Tamago Kake Gohan (TKG) is the ultimate comfort food in Japan—warm rice mixed with a silky raw egg and a splash of soy sauce. It’s simple, quick, and honestly, kind of magical. The heat from the rice slightly cooks the egg, turning it into a creamy, savory dish that’s crazy satisfying. If you’ve never tried it, get ready for a game-changer.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup hot, freshly cooked white rice
- 1 fresh egg (preferably pasteurized)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon furikake or chopped green onions (optional)
Pro Tips
- Use the freshest egg possible – Since you’re eating it raw, freshness matters. Pasteurized eggs are a great choice if you’re unsure.
- Hot rice is key – The heat slightly thickens the egg and gives it that signature creamy texture. Cold rice won’t work as well.
- Stir fast and well – Whisking the egg in before adding soy sauce helps everything blend smoothly.
- Customize it – Add toppings like furikake, nori, or even a dash of chili oil for extra flavor.
- Try different soy sauces – Some are sweeter, some are saltier. Play around to find your favorite.
Tools You’ll Need
- Small bowl (for whisking the egg)
- Chopsticks or a fork (for mixing)
- Serving bowl
Substitutions & Variations
- Rice: Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor or quinoa for a protein boost.
- Egg: If you’re not comfortable with raw egg, try a soft-boiled egg instead.
- Soy Sauce: Tamari works for a gluten-free option.
- Toppings: Add kimchi, shredded nori, or even a tiny bit of butter for richness.
Make-Ahead Tips
Not much to prep ahead here—just have your rice ready to go!
Instructions
1. Crack the Egg into a Bowl
Crack the egg into a small bowl and beat it with chopsticks or a fork until it’s fully mixed and slightly frothy.
2. Prepare the Rice
Scoop hot, freshly cooked rice into a serving bowl.
3. Mix in the Egg
Pour the beaten egg over the hot rice and quickly stir with chopsticks or a fork until the rice looks creamy and slightly glossy.
4. Add Soy Sauce and Toppings
Drizzle soy sauce over the rice and egg mixture, then sprinkle with furikake, sesame seeds, or green onions if using.
5. Enjoy!
Dig in while it’s hot and enjoy the silky, umami-packed goodness.
Leftovers & Storage
TKG is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have extra rice, store it in the fridge and reheat before making another bowl. Don’t store mixed rice with raw egg—it’s meant to be eaten immediately!
Wrap-Up
Tamago Kake Gohan is simple, quick, and incredibly comforting. If you’ve never tried it, now’s the time! Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you, and feel free to share any fun topping ideas you tried. Happy eating! 🍚🥢