Omurice is one of those meals that’s simple yet so comforting. The sweet-savory ketchup fried rice topped with a fluffy omelette is always a hit — especially with my toddler, who devoured it in minutes. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend lunches.
If you’ve ever walked into a Japanese café or watched a heartwarming Japanese drama, chances are you’ve seen omurice – a plate of golden omelette draped over fried rice, finished with an artful drizzle of ketchup.
It’s simple, comforting, and deeply nostalgic. Omurice (short for “omelette rice”) was inspired by Western-style cooking, but it’s become a staple of Japanese home cooking. It’s especially popular with kids, thanks to the sweet-salty flavor of ketchup fried rice and the fun of decorating it with ketchup designs.
When I made this for lunch recently, my toddler absolutely loved it – from the first bite to the last drizzle of ketchup. She couldn’t get enough of the sweet-savory rice, and I’m pretty sure the fluffy omelette on top made her feel like she was eating something straight out of a café. Seeing her light up over a home-cooked meal made this recipe even more special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy — ready in 20 minutes.
- One-pan friendly — minimal dishes, maximum flavor.
- Customizable — swap proteins or veggies based on what’s in your fridge.
- Kid-approved — my toddler devoured it, and yours probably will too.
Variations & Substitutions
- Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Veggies: Use bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn instead of peas and carrots.
- Rice: Day-old rice works best, but freshly cooked sushi rice gives a softer texture.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Omurice is best served fresh, but you can store leftover fried rice in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan before making a fresh omelette to top it with.
Serving Suggestions
Serve omurice with:
- A light side salad with Japanese sesame dressing
- A bowl of miso soup
- Pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast
Omurice is one of those dishes that feels special without being complicated, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and slow weekend lunches. It’s comforting, flavorful, and loved by both kids and adults!
Omurice (Japanese Omelette Rice)
Ingredients
For the Rice:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 3/4 cup frozen peas and carrots can sub fresh cut too
- 3 oz boneless chicken diced
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- sea salt and pepper to taste
For the omelette:
- 4 large eggs beaten with pinch of sea salt and pepper, 1 tablespoon milk if desired
For the topping:
- Kewpie mayo
- Extra ketchup
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion to cook until softened and translucent.
- Add in frozen carrots and peas, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened. Push veggies to the side, then add the diced chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes until fully cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in ketchup and Worcestershire sauce until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated.
- Add cooked sushi rice, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Mix until all the rice is coated with sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Turn off heat.
- In a nonstick pan, heat a small amount of butter or oil over medium-low heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and gently stir while swirling the pan, keeping the center soft and slightly runny. When almost set, slide the omelette over the rice.
- Drizzle with kewpie mayo and extra ketchup, then serve immediately while warm.
