If you enjoy ketchup on your eggs, you’ll love this omurice recipe: sweet-and-savory ketchup fried rice topped with soft scrambled eggs and a drizzle of ketchup. This comforting dish is beloved by both children and adults across Japan.
Recently I’ve been spending more time at home and cooking more often. With fewer opportunities to eat out, I’ve been making easy, familiar meals using pantry staples. Omurice is perfect for this: it uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly.
This recipe is flexible and forgiving, so you can adapt it to what you have on hand. Below you’ll find a clear explanation of the dish and a straightforward recipe for fried rice and a soft omelet to top it.
About Omurice
Omurice, or omuraisu in Japanese, literally means omelet and rice. It combines a Western-style omelet with Japanese-style fried rice, often seasoned with ketchup. Though it blends culinary influences, omurice is a homey comfort food in Japan and a popular menu item at casual western-style cafes. Its sweet-savory flavor and soft egg topping make it a favorite for all ages.
Components
This dish has two main parts: the ketchup-seasoned fried rice and the soft omelet. Both are simple to prepare and combine beautifully on the plate.
1. Fried Rice
Fried rice for omurice is typically made with diced chicken, vegetables, and ketchup. The ketchup gives the rice a pleasant sweet-and-tangy profile that complements the creamy eggs on top—it’s the signature taste of omurice.
2. Omelet
The omelet usually covers the rice. Traditional omurice uses a thin omelet, but many modern versions use soft scrambled eggs for a creamier texture and easier technique.
To make the soft omelet: whisk the eggs with a little milk and salt. Cook gently in butter over low-medium heat and use chopsticks or a spatula to form small curds. When the eggs are just set but still slightly runny on top, slide them over the rice and finish with ketchup. In Japan it’s common to decorate the top with ketchup designs.
The contrast of silky eggs and tomato-flavored rice is delightful. Below is a clear, practical recipe you can make at home.
More Fried Rice Recipes
Fried rice is quick, versatile, and easy to customize. Try other variations like kimchi fried rice or yang chow when you want different flavors.
- Kimchi Fried Rice
- Kimchi Cheese Fried Rice
- Yang Chow Fried Rice
Omurice
Ingredients
Fried Rice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 medium onion, diced finely
- 1 medium carrot, diced finely
- 5 oz (150 gr) chicken thigh, diced into 1/2-inch (1 cm)
- 2 cups day-old white rice
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Omelet
- 3 eggs
- 1 tbsp milk
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp butter
Toppings
- Ketchup
- Kewpie mayonnaise (optional)
- Seaweed flakes (optional)
Instructions
Fried Rice
- Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Stir in the onion and carrot and cook until the carrot is tender. Add the chicken and cook until fully done.
- Add the rice and combine with the vegetables. In a small bowl, mix ketchup and water. Pour the ketchup mixture and soy sauce into the pan and stir until everything is evenly coated. Turn off the heat and transfer the fried rice to a serving bowl. Set aside.
Omelet
- Whisk the eggs, milk, and salt in a medium bowl until uniform in color.
- Heat the butter in a large non-stick pan over low-medium heat and swirl to coat the pan.
- Pour the egg mixture into the pan. Immediately stir gently with chopsticks or a spatula to form small curds, scraping the edges as needed.
- When the egg is set but still slightly runny on top, remove the pan from the heat.
- Invert the bowl of fried rice onto a plate. Gently slide the egg over the rice. Drizzle with ketchup and mayonnaise if using, and garnish with seaweed flakes. Serve immediately.
Video
Nutrition
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Calories: 861 kcal
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