Tamagoyaki with Green Onions Recipe – Japanese Cooking 101 (2024)

10In Egg/ Side Dish

Tamagoyaki with Green Onions Recipe – Japanese Cooking 101 (1)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Tamagoyaki is a Japanese rolled omelet and it is probably the most common way to eat eggs in Japan. You can find Tamagoyaki on breakfast tables, in bento lunches, and on top of sushi rice. You see it everywhere because everyone loves it.

So, it is not surprising that our Tamagoyaki Recipe video is one of the most watched videos on our YouTube channel. I guess many people want to know how to make Tamagoyaki at home. If you have no idea how to make Tamagoyaki, you should probably watch the video first. If you have seen the video and think that it’s impossible to make it because you don’t have the special Tamagoyaki pan, don’t worry…, because I don’t have one either!

I’ve never purchased the Tamagoyaki pan, though I’ve been cooking and eating Japanese food several times a week for the last twenty years I’ve been living in America. Can you believe it? It’s one of those things that I’ve always thought about buying because it’s nice to have, but another day passes by without clicking the “buy” button or taking it to the register at the store simply because I know that I can make Tamagoyaki with my old 9 inch skillet I have at home.

Most Japanese friends can’t understand why I don’t own a Tamagoyaki pan. “How about the one used in the video?” It’s Noriko’s. When we shot the video together, I was impressed how perfectly the Tamagoyaki can be made if I had the pan and once again thought about buying one… oh well. Here I am making another Tamagoyaki with my old 9 inch pan today!

Tamagoyaki can be made simply by mixing eggs and seasoning, but you can also mix in vegetables, meat, and/or seaweed just like western style omelet. One of my favorite is with green onions. It looks pretty and also tastes great. It goes very well with steamed rice with some soy sauce drizzled on top.

Tamagoyaki with Green Onions Recipe – Japanese Cooking 101 (2)

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Japanese

Keyword: egg

*Links may contain ad. #CommissionsEarned

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 3 green onions chopped
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Mirin or 1/4 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp oil

Instructions

  • Mix eggs, salt, soy sauce and Mirin (or sugar) in a bowl. Mix in green onions.

  • Heat a pan at medium high temperature and add oil. (Tamagoyaki pan or a round 8-9 inch non-stick pan)

  • Pour a thin layer of egg mixture in the pan, tilting to cover the bottom of the pan. After the thin egg has set a little, gently roll into a log. Start to roll when the bottom of the egg has set and there is still liquid on top. If you let the egg cook too much, it will not stick as you roll the log. Now you have a log at one end of the pan. You can leave it there or move it to the other end. Pour some more egg mixture to again cover the bottom of the pan. After the new layer has set, roll the log back onto the the cooked thin egg and roll to the other end of the pan.

  • Repeat adding egg to the pan and rolling until the egg is used up.

  • Remove from the pan and cool for 3-4 minutes.

  • Trim the ends of the log off and then slice the log into 1/2″ pieces.


EggTamago

May 13, 2013 By Yuko

Tamagoyaki with Green Onions Recipe – Japanese Cooking 101 (11)

About Yuko

Yuko was born and raised in Kyoto, Japan. She started cooking at home when she was still in elementary school. She learned most of her cooking skills by watching and helping her grandmother and mother in the kitchen. Yuko has lived in three US cities (Miami, San Francisco, San Diego) for almost 20 years and worked in computer software industry for a long time. Yuko currently lives in San Diego with her American husband, two kids, and a Brittany dog. She enjoys cooking for her family everyday using fresh ingredients.

You Might Also Like

Mame Gohan (green pea rice) Recipe

April 14, 2023

Tenkasu Tempura Bits Recipe

July 14, 2023

Soba Noodle Salad Recipe

August 6, 2013

Previous PostNext Post

  • Tamagoyaki with Green Onions Recipe – Japanese Cooking 101 (15)

    Kristina

    October 11, 2013 at 9:09 am

    Domu Arigato! I am brand new when it comes to Asian cooking (or any cooking for that matter, let’s be honest here) and I am so excited to try all these new things. I love Japan and the beautiful historic culture that comes with it!
    I also love how clear all the directions are, great work!

