16 Best Japanese Curry Recipe From Scratch Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
When it comes to Japanese cuisine, one dish that stands out for its unique and flavorful taste is Japanese curry. This dish has gained popularity all over the world and is a staple in many Japanese households. While it may seem daunting to make from scratch, with the right ingredients and techniques, you can create the best Japanese curry right in your own kitchen. In this article, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to make the best Japanese curry from scratch. So, put on your apron and let's get cooking!
Japanese curry is a delicious and comforting dish that has become a staple in many households. Its rich and fragrant flavors make it a popular choice for dinner, and it's easy to see why. Here are the top 20 Japanese curry recipes that will make your taste buds sing.
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Japanese Curry With Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Carrots, Onions, Red
One of the most common variations of Japanese curry is with chicken. Tender pieces of chicken are simmered in a rich and flavorful curry sauce, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. You can use any cuts of chicken you prefer, whether it's boneless chicken breast or bone-in chicken thighs.
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Japanese Curry from Scratch
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Salt, Black Pepper, Oil, Garlic
While it may be tempting to use store-bought curry roux, making Japanese curry from scratch is worth the effort. The homemade curry roux adds a depth of flavor that cannot be replicated with the store-bought version. Plus, you have control over the spices and can adjust them to your liking.
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Katsu Curry (Japanese Curry with Chicken Cutlet)
Main Ingredients: Onion, Potato, Carrot, Oil, Curry, Water, Cooked Rice
For a twist on the classic Japanese curry, try making katsu curry. This dish combines the creamy and spicy curry sauce with a crispy chicken cutlet. The contrast in textures and flavors makes for a truly delicious and satisfying meal.
Japanese curry rice, or kare raisu, is a popular dish in Japan. It consists of a bed of steamed white rice topped with a generous serving of Japanese curry. The dish is often garnished with pickled vegetables and served with a side of pickled radish. It's a simple yet delicious meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week.
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Vegan Japanese Curry
Main Ingredients: Onion, Carrots, Potato, Olive Oil, Broth, Mild Curry
For those who follow a plant-based diet, you can still enjoy the flavors of Japanese curry with this vegan version. Instead of using meat, this recipe uses a variety of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions. The result is a hearty and flavorful curry that will satisfy your cravings.
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Japanese Curry Udon
Main Ingredients: Carrot, Kamaboko, Udon, Vegetable Oil, Ground Pork
Udon noodles are thick and chewy Japanese noodles that are perfect for soaking up the rich curry sauce. This dish combines the best of both worlds, with the comforting flavors of Japanese curry and the satisfying texture of udon noodles. It's a match made in heaven.
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Tonkatsu Curry (Japanese Curry with Pork Cutlet)
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, White Onion, Medium Potato, Medium Carrot
If you're a fan of pork, you'll love this version of Japanese curry with tonkatsu. Tonkatsu is a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet that is popular in Japan. The crispy exterior of the pork pairs perfectly with the creamy and spicy curry sauce, making it a crowd-pleasing dish.
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Katsu Curry (Japanese Curry Rice with Chicken Cutlet)
Main Ingredients: Onion, Potato, Carrot, Oil, Curry, Water, Cooked Rice
Another variation of katsu curry is with rice instead of udon noodles. This dish is similar to the classic Japanese curry rice, but with the addition of a crispy chicken cutlet on top. It's a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Tofu Katsu with Japanese Curry
Main Ingredients: Firm Tofu, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Egg, Panko Breadcrumbs
For a vegetarian twist on katsu curry, try using tofu instead of chicken or pork. The tofu is breaded and fried, giving it a crispy exterior that pairs well with the creamy curry sauce. It's a tasty and satisfying meal that even meat-eaters will enjoy.
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Japanese Curry Fried Rice with Chicken Katsu
Main Ingredients: Curry Roux, Curry Powder, Cocoa Powder, Cooked Rice
For a fusion of two popular Japanese dishes, try making Japanese curry fried rice with chicken katsu. This dish combines the flavors of Japanese curry with fried rice, resulting in a dish that is both familiar and new. Plus, the addition of chicken katsu makes it a complete and satisfying meal.
