Omurice is a beloved Japanese yōshoku comfort dish that wraps seasoned chicken fried rice in a soft, custardy omelette. It is typically finished with a drizzle or zig-zag of ketchup and brings together simple pantry staples in a satisfying, nostalgic meal.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings4
Yield4 servings
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 485 kcalCalories
- 19 gFat
- 7 gSaturated Fat
- 52 gCarbs
- 2 gFiber
- 8 gSugar
- 27 gProtein
- 720 mgSodium
- 430 mgPotassium
- 85 mgCalcium
- 3 mgIron
- 6 mgVitamin C
- 280 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the chicken fried rice
- 2 cups cooked short-grain white rice (preferably day-old, cold)
- 200 g boneless skinless chicken thighs, finely diced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 tbsp ketchup, plus more for serving
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the egg omelette
- 6 large eggs, cold
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp unsalted butter per omelette
For garnish
- Ketchup, for topping
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
Directions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the diced chicken to the pan, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring, until the pieces are opaque and lightly browned.
- Add the cold rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly toasted.
- Stir in the ketchup and soy sauce, mixing until every grain is evenly tinted and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer the rice to a bowl and wipe the pan clean.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and salt until just combined and uniform; do not over-beat, as this removes air and toughens the omelette.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of butter in a small non-stick skillet (about 20 cm) over medium-low heat. Pour in one quarter of the egg mixture and swirl to coat the pan evenly.
- Cook for 45-60 seconds without stirring, gently lifting the edges to let raw egg flow underneath, until the top is just set but still glossy and soft.
- Spoon one quarter of the chicken rice down the center of the omelette. Using a spatula, fold both sides over the rice to form a neat oval, then invert onto a plate so the seam sits underneath.
- Repeat with the remaining eggs and rice to make four omurice portions. Finish each with a zig-zag of ketchup and a sprinkle of parsley before serving immediately.
Cook’s Notes
- Day-old refrigerated rice works best; fresh rice releases too much steam and turns mushy when stir-fried.
- Keep the heat on medium-low for the omelette so the eggs stay tender and custardy rather than browning like a French omelette.
- For extra richness, brush a thin layer of mayo onto the rice mound before wrapping; many Tokyo cafes do this for a silkier finish.
- Swap ketchup for warm demi-glace sauce for a more upscale, cafe-style presentation popular in Ginza and Osaka.
- Add 1/4 cup of frozen peas and diced carrots to the rice for color, sweetness, and a kid-friendly boost of vegetables.










