Jack and I ate tamago kake gohan (or tamago gohan, for short) over and over again during our trips to Japan. Its name translates to “egg rice,” and that’s basically what it is – a raw egg mixed into piping hot rice. Don’t be scared – the hot rice cooks the egg as you stir it in. The result is Japanese comfort food at its best – the most creamy, delicious bowl of rice you’ve ever had. It’s almost like risotto, but without so much stirring! It’s traditional to top tamago kake gohan with furikake and Japanese pickles… but of course I topped mine with a bunch of veggie toppings that you can easily find without a trip to a specialty market. Oh, and even though tamago gohan is a traditional Japanese breakfast, Jack and I enjoy it just as much for dinner. Let’s make it!
How to Make Tamago Kake Gohan
First, cook the rice. Short grain white or brown rice will work for this recipe, as long as it’s freshly cooked and hot off the stove (or out of the rice cooker).
When the rice is ready, portion it into bowls, and crack an egg over each bowl of rice.
Use chopsticks to vigorously stir the egg into the rice until the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture turns pale yellow. The rice will be creamy and almost risotto-like.
Stir in a splash of tamari, for seasoning.
Tamago Kake Gohan Toppings
You can top your rice bowl however you like! I recommend starting with scallions, sesame seeds, and nori or furikake. Then, I follow this basic formula:
A vegetable: This category isn’t traditional, but I love adding extra veggies to my bowl, especially if I’m eating it for dinner. Roasted broccoli or a few micro greens are great here. A pickle: Pickled ginger is the easiest Japanese pickle to find at the store, so it’s what I use most often. Something rich: I add sliced avocado to my bowl and an extra egg yolk to Jack’s. A splash of something tangy: I like to add a splash of rice vinegar (or ume vinegar), but that’s optional!
And that’s it! Serve with extra tamari or soy sauce on the side.
More Favorite Asian-Inspired Recipes
If you love trying this tamago kake gohan, try one of these delicious Asian-inspired recipes next:
Mango Cucumber Nori Wraps Bibimbap Mango Ginger Rice Bowl Shiitake Maki Sushi Sesame Soba Noodles Okonomiyaki
Then, find more of my favorite rice bowl recipes here!
