Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 4 whole eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 tsp dashi powder or salt (as substitute)
- 4 tbsp neutral oil (divided)
Fried Rice
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably cold day-old)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup carrot, diced
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 4 tbsp ketchup (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
Garnish
- Dried parsley flakes
- Chili flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Crack the 4 whole eggs into a small mixing bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon of dashi powder or salt as a flavor substitute. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until fully combined and set aside for later use.
- Cook Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and minced garlic. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are tender and fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Make Fried Rice: Add the cold day-old cooked rice to the pan. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break apart any clumps of rice, ensuring even cooking. Pour in soy sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Toss in chopped scallions last and mix well for a final touch of freshness.
- Shape Fried Rice Dome: Divide the fried rice into two equal portions. Pack one portion firmly into a rice bowl to shape into a dome. Carefully invert the bowl onto a plate, then gently remove the bowl to retain the dome shape. Set the plate with shaped rice aside while you prepare the omelette.
- Cook Tornado Egg Omelette: In a small pan (4 to 6 inches), heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil over medium-low heat until hot. Pour half of the egg mixture into the pan. Carefully top it with one egg yolk. Using chopsticks, break apart the yolk gently and immediately drag the chopsticks towards the center about 1 to 2 inches apart. Rotate the chopsticks methodically to create a swirling tornado effect as the eggs cook. Continue swirling until the eggs are almost set but still soft. They will finish cooking from residual heat after removing from the pan.
- Assemble Dish: Gently transfer the tornado egg omelette on top of the fried rice dome on the plate. Repeat the egg cooking and assembly process with the second half of the mixture for the second serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle dried parsley flakes and chili flakes over the assembled omelette for a touch of color and heat. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using day-old cold rice is crucial to achieving ideal fried rice texture and preventing sogginess.
- Adjust soy sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce to taste according to preferred saltiness and sweetness.
- The swirling technique with chopsticks requires practice—take your time and maintain gentle movements to create the tornado effect without breaking the eggs.
- Use a small pan to better control the shape and thickness of the egg tornado.
- For a vegetarian version, omit Worcestershire sauce if it contains anchovies or choose a vegetarian alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired