Omurice, Japanese Fried Rice with Omelette (오므라이스)

 
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Let's set the scene. You open the fridge. There is not that much other than condiments, eggs, and some leftover veggies. You open the freezer. You found that frozen fried rice package from Trader Joe's probably like a month ago. You want to make something quick, flavorful, and  yummy that doesn't taste like heated up frozen fried rice? If that sounds like you, Omurice is the perfect way to turn up the volume!

Omurice is one of the traditional Japanese foods that I grew up eating. It is basically savory fried rice, wrapped around cooked eggs, kind of like an omelette. My dad used to cook this all the time whenever my mom couldn't cook for me and my brother. Even though it is just a simple dish, that egg wrapped around the rice and my dad's special ketchup art always made the dish extra special.

What makes this dish even more special is the use of mayonnaise and ketchup. They are not just for burgers and fries; when they are used to cook fried rice, they add excellent flavors to the dish. You will be surprised to taste the difference.

Let me show you how you can travel to the flavor town in Japan. 

Prep time: 5 minutes  l  Cook Time: 15 minutes  l  Total Time: 20 minutes  l  Serving: 2

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 tsp of cooking oil

  • 1 cup of diced onion

  • 1 cup of diced broccoli (You can substitute for any kinds of leftover vegetables. I chose to add onion and broccoli, but you can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even carrots. If you don't have any fresh vegetables, you don't have to add them, but they add nice textures and freshness to the dish.)

  • 1 package of frozen fried rice

  • 1 tbsp of mayonnaise

  • 1 tbsp of ketchup

  • 3 Eggs

  • Salt and Pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

  1. Heat up the oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat

  2. Add your vegetables and saute for about 2 minutes until onions are transparent and broccoli is slightly charred

  3. Add your frozen (or leftover) fried rice to the skillet with vegetables

  4. Let the rice cook for around 6 minutes, or follow the package instructions

  5. Add mayonnaise and ketchup to the rice and stir it more about a minute. After it is cooked, set it aside.

  6. Whip your egg mixture so that the yolk and egg white get incorporated. Add your egg mixture on a new non-stick skillet over medium-low heat

  7. When egg mixture gets cooked, or when you don't see the liquid mixture, add your fried rice on top of the egg mixture.

  8. By using two spatulas, wrap your rice with cooked egg around the edges to make it into somewhat similar to a crescent shape

Do you have any other ways to enjoy your leftover fried rice? What toppings do you like in your fried rice? Let me know!

NOW GO EAT YOUR FEELINGS!

 
James ParkComment