Omurice
A Japanese diner classic: ketchup-seasoned chicken rice wrapped in a thin omelette, either folded neatly or, in the modern tornado style, split open so a barely-set centre floods over the mound.
Photograph credit: Omurice with Demi-glace Sause in Osaka, Japan by 高砂の浦 · CC0 1.0 · Wikimedia
Method
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Break the cold rice up with wet hands so no clumps remain. This is easier now than in a hot pan.
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Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan and fry the chicken over high heat for 4 minutes until browned at the edges.
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Add the onion and cook 3 minutes, then the peas for 1 minute.
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Push everything aside, add the ketchup and Worcestershire to the clear space, and let them bubble and darken for 60 seconds before stirring through.
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Add the rice and butter and toss over high heat for 3 minutes until every grain is coated and glossy. Season and keep warm.
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For each omelette, beat 3 eggs with the milk and salt and pass through a sieve for a flawless surface.
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Melt the butter in a 20 cm non-stick pan over medium-low heat, pour in the eggs, and stir with chopsticks for 20 seconds, then let it set for another 30. The top should still be glossy and loose.
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Mound a portion of rice on one half, fold the omelette over, and roll it out onto the plate seam side down. Shape with kitchen paper, then draw a ketchup line down the middle.
Chef’s Tips
- Non-stick pan, low-ish heat, and butter. Any browning on the omelette and it will not roll cleanly.
- For the tornado version, keep the omelette much looser, drape it over the rice mound and split it open with a knife tip.
- A splash of double cream in the eggs makes the omelette more forgiving if you are nervous about timing.
Pairing Suggestions
- A green salad with sesame dressing
- Consommé or miso soup
- Cold barley tea
Storage & Reheating
The chicken rice keeps 2 days refrigerated and reheats well; make the omelette fresh each time.
Common questions
How long does Omurice take to make?
About 35 minutes in total — 15 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 2.
What are the key tips for making Omurice?
Non-stick pan, low-ish heat, and butter. Any browning on the omelette and it will not roll cleanly. For the tornado version, keep the omelette much looser, drape it over the rice mound and split it open with a knife tip. A splash of double cream in the eggs makes the omelette more forgiving if you are nervous about timing.
What should I serve with Omurice?
A green salad with sesame dressing; Consommé or miso soup; Cold barley tea.
How should Omurice be stored?
The chicken rice keeps 2 days refrigerated and reheats well; make the omelette fresh each time.
Is Omurice suitable for a special diet?
This recipe is high-protein and no added sugar. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.
How many calories are in Omurice?
About 668 kcal per serving, with 32 g protein, 72 g carbohydrate and 28 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.
Nutritional Highlights
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.
Reader Reviews
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Written and tested by Turab
One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.
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