Description

Japanese Style Tamagoyaki French Toast is a unique breakfast twist combining the fluffy, sweet flavors of traditional Japanese tamagoyaki with the comforting texture of French toast. This recipe uses thick white or Japanese milk bread soaked in a flavorful egg mixture enhanced with mirin, soy sauce, and a touch of vanilla, then cooked slowly to achieve a golden brown finish. Served with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or maple syrup, it’s a delightful fusion dish perfect for a special morning treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the French Toast

4 slices thick white bread or Japanese milk bread (shokupan)
3 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon mirin
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)

For Serving (Optional)

Powdered sugar
Fresh berries
Maple syrup

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Instructions

Prepare the egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, mirin, soy sauce, and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Soak the bread: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for 15–20 seconds per side so that the bread absorbs the flavors without becoming too soggy.
Heat the pan: Place a non-stick skillet or tamagoyaki pan over medium-low heat and add the butter. Allow the butter to melt completely and coat the surface evenly.
Cook the bread: Place the soaked bread slices into the hot pan and cook slowly for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. For a traditional tamagoyaki-style layered effect, gently roll the bread slices while cooking or fold them in half before plating.
Serve: Plate the French toast warm. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar, garnish with fresh berries, and drizzle maple syrup over the top as desired for added sweetness and presentation.

Notes

To achieve a more authentic Japanese flavor, omit the vanilla extract and serve the French toast with sweet red bean paste or kuromitsu (Japanese black sugar syrup).
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently in a toaster oven for a warm serving later.
If using a tamagoyaki pan, gently rolling the bread slices while cooking helps mimic the traditional Japanese layered omelette texture.