Omurice from The Way of the Househusband
What letters are written on the omelette rice?
Hey everyone! Today, we’re sending out a newsletter all about the "omelette rice" featured in The Way of the Househusband Episode 5.
The main character of The Way of the Househusband is Tatsu, a former Yakuza who used to be feared as a "legendary gangster." But one day, out of nowhere, he decides to completely switch careers and become a full-time househusband, taking on all the housework and parenting duties. His tough, no-nonsense Yakuza mentality comes out even in daily chores and neighborhood interactions.
Tatsu does everything with the intensity of a Yakuza boss—like cleaning or cooking as if his life depends on it. It's ridiculously over-the-top, and that’s what makes it so funny. For example, when he vacuums, it’s like he's preparing for a battle, and when he cooks, it’s a flawless execution—no shortcuts allowed.
The humor comes from Tatsu’s extreme approach to housework, but there's also this heartwarming side to him that makes you love the guy. His mix of tough-guy Yakuza attitude with the challenges of running a household is pure comedy gold, and it’s hard not to get hooked on his over-the-top, yet strangely endearing, ways.
What Exactly is Omelette Rice?
Omelette Rice (Omu Rice) is a type of Japanese Western-style dish, consisting of ketchup-flavored rice wrapped in an omelette. There are various styles, from wrapping the rice in eggs to topping it with a soft, runny omelette. "Omu" comes from "omelette," and "rice" refers to the ketchup-flavored rice.
It is very popular in Japan and is commonly found on home-cooked menus and café menus.
There are various styles of ketchup-flavored rice as well. Typically, it is made by stir-frying onions and rice with ketchup, and chicken or sausages can be added according to personal preference. Many people finish omelette rice by using ketchup to create patterns or write messages on top. In Japan, people make omelette rice for someone they like and write heart shapes or even their name on it! So cute, right?
What does it say on the omelette rice in The Way of the Househusband?
In The Way of the Househusband, the kanji "任侠" (Ninkyo) appears on Omu-rice. Ninkyo refers to a chivalrous spirit characterized by helping the weak, taking down the strong, and being willing to sacrifice one's life for the sake of justice. The main character, Tatsu, embodies this very spirit.
The omelette rice in this anime has a really simple style. What stands out, though, is the kanji for "任侠" (Ninkyo). Honestly, recreating this kanji might be the toughest part of making this dish! But go ahead, give it a try!
[ Ketchup Rice (for 1 serving) ]
150g cooked sushi rice (about 1 cup, preferably not freshly cooked; cold rice works too)
50g chicken thigh (about 1.75 oz) or sausages
1/4 small onion
5g butter (about 1 tsp)
1 tablespoon ketchup
A pinch salt
A pinch black pepper
[ Omelette Rice (for 1 serving) ]
Ketchup Rice: 1 serving (as prepared above)
★ 1-1.5 Eggs (depends on the size of the pan; 1 egg for a 20cm pan)
★ 1 tbsp Milk or plant-based milk
★ A pinch sea salt
5g Butter (about 1 tsp)
Serve with parsley or broccoli
[ How to Make Ketchup Rice ]
Cut the chicken thigh into bite-sized pieces and lightly season with salt and pepper.
Finely chop the onion.
In a frying pan, melt the butter and sauté the onion. Once the onion becomes translucent, add the chicken and cook until fully cooked through.
When the chicken turns white, add the ketchup and sauté with the chicken and onions until well combined.
Add the rice and mix the ketchup and ingredients together evenly.
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and your ketchup rice is ready!
Note: The flavor of ketchup can vary depending on the brand, some might be sweeter, while others could be spicier. So, the amount of ketchup is just a guideline, and you should adjust the salt accordingly. The key is that the chicken rice itself should taste delicious - if it's too bland, the flavor will get lost when wrapped in the egg!
[ How to Make Omelette Rice ]
In a bowl, whisk together the ingredients marked with ★.
Heat another frying pan (non-stick preferred) over medium heat and melt the butter. A smaller 20cm (about 8-inch) non-stick pan is recommended!
Once the pan is hot, pour in the egg mixture and spread it evenly. Stirring too much will cause the egg surface to become uneven, which will affect the final appearance.
The residual heat from the pan will cook the eggs, so turn off the heat while the eggs are still slightly runny. Place the ketchup rice in the center of the eggs.
Use a heat-resistant rubber spatula (it's very important!!!) to carefully fold the eggs around the ketchup rice.
Flip the omelette onto a plate. If needed, use a paper towel to gently shape the omelette into a neat form.
Finally, write “任侠” with ketchup, and serve with parsley or broccoli as you like.
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