Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelette) – No Special Pan Needed
Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelette) – No Special Pan Needed is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 2. 180 calories per serving.
Prep: 7 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 25 min
Cost: $1.87 total, $0.94 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Large eggs (Fresh is best)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (Fine sea salt preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Soy sauce (Regular or light soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Mirin or sugar (Mirin preferred, but sugar is fine)
- 2 teaspoons Neutral oil (Vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil)
Instructions
Prepare and season eggs
Crack 4 large eggs into a mixing bowl. Add 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp mirin (or sugar). Whisk until well combined and slightly frothy.
Time: PT3M
Heat and oil the pan
Heat a 10-inch non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of neutral oil and spread it evenly using a folded paper towel.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium-high
Cook first egg layer
Pour a thin layer of egg mixture into the pan, just enough to cover the bottom. Let it set partially (edges firm, top still a bit wet).
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium-high
Roll first layer
Using chopsticks or a spatula, gently roll the set egg from one side of the pan to the other. Move the rolled egg to one side of the pan.
Time: PT1M
Oil pan and add next layer
Oil the pan again lightly, especially where the egg will touch. Pour another thin layer of egg mixture, lifting the rolled egg so the new layer flows underneath.
Time: PT1M
Cook and roll second layer
Let the new layer set at the bottom while the top is still slightly wet. Roll the egg again, starting from the rolled side, so the new layer wraps around the previous roll.
Time: PT2M
Repeat layering and rolling
Continue oiling the pan, pouring thin layers of egg, and rolling until all egg mixture is used up (usually 3-5 layers).
Time: PT6M
Rest and slice
Remove the rolled omelette from the pan and let it cool for 2-3 minutes on a cutting board. Trim the ends if desired, then slice into 1-inch pieces.
Time: PT2M
Clean up
Wash the pan, bowl, whisk, spatula/chopsticks, knife, and cutting board. Wipe down the counter.
Time: PT6M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 180
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 4g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Dairy-free, Nut-free, low-carb, low-calorie, very-low-calorie
Allergens: Eggs, Soy (from soy sauce)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Large eggs: Medium eggs (use 5), Extra-large eggs (use 3)
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt (use slightly more)
- Instead of Soy sauce: Tamari, Coconut aminos
- Instead of Mirin or sugar: Honey (use 3/4 tsp), Maple syrup (use 3/4 tsp)
- Instead of Neutral oil: Butter (for a richer flavor)
Equipment Needed
- 10-inch non-stick frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Chopsticks or spatula
- Paper towel
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowl (for oil) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whisk eggs thoroughly with seasoning for uniform flavor.
- Heat and oil the pan well to prevent sticking.
- Roll gently to avoid tearing the omelette.
- Work quickly when layering to avoid overcooking.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For a fluffier texture, strain the egg mixture before cooking.
- Add a pinch of dashi powder for authentic flavor.
- Wipe the pan with oil between each layer for best results.
Troubleshooting
Egg sticks to the pan.
Ensure pan is well-oiled and hot before adding egg. Use a non-stick pan.
Omelette tears while rolling.
Roll gently and make sure the layer is set but still moist before rolling.
Omelette is dry or rubbery.
Do not overcook; work quickly and use medium-high heat.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will suffer.
Room temperature: Safe for up to 2 hours (ideal for bento).
Make-Ahead Tips
- Can be made the night before and refrigerated.
- Let cool before packing in a bento to avoid condensation.
Last updated: August 20, 2026






