Tornado Egg Omelette

Tornado Egg Omelette is an easy way to flip your regular omelette into something incredibly delicious in less than 30 minutes. It’s the perfect draping on top of a simple yet flavorful fried rice.

This tornado egg omelette is a newly discovered way to prepare omelettes. This trendy recipe is made using just the same ingredients you use on your regular omelettes, it’s the technique that’s different. I like serving it this way because the eggs remain soft and moist, plus it looks more visually appealing. Extra yolks make it extra creamy!

I also have a quick and simple fried rice recipe that pairs deliciously with the eggs. The rice is seasoned with soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and aromatics. It’s simple, straightforward, and really delicious. 

Why you’ll love this recipe

I like making this recipe once in a while for breakfast or a quick dinner. It’s quick to make, delicious, nutritious, and keeps me full for a long time.

What makes this recipe extra special is the dashi powder. It imparts a delectable umami flavor that makes the eggs pop. Next, an extra egg yolk is added to each serving. This extra yolk turns into almost a thick sauce and just makes the omelette extra rich and creamy! It also gives a silky mouth feel that makes the eating experience more luscious and enjoyable.

As for the fried rice, it’s a simple recipe made with common pantry ingredients. I added soy sauce for color, ketchup for a bit of tanginess and moisture to help the rice stick together, and Worcestershire oil sauce for a boost of umami. It’s mild and just right for the fluffy texture and the flavor of the omelette to shine through. You can customize this by adding chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, or other vegetables like bell peppers and peas. If you have a favorite fried rice recipe, feel free to use it!

Tornado Egg Omelette Ingredients & Substitutions

Eggs

Whole eggs: This is the main star of this recipe, so you want to use the best quality eggs. To check for freshness, prepare a glass of cold water. Place one egg at a time in the glass. If it sinks, it is fresh; if it floats, it is most likely old.

Yolks: Egg yolks are added for an extra load of protein and creaminess. Its bright yellow color makes the omelet look vibrant.

Dashi powder: A common Japanese seasoning ingredient, dashi granules pack umami flavors into the eggs. It is subtle, but you wouldn’t know that it is there. If not available, this can be substituted with salt.

Oil: Helps to prevent the tornado egg omelette from sticking to the pan and easily sliding off and being twirled. Any flavorless oil, such as canola, sunflower seed, peanut, grape seed, or avocado oil, will do.

Fried Rice

Cooked rice: For fried rice, day-old cooked rice is always preferred. This is because the grains have already dried out over the night, and thus can absorb the seasoning ingredients better. In case you only have freshly cooked rice and have a couple of hours on your hands, you can spread the rice flat on a baking sheet and refrigerate it. It shall dry out the grains.

Garlic cloves: This aromatic gives a deep, pungent flavor that does well with fried rice. Feel free to use more but not less!

Onion: Adds a sweet flavor to the rice to balance off the saltiness of the spices.

Carrot: For added fiber, crunch, bright orange color, and sweetness for a balanced flavor.

Scallions: Also help to add a slight sweetness and oniony flavor.

Soy sauce: For color, saltiness, and umami. You can use coconut aminos or liquid seasoning as a substitute.

Ketchup: For color, a touch of sweetness, and tanginess. It also helps the rice grains to stick together.

Worcestershire sauce: For added umami and a tangy flavor.

Neutral oil: For frying. Any flavorless oil, such as canola, sunflower seed, peanut, grape seed, or avocado oil, will do.

Garnish

Dried parsley flakes: Adds an earthy, herby taste. And a beautiful garnish!

Chili flakes: For spice. Can be substituted with chili oil or omitted.

How to Prepare Tornado Egg Omelette

Step 1: Crack and whisk the eggs

Crack the whole eggs into a small mixing bowl. Add dashi powder or salt, then whisk until fully combined. Set aside for later

Step 2: Cook the aromatics and rice

Heat neutral oil in a pan over medium heat. Toss in the onions, carrots, and garlic and stir fry until tender and fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cold day-old rice and break it apart using a spatula or wooden spoon. 

