Omurice (Korean-Style Omelette Rice)

Omurice is a comforting Korean dish that combines savory fried rice wrapped in a silky omelette. With familiar flavors and a beautiful presentation, this dish is easier to master than you’d think. Whether you’re new to cooking or looking for a simple, satisfying meal, this recipe will impress and satisfy your taste buds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Korean-style omurice is a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The fried rice, seasoned with soy sauce, ketchup, and vegetables, is savory and slightly tangy. It’s enveloped in a soft, silky omelette that adds a delicate contrast to the hearty rice. The simple yet effective combination of chicken, vegetables, and rice, wrapped in an omelette, makes this dish feel like comfort food with a gourmet touch. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Fried Rice:

• 6 oz chicken breast, diced small

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 carrot, diced

• 1 cup cooked rice (preferably day-old)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp ketchup

• ½ cup frozen peas

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Omelet:

• 4 large eggs

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

For Garnish:

• Green onions, chopped

• Sesame seeds

• Extra ketchup for drizzling

Instructions

1. Cook the Fried Rice:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until no longer pink. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become tough.

• Add the chopped onion and carrot to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.

• Stir in the day-old rice, breaking up any clumps. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through and the grains are separate.

• Mix in the soy sauce and ketchup until the rice is evenly coated. Add the frozen peas during the last minute just to heat them through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the fried rice warm.

2. Make the Omelette:

• In a bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth, making sure no streaks of white remain.

• Heat the remaining vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour the beaten eggs into the pan and allow them to set for about 30 seconds.

• Gently push the edges of the eggs toward the center while tilting the pan to let uncooked egg flow underneath. Continue until the eggs are almost set, but still slightly wet on top.

3. Assemble the Omurice:

• Spoon the fried rice mixture onto one half of the omelette. Quickly fold the omelette over the rice and slide the omelette onto a plate, seam-side down.

4. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Drizzle with extra ketchup if desired. Serve immediately while the omelette is warm and creamy.

Storage Tips:

• Best Served Fresh: Omurice is best enjoyed immediately while the omelette is still silky and warm.

• Leftover Fried Rice: The fried rice mixture keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheats well. However, it’s best to make fresh omelettes each time.

• Freezing: Do not freeze assembled omurice, as the texture changes significantly upon reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

• Starter: Serve with light miso soup to complement the flavors.

• Side Dish: Pair with pickled vegetables such as kimchi or daikon for an added tangy contrast.

• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with sesame dressing pairs well to balance the richness of the dish.

• Beverage: Korean-style corn tea makes for a refreshing beverage to enjoy with this meal.

Mix It Up (Recipe Variations):

• Seafood Omurice: Replace the chicken with small shrimp or crab meat for a delicious seafood twist.

• Vegetable Omurice: Use mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers instead of meat for a lighter version.

• Spicy Korean Omurice: Add 1 teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the rice mixture for an extra kick.

• Cheese Omurice: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the rice before wrapping the omelette for a creamy, cheesy version.

What Makes This Recipe Special:

Korean-style omurice is the perfect blend of Japanese cooking techniques with Korean flavors. The sweet-savory combination of soy sauce and ketchup creates a deliciously unique flavor profile. The technique of wrapping seasoned fried rice in a delicate omelette showcases the balance between simplicity and creativity that defines Korean comfort food. Whether for a casual meal or a special occasion, omurice offers a comforting and impressive dish with ease.