    • Tamagoyaki with Green Onions Recipe – Japanese Cooking 101 (16)

      Noriko

      October 11, 2013 at 6:59 pm

      Kristina,
      thanks for the comment! I promise it’s not hard to make Japanese food ONLY IF you watch our videos. lol

  • Tamagoyaki with Green Onions Recipe – Japanese Cooking 101 (17)

    Annie

    June 19, 2014 at 5:44 am

    I love your website & your videos! I also do not own a tamagoyaki pan but I’ve tried rolling in my small round pan and the tamagoyaki came out beautifully on my third try. Thank you so much for the recipes!! I’m working my way through the basic dishes at the moment 🙂

    • Tamagoyaki with Green Onions Recipe – Japanese Cooking 101 (18)

      Noriko

      September 13, 2014 at 11:09 pm

      Annie,
      congrats for your success making Tamagoyaki without the specialty pan!

  • Tamagoyaki with Green Onions Recipe – Japanese Cooking 101 (19)

    Shamica

    July 26, 2014 at 2:58 pm

    Ahh yes, Tomagoyaki. I have a book for to do it on my Kindle, but I love using your recipes though. Arigatou gozamasu for sharing your culture!!

    • Tamagoyaki with Green Onions Recipe – Japanese Cooking 101 (20)

      Noriko

      September 13, 2014 at 2:15 pm

      Shamica,
      Try our regular Tamagoyaki recipe, too!

  • Tamagoyaki with Green Onions Recipe – Japanese Cooking 101 (21)

    Maxime

    August 4, 2014 at 1:53 pm

    I never thought I could cook japanese food until my friend showed me your website! Please continue uploading new recipes and videos. This is really appreciated. Dōmo arigatō!

    • Tamagoyaki with Green Onions Recipe – Japanese Cooking 101 (22)

      Noriko

      September 13, 2014 at 11:16 am

      Maxime,
      it is easier than a lot of people think to make Japanese food. It’s not just sushi and tempura! There are a lot of tasty dishes you may not find in a restaurant menu.

  • Tamagoyaki with Green Onions Recipe – Japanese Cooking 101 (23)

    Nicole

    August 11, 2014 at 12:16 am

    I have just moved to Japan to teach English and while I am excited to try all the wonderful ingredients on offer, this recipe is simple and easy and is definitely a go to recipe for a meal for one.

    I am so excited by the new ingredients and your easy recipes to use them that I have made your website a bookmark 🙂

    • Tamagoyaki with Green Onions Recipe – Japanese Cooking 101 (24)

      Noriko

      September 12, 2014 at 1:35 am

      Nicole,
      come back for more videos!

    Tamagoyaki with Green Onions Recipe – Japanese Cooking 101 (2024)

    FAQs

    How many layers does a tamagoyaki have? ›

    For this two-egg version, the tamagoyaki is made in four layers, so you should add roughly a quarter of the total egg-mixture volume; no need to measure, just eyeball it. It should be enough to make a thin layer over the entire bottom of the pan. Using your chopsticks, poke any large bubbles to collapse them.

    Why is tamagoyaki so yellow? ›

    Kansai cooks use only a seasoned stock and salt, so the omelet keeps its yellow-egg color. In Kanto they add soy sauce and sugar, so the color of the omelet is darker, and it is easier to give the surface a nice braised look.

    How long does tamagoyaki keep? ›

    The good thing about tamagoyaki is that it's delicious at room temperature too! Therefore, you can make it ahead and pack in your bento lunch box. You can also freeze them, but the texture will change slightly (I don't mind, but you might). To Refrigerate: Cool and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

    What do people eat tamagoyaki with? ›

    Tamagoyaki is often sliced and served with grated daikon on the side. You can eat it by itself, dipped in soy sauce, or with a bowl of rice. Make tamago sushi by placing a slice of tamagoyaki on sushi rice and wrap it with a strip of nori.

