Ultimate Chicken Omurice: A Japanese Comfort Food Sensation

Discover the magic of omurice – a mouthwatering Japanese fusion dish that combines fluffy omelette with savory chicken fried rice. This comforting meal is perfect for any time of day and sure to become a family favorite!

What is Omurice?

Omurice, short for “omelette rice,” is a beloved Japanese creation that marries Western-style omelette with Eastern fried rice. This dish typically features ketchup-seasoned fried rice wrapped in a thin layer of egg, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Our version takes a simpler approach, making it accessible for home cooks while maintaining all the deliciousness of the traditional recipe. We’ll show you how to create a perfectly cooked omelette that sits atop a mound of flavorful chicken fried rice, no expert techniques required!

The Secret to Perfect Fried Rice

The key to outstanding omurice lies in the fried rice. We use Japanese short-grain rice for its delightful chewy texture. To prevent clumping, we fry the rice in batches, ensuring each grain is perfectly cooked and coated in flavorful ketchup sauce.

By adding diced chicken thigh, carrots, and onions, we create a protein-packed, veggie-loaded base that’s both nutritious and delicious. The result? A fried rice that’s bursting with flavor and perfectly complemented by the silky smooth omelette topping.

Mastering the Omurice Omelette

Don’t be intimidated by the omelette! Our method is foolproof and requires no special skills. We’ll guide you through creating a soft, creamy omelette that drapes beautifully over the fried rice. The contrast between the fluffy egg and the savory rice creates a texture paradise in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white sushi rice (12 ounces; 350g)
• 5 tablespoons (75ml) vegetable or canola oil, divided
• 1/2 cup minced yellow onion (100g; about 1/2 medium onion)
• 1/2 cup diced carrot (100g; about 1 large carrot)
• 3 ounces diced skinless, boneless chicken thigh (80g; about 1/2 cup)
• 1/4 cup ketchup (60ml), thinned with 1 tablespoon (15ml) water, plus more ketchup for serving
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 large eggs, beaten with a pinch of salt
• Kewpie mayonnaise, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Omurice Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: If using day-old rice, break it up into individual grains. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in your skillet over high heat. Fry half the rice until toasted and chewy, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and repeat with the remaining rice.
2. Cook the vegetables and chicken: In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil. Sauté onion and carrot until tender and lightly browned. Add chicken and cook until just done and starting to brown.
3. Combine and season: Return rice to the pan and mix with vegetables. Add thinned ketchup, cooking until each grain is coated and shiny. Mix in scallion and season with salt and pepper. Pack the rice into a bowl and invert onto a serving plate.
4. Create the omelette: Wipe the skillet clean and heat the remaining oil. Pour in beaten eggs, stirring rapidly to create small curds. Stop stirring when eggs are very softly scrambled and creamy.
5. Assemble and serve: Gently spread the egg in an even layer and let cook until just set on top. Slide the omelette over the rice mound. Garnish with ketchup and mayo if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

For best results, use freshly cooked rice that’s been cooled for 5 minutes, or day-old rice refrigerated for 12 hours to 3 days. Kewpie mayonnaise can be substituted with regular mayonnaise if unavailable.

Why You’ll Love This Omurice

• Perfect comfort food for any occasion
• Customizable – add your favorite vegetables or protein
• Great way to use leftover rice
• Kid-friendly and fun to eat
• Impressive dish that’s actually easy to make

Nutritional Information