Tamagoyaki is a popular Japanese rolled omelette, often served for breakfast or as a sushi topping. It’s lightly sweet, savory, and fluffy, with layers of thinly cooked egg.
Ingredients (for 1 serving)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon dashi powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Oil, for greasing the pan
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Preparation
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a bowl, whisk the 4 eggs until the whites and yolks are fully combined.
- Add the dashi powder, sugar, mirin, and salt to the eggs, mixing well to combine all ingredients.
- Heat the Pan:
- Heat a rectangular tamagoyaki pan (or a small frying pan) over low heat. Lightly grease the pan with oil, and then wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel, leaving a thin, even layer of oil.
- Cook the First Layer:
- Pour a thin layer of the egg mixture into the pan. Tilt the pan so the egg spreads evenly across the surface. Let the egg cook gently until it’s just set but not browned.
- Once set, use a spatula or chopsticks to carefully roll the egg from the far end of the pan toward you, creating a small roll. Push the roll to the opposite end of the pan.
- Cook More Layers:
- Add another thin layer of the egg mixture to the pan, letting it cook as you did before. Once set, roll the cooked portion of the egg over the new layer and keep rolling toward you.
- Repeat this process 3-4 more times, each time adding a new layer of egg, until all the egg mixture is used and the omelette has grown in size.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the rolled omelette from the heat and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, slice the tamagoyaki into bite-sized pieces.
- Enjoy!
- Serve tamagoyaki on its own, with soy sauce or as part of a bento box.
Conclusion
Tamagoyaki is a simple yet delicious dish that embodies the balance of sweet and savory flavors in Japanese cuisine. Its layered texture and delicate taste make it a popular choice for breakfast or a side dish. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or as a part of a larger meal, tamagoyaki is sure to delight with its unique flavor and presentation.