Omurice, a delightful fusion of Western omelette and Japanese fried rice, is a beloved dish that offers a perfect balance of flavours and textures. Originating in Japan, this dish has gained popularity worldwide for its simplicity and deliciousness. Here's a recipe to make Omurice at home, along with serving suggestions, tips, variations, and a nutritional overview.
Ingredients:
For the Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 chicken breast, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for cooking
For the Omelette:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter for cooking
For Garnish (Optional):
- Ketchup
- Chopped green onions
- Parsley flakes
Instructions:
Prepare the Fried Rice:
- Heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast and cook until it's no longer pink.
- Add chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in cooked rice and frozen peas. Drizzle soy sauce over the rice and vegetables. Mix well until everything is evenly combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Make the Omelette:
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a knob of butter. Once the butter melts and coats the skillet, pour in the egg mixture.
- Tilt the skillet to spread the egg mixture evenly. As the edges start to set, gently lift them with a spatula and let the uncooked egg flow underneath, ensuring even cooking.
- When the omelette is mostly set but still slightly runny on top, spoon the fried rice onto one half of the omelette.
Fold and Serve:
- Using a spatula, carefully fold the other half of the omelette over the rice, covering it completely.
- Slide the Omurice onto a plate with the seam side down.
- Optionally, drizzle some ketchup on top in a zigzag pattern.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley flakes for extra flavour and presentation.
Tips:
- Use day-old rice for the fried rice as it's drier and less likely to become mushy.
- Customize the filling according to your preference. You can add other ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, or ham.
- Be gentle when folding the omelette to prevent it from tearing.
Variations:
- Cheese Omurice: Add a layer of melted cheese on top of the fried rice before folding the omelette for a gooey, cheesy twist.
- Spicy Omurice: Spice up the fried rice with some chilli flakes or sriracha sauce for an extra kick.
- Seafood Omurice: Substitute chicken with shrimp or mixed seafood for a delicious seafood twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450 kcal
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
Conclusion:
Omurice is a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavours of fried rice with the versatility of omelettes. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, its simplicity and deliciousness are sure to satisfy your cravings. Experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own unique version of this beloved Japanese comfort food.
