Omurice

Omurice or Omu-rice (オムライス) is a popular Japanese dish that is a fusion of Western and Japanese ingredients. It is a type of Yōshoku, which refers to a style of Western-influenced cooking in Japan. The name "Omurice" is a portmanteau of the words "omelette" and "rice", indicating the main components of the dish.

History

Omurice originated around the turn of the 20th century at a western-style restaurant in Tokyo's Ginza district. The dish was originally created to appeal to the Western palate and quickly became popular among the Japanese population. It is now a staple in Japanese homes and is commonly served in western-style diners in Japan.

Preparation

The dish consists of an omelette made with fried rice and usually topped with ketchup. The fried rice is typically flavored with ketchup and cooked with various ingredients such as chicken and vegetables. The omelette is then draped over the rice and served with additional ketchup on top. Variations of the dish can include other types of meat, seafood, and vegetables. Some versions also include cheese, which is either incorporated into the omelette or used as a topping.

Cultural Significance

Omurice is often featured in Japanese popular culture. It is frequently seen in anime and manga, often prepared by characters to show their culinary skills or as a comfort food. The dish is also a common choice in children's lunches and is often served in school cafeterias.

Variations

There are several variations of Omurice, including Hayashi Rice Omurice, Demiglace Omurice, and Cream Sauce Omurice. These variations typically involve changes to the sauce used in the dish. For example, Hayashi Rice Omurice uses a hashed beef sauce, while Demiglace Omurice uses a rich demi-glace sauce.

See Also

• Japanese cuisine
• Yōshoku
• Hayashi Rice
• Demiglace
• Cream Sauce