This week’s featured Mommy Recipe is Maria Kanno’s Authentic Japanese Omurice Recipe. Mamita as she is popularly called in my favorite food group is Maria Kanno, a Filipina living in Japan with her family. Like most of our readers, she’s also a mommy raketera and cooks for the Filipino community in Japan in her “extra” time. I’m really not sure how she does it. Answering recipe questions in the group alone and sharing her knowledge all the time seems to be a full time job to me!
Today. I’m sharing her Omurice which we really love at home.
Savoring the Nostalgic Flavors of Omurice: A Kid-Friendly Japanese Comfort Food
Omurice, a beloved Japanese omelette rice dish, is a true fusion of flavors that has captured the hearts and palates of many. This delectable yoshoku (Western-influenced Japanese cuisine) creation combines the familiarity of an omelette with the savory essence of Japanese fried rice, resulting in a comforting and satisfying one-pan meal that transcends cultural boundaries.
AThis easy omurice recipe is a combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients that;s mosthly available in the Pinoy kitchen. The foundation is a bed of ketchup fried rice, infused with the sautéed vegetables and a few morsels of protein (either chicken or sausages). These assorted ingredients are then fused together in high heat then enveloped in a fluffy, golden Japanese omelette, creating a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that evokes nostalgic childhood memories.
The beauty of this Japanese home cooking staple is its versatility. While the classic version features chicken fried rice, adventurous chefs have embraced the freedom to experiment with various fillings and toppings. I’ve seen Filipino cooks in TIktok adding tocino, longanisa, etc. Beef and vibrant vegetableare also added -such as peas or potatoes, allowing each bite to create a new flavor experience that caters to different tastes.
For the Japanese, omurice is a favorite dish because of its ability to evoke nostalgia and comfort. For many Japanese families, this dish holds a special place in their culinary traditions, often served as a treat or a heartwarming meal during childhood. You have to remember that this is actually a kid recipe , which is why its on the sweeter side. The act of carefully draping the omelette over the rice and adorning it with a playful ketchup or demi-glace sauce design is a cherished ritual.
Beyond its sentimental value, omurice has also gained a dedicated following among food enthusiasts worldwide, thanks to its appearance in popular Japanese dramas like our favorite Midnight Diner. Its unique fusion of cultures and flavors has captivated palates across borders, inspiring chefs to put their own spin on this beloved egg dish. From upscale restaurants to humble street stalls, omurice has found a place in diverse culinary landscapes, a testament to its universal appeal as a comforting and satisfying fried rice recipe.
Whether savored in the comfort of one’s home or enjoyed at a cozy eatery, omurice offers a delightful escape from the ordinary. So, the next time you crave a comforting and satisfying meal that evokes nostalgic flavors, let the alluring aroma of this Japanese omelette transport you to a world of culinary delight.
Authentic Japanese Omurice Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1/4 kl chicken breast (sliced)
- 2 pcs sausage (or TJ hotdog) (sliced)
- 1 small onion (minced)
- 1 small red bell pepper(minced)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Dash of Knorr liquid seasoning
- Salt, pepper (Tancha meter)
- Cooking oil
- 2 eggs per piece
- Ketchup
Instructions:
- Saute minced onions in preheated cooking oil till translucent and fragrant.
- In high heat, add bell pepper, sprinkle garlic powder and black pepper. Stir quickly and continue to stir fry.
- Add sliced chicken, followed by sliced hotdog. Continue to stir fry till the chicken is thoroughly cooked making sure to stir often to avoid burning the ingredient.
- Add cooked rice and mix until rice is heated,
- Season with salt, black pepper, Knorr Liquid Seasoning and ketchup according to taste. Cook for about 3 minutes more until rice is a bit smoky.
- Beat the eggs, season with salt and Ajinomoto (optional).
- In another NON STICK PAN, (to avoid ruining the egg wrap), heat some oil, and add the beaten eggs. Circulate the eggs in the pan while frying the eggs to make a round egg wrap. Don’t over cook the eggs. It should still be a bit wet on top so that it will stick to the rice when wrapping. Turn off the flame.
- Get the chicken rice mixture, just enough to fill the egg wrap. Place in the middle. Gently wrap both sides of the egg to the rice in the middle.
- Get a plate and cover pan. Tip and turn over pan to transfer the Omurice to plate.
- Design to your hearts content. Enjoy!