    What is the best material for a tamagoyaki pan? ›

    Copper pan is the best to make tamagoyaki

    There are different materials used for tamagoyaki pans, for instance iron or aluminium with Teflon coating, but professionals entirely recommend to use copper. The reason is because copper can be heated evenly with its good thermal conductivity.

    Can you make tamagoyaki the night before? ›

    The sweet potato rice should be set ready to cook the night before. The takagoyaki (Japanese style omelette) ideally should be made in the morning, but can be made the night before in a pinch.

    Why do Japanese put sugar in eggs? ›

    In fact, a touch of sweetness helps to balance the sharpness of the salt and soy sauce in the mix, accentuates the nuttiness of the toasted sesame oil, and highlights the umami flavor that made you crave scrambled eggs in the first place.

    What is a substitute for dashi in tamagoyaki? ›

    If you don't have dashi also known as Japanese soup stock, you can replace it with 3 tbsp water + 1/4 tsp dashi powder, or 3 tbsp water + 1/2 tbsp soy sauce.

    How long does it take to master tamago? ›

    To be able to make a great Tamago, a Sushi Chef has to spend at least several years, if not more, before he is allowed to learn how to make it.

    Can tamagoyaki be eaten cold? ›

    Tamagoyaki can be enjoyed both warm and cold, depending on personal preference. Some people prefer the slightly warm and freshly cooked tamagoyaki, while others find the chilled version to be equally delicious. Feel free to try it both ways and see which one you prefer!

    Do Japanese keep eggs in fridge? ›

    Prompted by concerns about spoilage and foodborne illnesses, U.S. egg producers and processors began washing and refrigerating their eggs in the early 1970s. Other countries soon followed suit, and eggs are now washed and refrigerated in Canada, Japan, and Scandinavia.

    Who invented tamagoyaki? ›

    The tamagoyaki first appeared as a food for the chōnin (townspeople) of the Edo period. At that time, it was called "tamago fuwafuwa" and was made by boiling soup broth made by leaching umami ingredients from konbu (edible kelp) and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), adding beaten egg, and steaming.

    What do Japanese people eat mayo with? ›

    It's a delicious topping for savory pancakes like okonomiyaki, a regional specialty from Osaka, or simply mixed with rice and leftover protein. It also makes an addicting dipping sauce for foods such as fries and karaage, Japanese fried chicken.

    Is tamagoyaki supposed to be sweet? ›

    Tamagoyaki (卵焼き or 玉子焼き) is a sweetened Japanese omelette that resembles mini bars of golden pillows. With a slightly sweet taste and custardy texture, tamagoyaki is well-loved amongst Japanese children and adults alike.

    What does tamagoyaki translate to in English? ›

    Tamagoyaki, literally meaning 'grilled/fried egg', is made by rolling together thin layers of seasoned egg in a frying pan. Enjoy for breakfast, add to a bento lunch, or use as a filling in sushi.

    Do you eat tamagoyaki cold? ›

    Tamagoyaki is a slightly sweet rolled omelette. They are perfect eaten cold or at room temperature rather than hot.

    What is the purpose of the tamagoyaki pan? ›

    Tamagoyaki pans are unique because of their shape: most are rectangular or square. This helps create the namesake omelet's shape, and makes it easy to roll up each egg layer.

    Why is it called tamagoyaki? ›

    Tamagoyaki, literally meaning 'grilled/fried egg', is made by rolling together thin layers of seasoned egg in a frying pan. Enjoy for breakfast, add to a bento lunch, or use as a filling in sushi.

    What is the difference between French omelette and tamagoyaki? ›

    The omelette requires fewer ingredients than the tamagoyaki

    According to Allrecipes, the omelette only requires eggs and butter (because what is a French dish without the addition of butter). For the tamagoyaki, you will need a few more ingredients like sugar, salt, vinegar, soy sauce, and miso, per Bon Appétit.

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Patricia Veum II

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6373

    Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

    Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Patricia Veum II

    Birthday: 1994-12-16

    Address: 2064 Little Summit, Goldieton, MS 97651-0862

    Phone: +6873952696715

    Job: Principal Officer

    Hobby: Rafting, Cabaret, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Inline skating, Magic, Graffiti

    Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.