
Omurice is one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods, combining fluffy omelette with savoury ketchup-flavoured fried rice to create a dish that is both nostalgic and satisfying. Popular in Japanese homes, cafes, and family restaurants, omurice is simple to prepare yet looks impressive with its bright yellow egg wrapping and deliciously seasoned rice hidden inside. In this recipe guide, you’ll learn how to make homemade omurice that is authentic, easy, and guaranteed to brighten up any meal.
What makes omurice so special is its unique blend of Western-inspired ingredients and Japanese flavours. The dish originated in the early 20th century during Japan’s yoshoku (Western-style food) movement and quickly became a staple, especially for children. The combination of lightly seasoned chicken fried rice wrapped in a creamy omelette and topped with ketchup creates a dish that is comforting, slightly sweet, and full of texture in every bite.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday dinner, a fun weekend brunch, or a recipe to introduce Japanese food to kids, omurice is versatile and always crowd-pleasing. It’s a dish that proves comfort food can be simple, creative, and deeply heartwarming.
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Best Time To Eat
Omurice is best enjoyed as a quick lunch, casual dinner, or hearty brunch, especially when you crave a comforting, home-cooked meal that’s both filling and flavourful.
Best Dishes To Partner
Serve your omurice with a light miso soup, Japanese pickles (tsukemono), or a simple green salad with sesame dressing. For drinks, pair it with iced green tea or a refreshing glass of cold barley tea (mugicha) to complete your Japanese-inspired meal.
How to Make Omurice
Omurice Recipe Ingredients
2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
200 grams chicken breast, diced
1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons ketchup, plus extra for topping
1 tablespoon soy sauce
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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Step By Step How to Make Omurice
Prepare the Fried Rice
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned.
Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re softened. Add the rice, breaking any clumps. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Stir in ketchup and soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another couple of minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Omelette
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk, seasoning with a little salt and pepper. Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Pour in the eggs, swirling to spread them out evenly over the surface of the pan. Let the eggs cook until the edges begin to lift from the pan but the center is still slightly runny.
Assemble the Omurice
Before the omelette is fully set, add half of the fried rice mixture over one half of the omelette. Use a spatula to carefully fold the other half of the omelette over the rice. Let it cook for another minute to ensure the omelette is fully cooked but still tender. Carefully slide the omurice onto a plate, shaping it into an oval with the help of the spatula if needed.
Serving
Drizzle ketchup over the top of the omurice for extra flavor and decoration. Serve hot.
Tips To Make Omurice
Use day-old rice as it is less sticky and easier to fry. Keep the heat on medium to low to avoid browning the eggs too much; the omelette should be soft and creamy.
Adjust the amount of ketchup and soy sauce based on your taste preferences. Some people like a sweeter omurice, while others prefer it less so.
How Many Calories Have Omurice
The total calories for one serving of omurice (half of the total recipe) can be approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and their quantities.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.