In their video, “Upgrade Your Fried Rice With This Japanese Classic l Omurice”, Aaron and Claire share their take on a beloved Japanese comfort food: Omurice (オムライス), or omelet rice. A staple of yōshoku (Western-influenced Japanese cuisine), Omurice is typically made with ketchup-flavored fried rice wrapped in a soft omelet and topped with sauce. While it’s often found in casual diners and home kitchens across Japan, Aaron and Claire elevate the dish with their signature approachable style, keeping it simple while adding depth of flavor with a homemade brown sauce.
A Dish That Bridges Cultures
Omurice, short for “omelet rice”, is a popular Japanese dish that combines Western cooking techniques with Japanese flavors. In this video, Aaron and Claire, YouTube creators known for their approachable and detailed cooking tutorials, walk viewers through how to make omurice at home.
Their version of the dish is simple to follow, but also highlights its background in Japanese cuisine. Omurice is a good example of how Japanese cooking has adapted Western influences into something uniquely its own. This ties in well with brands like Sakuraco, which promote traditional Japanese culture through food by sharing artisan snacks and cultural items in monthly subscription boxes.
Image via Aaron and Claire
History of Omurice
Omurice first appeared in Japan in the early 1900s, likely in a Western-style restaurant in Tokyo or Osaka. It became part of the yōshoku category, a style of Western-influenced Japanese dishes, and has since become a standard item in homes and casual restaurants across Japan. The standard version includes ketchup-flavored fried rice wrapped in a soft omelet and often topped with ketchup or a special sauce. Aaron and Claire stick to the basics, adding a homemade sauce for extra flavor. Their approach updates the classic dish without making it overly complicated.
Image via Aaron and Claire
Ingredients
Aaron and Claire keep the recipe accessible without compromising on flavor. They use ground beef, garlic, onion, carrot, and day-old rice for the fried rice. The omelet is made with just eggs, salt, and cooking oil. The rich homemade sauce combines butter, flour, water, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mirin, sugar, chicken bouillon, and black pepper. (Tip: If you’re short on ingredients, plain ketchup is still a great fallback.)
Image via Aaron and Claire
The Method: How It’s Made
Make the Brown Sauce
Aaron starts by melting butter and stirring in flour to create a roux. He adds water slowly while whisking, then adds ketchup, mirin, worcestershire sauce, sugar, and seasonings. The sauce is simmered until smooth and slightly thick.
Prepare the Vegetables
Finely chop 1 clove of garlic, ¼ of a carrot, and ½ of an onion. Aaron notes you can adjust the garlic to your taste or replace the vegetables with frozen mixed vegetables if needed. If you prefer green onions, they can also be used instead of regular onions.
Cook the Fried Rice
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add 120g of ground beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned. Add the chopped garlic, carrot, onion, and the fried rice sauce. Stir for 2–3 minutes until the onions become translucent. Turn the heat to high and add 2 cups of day-old rice. Break it up and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
Plate the Rice
Once the fried rice is cooked, transfer it into a small bowl and press it firmly to hold its shape.
Place a serving plate on the bowl, then flip them together quickly.
Carefully lift the bowl to reveal a clean, dome-shaped portion of rice centered on the plate.
Make the Omelet
In a medium pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Pour in half of the beaten eggs and cook for about 1 minute. The bottom should be cooked while the top remains slightly runny. The residual heat from the sauce will continue to cook the top later.
Assemble and Garnish
Place the omelet over the rice dome, evenly covering the top. Pour the brown sauce you prepared over the omelet and let it run slightly down the sides. If desired, finish the dish with a drizzle of heavy cream and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for added color and contrast.
Image via Aaron and Claire
Bring Japan to Your Home with Sakuraco
If you enjoy seasonal Japanese flavors, Sakuraco is a great way to explore more from home. Sakuraco is a monthly subscription box that includes traditional snacks and teas made by local artisans in Japan. Each box often features items like Sakura Daifuku, Strawberry Waffles, and Sakura tea, along with cultural extras like a themed sake glass. It also has a booklet explaining each item, including ingredients and allergen info, perfect for international subscribers.
One of the themes is “Seasons of Sakura,” highlights spring-themed snacks. If you liked Aaron and Claire’s Omurice, Sakuraco is a great way to continue exploring Japanese food culture. Aaron and Claire’s audience already appreciates quality Japanese food. If you’ve enjoyed their Omurice, Sakuraco is a significant next step in exploring more authentic Japanese flavors.
🧧 Use their code ANC to receive $5 off your first box here
Image via Aaron and Claire
Final Reflections
Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out, Omurice is an easy and satisfying dish. Aaron and Claire’s version is practical, flavorful, and easy to follow. If you’d like to try it, their video provides a great guide. And if you’re interested in exploring more of Japan’s traditional food culture, Sakuraco offers a convenient way to experience authentic Japanese snacks at home. So grab your apron, try out the recipe, and if you want to explore more traditional Japanese flavors, let Sakuraco take your tastebuds on a journey through authentic regional treats.
📺 Watch the full video here: Upgrade Your Fried Rice With This Japanese Classic l Omurice
