellow onion (100 g; about 1/2 medium onion)
- 1/2 cup diced carrot (100 g; about 1 large carrot)
- 3 ounces diced skinless, boneless chicken thigh (80 g; about 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (60 ml), thinned with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) water
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced
Omelette
- 5 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil, divided
- 4 large eggs, beaten with a pinch of salt
To Serve
- Additional ketchup
- Kewpie mayonnaise
Instructions
- Prepare the Fried Rice: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced yellow onion and diced carrot, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add diced chicken thigh and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cooked sushi rice, breaking up any clumps, then mix in the thinned ketchup. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in thinly sliced scallion and cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Cook the Omelette: In a clean non-stick skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs seasoned with a pinch of salt and swirl the pan to spread evenly. Cook gently until the eggs are just set but still soft and slightly runny on top, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble the Omurice: Spoon the warm fried rice onto a plate, shaping it into an oval mound. Carefully slide the cooked omelette on top of the rice. Optionally, fold the edges of the omelette under the rice mound for a neater presentation.
- Serve: Drizzle additional ketchup and Kewpie mayonnaise over the omelette or serve on the side as preferred. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Japanese dish.
Notes
- Use day-old or cooled sushi rice for best texture, which prevents mushy fried rice.
- Chicken thigh gives a juicy and tender texture, but you can substitute chicken breast or use shrimp for variation.
- Adjust the ketchup quantity to taste for desired sweetness and tanginess.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the fried rice if desired.
- Eggs should be cooked gently to keep them soft and fluffy; avoid overcooking.
Keywords: Omurice, Japanese omelette rice, fried rice, chicken omurice, easy Japanese recipe