Tamago Yaki: The Famous Rolled Omelette!

People in Japan have a special love for eggs, reflected in the many creative ways they use them in their cooking. Tamago yaki, a delicate omelette, is one of their favorites. Its lovely texture and flavor make it a dish that never fails to impress. Let’s discover why this traditional treat is so adored!

What is tamago yaki?

Tamago yaki (alternatively spelled “tamagoyaki”) is a tasty Japanese rolled omelette that looks like a little yellow pillow! Its name comes from the Japanese words tamago (egg) and yaki (grill or cook). This fluffy, golden omelette is rolled thin and seasoned with flavorful Japanese sauces for a sweet-savory kick! Tamago yaki has a soft, bouncy texture that melts in your mouth. It is a favorite in Japan, especially for breakfast, lunchboxes, and sushi!

There are different types of tamago yaki. Dashimaki Tamago, popular in Kyoto and Osaka, is extra juicy as it has a lot of dashi (Japanese soup stock), making it super soft. Atsuyaki Tamago, found in Tokyo, is sweeter and easier to make. There’s also Castella Tamago, which is so light and cake-like that it almost feels like a dessert!

Who came up with it?

The dish was first created during Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868). It was initially called tamago fuwafuwa (fluffy egg). It began as a dish for townspeople, made by steaming beaten eggs in a rich broth of kelp and bonito flakes. And one of the first famous tamago yaki shops is Ougiya.

In the 1950s, Japan urged families to eat more protein, which made tamago yaki even more popular. After that, people joked that Japanese kids loved three things more than anything—tamago yaki, the Yomiuri Giants baseball team, and sumo champion Taiho!

How do I make tamago yaki?

Making this tasty treat at home is super easy and enjoyable! With just a few ingredients and a few minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy this yummy Japanese rolled omelette in no time. Here’s a simple and quick recipe that is ideal for beginners:

Ingredients

• Eggs
• Oil 
• Salt
• Sugar
• Soy sauce 
• Water 

Instructions

• Mix it up: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, soy sauce, salt, and a splash of water for fluffiness. Use chopsticks to mix gently in a zig-zag motion. There’s no need to beat it too hard!
• Heat the pan: Heat your pan on low heat. For convenience, you can use a small rectangular frying pan. Add a little oil and spread it with a paper towel. When the egg mixture sizzles on contact, you’re good to go!
• Cook & roll: Pour a thin layer of the egg mix into the pan. Let it cook until the edges set, but the top is still a little runny, then roll it up from the far end toward you.
• Repeat: Pour in more egg, let it set, then roll again. Keep going until it’s all used up! Be sure to grease the pan each time for smooth cooking.
• Shape & serve: Roll up your omelette and gently shape it with a bamboo sushi mat. Slice into small pieces and enjoy!

Fun ways to enjoy

Tamogo yaki is delicious on its own, but you can try it with some grated daikon (radish) and a splash of light-tasting soy sauce for extra flavor. Or sprinkle a little bit of shichimi togarashi (Japanese mixed chili pepper) for a zesty kick! It’s also great with pickled ginger, as its tangy taste goes perfectly with the richness of omelette. Moreover, a small dab of wasabi on the side can add punch to each bite. 

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Which restaurants have the best tamago yaki?

Tsukiji Yamacho

Tsukiji Yamacho is a well-loved spot in Tsukiji’s Outer Market in Tokyo. Founded in 1949, Yamacho has been serving up tamago yaki for years! The secret to their delicious omelette is their fresh eggs, carefully selected from local farms. You can enjoy the dish in many ways, like a warm, sweet one or even on a stick, which makes it perfect for eating while walking around the market.

Tsukiji Marutake

Tsukiji Marutake is another gem in the Tsukiji market, known for serving some of the best tamago yaki alongside the renowned Yamacho. Established in the late Taisho period (1912-1926), Marutake has made this beloved dish for over 80 years. People love the melt-in-your-mouth omelette here. The sweet version is a favorite; its light sweetness makes it a perfect snack. If you want something different, the ebi-tamago made with shrimp is another must-try!

Ougiya

Ougiya is a charming, well-known shop located in Oji. Opened in 1648, this cozy spot has been making tamago yaki with a unique mix of eggs and traditional dashi broth for generations. The chefs here still use time-honored techniques to craft each omelette carefully. Their tamago yaki is often savored as a treat during cherry blossom season at the nearby Asukayama Park.

Why should I try tamago yaki?

Tamago yaki is a unique and delightful dish that you should try, whether you’re in Japan or making it at home. Its fluffy texture and sweet-savory flavor make it a comforting snack or meal.

Many restaurants across Japan offer this treat, such as Tsukiji Yamacho or Ougiya, so you’ll find different variations to suit your taste. Have you ever tasted this fantastic dish before, or would you be interested in trying it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!