This elegant layered omelette is a staple of Japanese breakfast and bento boxes. A few simple seasonings transform beaten eggs into soft, subtly sweet ribbons stacked into a glossy little log.
Prep Time8 mins
Cook Time12 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings4
Yield4 servings (about 16 pieces)
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 125 kcalCalories
- 8 gFat
- 2 gSaturated Fat
- 3 gCarbs
- 0 gFiber
- 2 gSugar
- 9 gProtein
- 240 mgSodium
- 110 mgPotassium
- 40 mgCalcium
- 1.2 mgIron
- 0 mgVitamin C
- 190 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the egg mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons dashi (or 3 tbsp water plus 1/4 tsp dashi powder)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons mirin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon fine salt
For cooking
- 2 tablespoons neutral vegetable oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- 1 scallion, finely sliced, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs just until the yolks and whites are evenly combined; do not overbeat or the omelette will lose its tender texture. Stir in the dashi, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and salt until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Heat a tamagoyaki pan (or a small 7-inch nonstick skillet) over medium-low heat and brush the surface with about 1 teaspoon of oil using a paper towel or pastry brush, wiping evenly to coat.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of the egg mixture into the pan and swirl to form a thin, even layer. Cook for 30-45 seconds, until the surface is just set but still glossy.
- Using chopsticks or a silicone spatula, lift the near edge of the omelette and roll it tightly toward the far edge of the pan. Push the rolled omelette back to the starting end of the pan and brush the empty surface with a little more oil.
- Pour another 1/4 cup of egg mixture, tilting the pan so it flows under and around the existing roll. Let the base set for about 30 seconds, then roll the new layer over the existing log, again pushing it back to the start. Repeat this rolling process 2-3 more times until all the egg mixture is used, brushing the pan lightly with oil between layers.
- Once the final layer is rolled and the omelette feels set, cook for another 15-20 seconds, then transfer to a cutting board. Let rest for 1 minute so the layers firm up before slicing.
- Use a sharp knife wiped with a damp cloth between cuts to slice the roll into 4 even pieces per serving (about 1 inch thick). Arrange on a plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced scallion if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook’s Notes
- A tamagoyaki pan (makiyakinabe) makes neat rectangular layers, but a small nonstick skillet works fine—just expect rounder edges.
- Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between each slice for clean, non-stick cuts that keep the layers visible.
- For a fluffier texture, separate the eggs and whip the whites to soft peaks before folding in the yolks and seasonings.
- Leftover tamagoyaki keeps in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and is excellent cold in bento boxes.
- If you do not have dashi, substitute with low-sodium chicken broth plus a pinch of MSG or kombu powder for a similar umami depth.










