Origin Japan
Tamagoyaki is a soft rolled omelette from Japan. It is slightly sweet a little salty and very light to eat. People in Japan enjoy it for breakfast in bento lunch boxes or as a side dish with rice. The omelette is made by cooking thin layers of egg one after another and rolling them gently. The final roll looks beautiful and tastes warm fluffy and smooth.
Even though it looks difficult tamagoyaki is very simple when you follow the steps slowly. You only need eggs sugar soy sauce and a little oil. The sweet and salty flavor makes it different from regular omelettes. This recipe will guide you in easy English so you can make a perfect Japanese tamagoyaki at home.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the Egg Mix
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon water
For Cooking
- 1 teaspoon oil
- A small pan preferably square but any pan works
For Serving
- Rice
- Salad
- Soy sauce optional
Step by Step Method to Make Japanese Tamagoyaki
Step 1
Prepare the Egg Mix
- Break all eggs into a bowl.
- Add sugar soy sauce salt and water.
- Mix gently with a fork.
- Do not beat too hard. The mixture should stay smooth.
This step gives the omelette its soft sweet and salty taste.
Step 2
Heat the Pan
- Place the pan on low heat.
- Add a few drops of oil.
- Spread the oil all around the pan with a brush or tissue.
The pan should not be too hot or the eggs will cook too fast.
Step 3
Cook the First Layer
- Pour a small amount of the egg mix into the pan.
- Move the pan so the egg spreads into a thin layer.
- Let it cook until the top is almost set but still soft.
- Using a spatula start rolling the egg from one side to the other.
This first roll becomes the base of the tamagoyaki.
Step 4
Add More Layers
- Push the rolled egg to one side of the pan.
- Add a little more oil if needed.
- Pour more egg mix into the empty space of the pan.
- Lift the roll slightly so the new egg layer flows under it.
- When the new layer is almost set roll again over it.
Repeat these steps until all the egg mix is used.
The omelette will become thicker and look like a soft roll.
Step 5
Shape and Rest
- Remove the roll from the pan.
- Place it on a board for one minute.
- This helps the shape set and makes cutting easier.
Step 6
Slice and Serve
- Cut the roll into even slices.
- Serve warm with rice salad or soy sauce.
The slices look pretty with light yellow layers inside.
Tips for Perfect Tamagoyaki
- Keep heat low for soft texture
- Roll slowly do not rush
- Use a little oil before every layer
- Do not overcook or it will become dry
- Add a little more sugar if you like sweeter taste
Variations You Can Try
- Add chopped spring onion
- Add a little milk for extra softness
- Add seaweed sheet inside one layer
- Add finely chopped carrots for color
Approximate Nutrition per Serving
Values may vary
- Calories 150 to 220
- Protein 10g
- Fat 12g
- Carbohydrates 3g