Step 3: Add sauce to the rice

Add soy sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce and mix until thoroughly combined. Toss in chopped scallions and give it a final mix. 

Step 4: Shape the rice

Divide the fried rice into two serving portions. To make a dome, fill the fried rice into a rice bowl and pack it down. Flip the rice bowl onto a plate. Remove the bowl then set the plate aside. 

Step 5: Cook the omelette

In a small pan (4 to 6 inches), heat 2 tablespoons neutral oil over medium-low heat. Once the oil is hot, pour half the egg mixture from earlier. Top it with an egg yolk then break it apart using a chopstick. Immediately drag a pair of chopsticks to the center of the pan, making sure they are about 1 to 2 inches apart. Gently and carefully rotate the chopsticks to create a swirl. Continue swirling until the eggs are almost set. The eggs will continue cooking from the residual heat. 

Step 6: Transfer the tornado egg omelette over the rice

Transfer the tornado egg omelette over the fried rice. Repeat for the second serving. 

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Garnish with dried parsley flakes and chili flakes.

Preparation Tips for Tornado Egg Omelette

Here are some helpful tips for making the best tornado egg omelette at home.

• Use good-quality fresh eggs. Eggs are the star of this recipe, so they better be the best. To test for the egg’s freshness, take a glass filled with cold tap water. Place an egg into the glass. If it sinks, it’s fresh. If it floats, it’s most likely old.
• Use a non-stick pan. This is a must! It will make twirling the omelette and plating it onto rice easier later on.
• Preheat the pan, but always cook on low heat so that the omelette remains manageable and not easy to overcook. The eggs should be set but still a bit runny.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called tornado omelette?

This twisted omelette is called a tornado simply because of its looks! The swirl design looks like a tornado.

Can I put milk in this omelette?

Yes, you can put a splash of milk in this omelette to make it creamier. However, be careful not to put too much in as it can make the eggs too runny and might not hold their shape.

What is the secret to a good omelette?

This tornado egg omelette is best enjoyed when it is set, but the edges are still a bit runny. To achieve this, cook it on low heat. Using a non-stick cooking pan will also be a great help.

How to store leftover tornado egg omelette?

Store the leftovers in a clean, sealed container. This will keep well in the fridge for up to two days. Best to consume immediately.

How to reheat tornado egg omelette?

To reheat, set it in the microwave on medium for a minute. Take note that reheating might dry out the omelette so make sure to wrap it with plastic wrap.

Can I make this tornado egg recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this tornado egg omelette can be prepared ahead of time. That makes it a good option for meal prepping. However, it is still best consumed freshly cooked right off the stove!

More easy and delicious egg recipes to try

Spicy Gochujang Shakshuka — This spicy gochujang shakshuka is made of eggs poached in a delicious gochujang tomato sauce. It’s my take on the classic Middle Eastern dish with the addition of gochujang or Korean red pepper paste.  The gochujang imparts a sweet, savory, spicy, and bold taste that’s uniquely delicious!

Chive and Egg Pockets — These chive and egg pockets, or ‘boxes,’ are very popular Chinese snacks and appetizers. Depending on the region in China, there are different variations in the filling; however, one thing that they all have in common is the beautiful,l crispy golden exterior and savory and moist filling.

Uni Toast — If you’ve never added uni to your egg toast, this is your sign! Uni toast is a combination of luxurious flavors with the comfort of a familiar breakfast staple. 

Tea Eggs — Chinese tea eggs were one of my favorite childhood street food snacks! I remember going to this hole-in-the-wall spot every day after summer school in Flushing to get them. They would be served warm in a small plastic bag, so you can throw the shells and bag out when you’re done.

Chinese Scrambled Eggs with Shrimp — This Cantonese-style scrambled eggs with shrimp recipe is nostalgic to me because it reminds me of my childhood. I’ve been missing home lately and was craving this dish, so I wanted to recreate it and share this authentic recipe with you!

Korean Steamed Eggs — Fluffy and flavorful eggs, also known as gyeran-jjim, Korean steamed eggs are a classic side dish commonly served at Korean restaurants. Easily recreate this at home in just 15 minutes!