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Home-made Fukujinzuke (Pickled Vegetables for Japanese...
Main Ingredients: Daikon, Lotus Root, Cucumber, Eggplant, Ginger, Salt
A common accompaniment to Japanese curry is fukujinzuke, a type of pickled vegetable. This condiment adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the curry, balancing out the spiciness. You can easily make it at home and customize the vegetables to your preferences.
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Menchi Katsu Kare/ Hamburger Croquette with Japanese...
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Apple, Unsalted Butter, Curry
Another fusion dish that is sure to please is menchi katsu kare, or hamburger croquette with Japanese curry. This dish combines the creamy and spicy curry sauce with a crispy and juicy hamburger patty. It's a unique and delicious twist on the classic Japanese curry.
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Crispy Tofu Japanese Curry
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Brown Onion, Fresh Ginger, Garlic
For a healthier version of katsu curry, try using crispy tofu instead of fried meat. The tofu is coated in panko breadcrumbs and baked until golden and crispy. It's then served with a generous serving of Japanese curry, resulting in a dish that is both tasty and guilt-free.
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Japanese Curry Bento
Main Ingredients: Beef, Yellow Onion, Carrots, Potatoes, Oil, Pepper
In Japan, it is common to pack a bento box for lunch, filled with a variety of dishes. Japanese curry is a popular choice for bento, as it is easy to make and transport. You can pack it with rice, vegetables, and your choice of protein for a well-rounded and delicious meal on the go.
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Japanese Curry Soba Tsukemen
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Soba Noodles, Salad, Curry Sauce
Soba tsukemen is a type of cold noodle dish that is dipped into a flavorful broth. For a twist on this dish, try making it with Japanese curry instead of the traditional dipping sauce. The combination of the cold noodles and the warm curry broth makes for a unique and refreshing meal.
Okonomiyaki, or Japanese-style pancakes, are a popular street food in Japan. These savory pancakes are filled with a variety of ingredients such as cabbage, seafood, and meat. For a twist, try adding a spoonful of Japanese curry into the batter for a burst of flavor.
Japanese cotton cheesecake is a light and fluffy version of the classic dessert. The addition of Japanese curry powder gives it a savory and slightly spicy twist. It's a unique and delicious dessert that will impress your friends and family.
Another variation of okonomiyaki is with the addition of Japanese curry powder. This savory pancake is packed with vegetables, meat, and a generous amount of curry powder. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any time of day.
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Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast Fillets, All Purpose Plain Flour, Eggs
Last but certainly not least, we have the classic Japanese chicken katsu curry. Tender pieces of chicken are breaded and fried until golden and crispy, then served with a creamy and spicy curry sauce. It's a dish that is loved by all and is a must-try for any curry lover.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
To make the best Japanese curry, the key is to use the right ingredients. Rice is the most common accompaniment to Japanese curry, but you can also use udon noodles or bread as a base. For the curry itself, you will need onions, carrots, potatoes, and your choice of protein such as chicken, beef, or pork. The curry roux is what gives the dish its distinct flavor, so make sure to choose a high-quality one. You can also add additional spices such as ginger, garlic, and curry powder to enhance the flavor.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it's important to prepare your ingredients. Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces so that they cook evenly and are easy to eat. If using meat, cut it into small cubes and marinate it with some soy sauce and sake for added flavor. Also, make sure to peel and dice the potatoes as they take longer to cook compared to the other vegetables.
The Cooking Process
To start, heat some oil in a pot and sauté the onions until they become translucent. Then, add in the rest of the vegetables and meat and cook until they are slightly browned. Add water or broth to cover the ingredients and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Once the vegetables are tender, add in the curry roux and stir until it dissolves completely. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes until the curry thickens.
Serving and Customizing
Once your curry is ready, it's time to serve and customize it to your liking. You can add a soft-boiled egg on top or sprinkle some green onions for added freshness. If you like your curry spicier, you can also add some chili powder or hot sauce. The best thing about Japanese curry is that you can make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients.
In conclusion, making the best Japanese curry from scratch may seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and techniques, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. So, why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with your homemade Japanese curry? Remember to use high-quality ingredients and don't be afraid to add your own twist to the dish. Happy cooking!