About that nikujaga trick - I've started doing something similar with leftover frenchfries (or other baked roots) - put in a bowl and crack one (or more depending on amount) egg over it, then add panko or breadcrumbs and stir (add some salt, pepper and maybe more spices to taste as well), panfry for a few minutes in some oil and eat. It's quite fine as a "lunch on leftovers" kind of thing.