18 Homemade Japanese Curry Sauce Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Japanese curry is a beloved dish that can be found in restaurants and homes all over Japan. It's a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for any occasion. While many people opt for store-bought curry sauce, making it from scratch can elevate the dish to a whole new level. In this article, we will share our tried and tested homemade Japanese curry sauce recipe that will have you saying "oishi!" (delicious) with every bite.
Main Ingredients: Cornstarch, Cold Water, White Sugar, Soy Sauce, Cider
Teriyaki sauce is a staple in Japanese cuisine, and it's no surprise that it's one of the most popular sauces used in beer can chicken recipes. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a perfect marinade for chicken, as it helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with delicious flavor. To make your own teriyaki sauce, all you need is soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. You can also add a touch of honey for extra sweetness and sesame oil for a nutty flavor.
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Tonkatsu Sauce
Main Ingredients: Mustard Powder, Ketchup, Worcestershire, Soy Sauce
If you love the tangy and slightly sweet taste of barbecue sauce, then you'll definitely enjoy tonkatsu sauce. This Japanese sauce is traditionally served with tonkatsu, a breaded and fried pork cutlet, but it also pairs well with beer can chicken. To make tonkatsu sauce, mix together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic. For added depth of flavor, you can also add a splash of sake or mirin.
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Gyoza Sauce
Main Ingredients: Rice Vinegar, Low Sodium Soy Sauce, Crushed Red Pepper
While gyoza sauce is typically used as a dipping sauce for Japanese dumplings, it also works remarkably well as a marinade for beer can chicken. This tangy and slightly spicy sauce is made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, and garlic. For a milder version, you can omit the chili oil or replace it with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let the chicken marinate in the gyoza sauce for at least an hour before cooking for maximum flavor.
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Yum Yum Sauce (Japanese Hibachi Style)
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Rice Vinegar, Mirin, Garlic
Yum yum sauce, also known as Japanese hibachi sauce, is a creamy and tangy sauce that is typically served with hibachi-style dishes. However, its versatility makes it a great option for beer can chicken as well. This sauce is made with mayonnaise, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of sugar. For a spicy kick, you can also add a few dashes of hot sauce or Sriracha. Brush the yum yum sauce on the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling for a delicious glaze.
Kewpie mayonnaise is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is loved for its rich and creamy texture. It's also a popular condiment for beer can chicken, as it adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the meat. You can use Kewpie mayonnaise as a marinade or as a topping for your chicken. To make a simple marinade, mix together Kewpie mayonnaise, soy sauce, and a touch of honey. Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour before cooking.
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Yakisoba Sauce
Main Ingredients: Sake, Mirin, Soy Sauce, Tonkatsu Sauce, Worcestershire
If you're a fan of Japanese stir-fried noodles, then you'll love yakisoba sauce. This sauce is a combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar, with a hint of ginger and garlic. It's typically used in yakisoba dishes, but it also works well as a marinade for beer can chicken. Brush the yakisoba sauce on the chicken during grilling for a delicious glaze, or let the chicken marinate in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
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Authentic Japanese Ponzu Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Mirin, Kelp, Bonito Flakes, Citrus Juice
Ponzu sauce is a staple in Japanese cuisine, and it's not hard to see why. This tangy and citrusy sauce is made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, and citrus juice, typically from yuzu fruit. It's a refreshing and flavorful option for beer can chicken, as it adds a zesty twist to the meat. You can use ponzu sauce as a marinade or as a dipping sauce for your chicken.
This Japanese steak sauce is a delicious combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and sugar, with a touch of garlic and ginger. It's typically used as a topping for steak, but it also works wonders as a marinade for beer can chicken. Brush the sauce on the chicken during grilling for a flavorful glaze, or let the chicken marinate in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
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How to Make Eel Sauce for Sushi
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Sugar, Mirin
Eel sauce, also known as unagi sauce, is a popular condiment for sushi rolls, but it also makes a fantastic marinade for beer can chicken. This sweet and savory sauce is made with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, with a hint of ginger and garlic. For a richer flavor, you can also add a splash of sake or rice wine. Brush the eel sauce on the chicken during grilling for a delicious glaze, or let the chicken marinate in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
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Salmon Teriyaki
Main Ingredients: Cornstarch, Cold Water, White Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice
Salmon teriyaki is a delicious and healthy option for beer can chicken. This recipe combines the sweetness of teriyaki sauce with the smoky flavor of grilled salmon. To make salmon teriyaki, marinate salmon fillets in teriyaki sauce for about an hour before grilling. You can also brush some extra sauce on the salmon during grilling for a delicious glaze. Serve the salmon with steamed vegetables and rice for a complete meal.
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Multipurpose Sauce (for Noodles And Tempura)
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Mirin, Rice Wine, Dried Bonito Flakes
This multipurpose sauce is a combination of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, with a touch of ginger and garlic. It's typically used as a dipping sauce for noodles and tempura, but it also works well as a marinade for beer can chicken. Let the chicken marinate in the sauce for at least an hour before grilling, or use it as a glaze during cooking for added flavor.
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Korean Teriyaki Sauce (vegan, gluten free)
Main Ingredients: Low Sodium Tamari, Maple Syrup, Mirin, Paprika, Rice
If you're looking for a vegan and gluten-free option for your beer can chicken, then this Korean teriyaki sauce is the perfect choice. This sauce is made with tamari, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger, with a touch of chili flakes for heat. It's a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional teriyaki sauce, and it adds a unique Asian twist to your chicken. Let the chicken marinate in the sauce for at least an hour before cooking for maximum flavor.
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Shrimp tempura Dipping Sauce
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Hondashi, Low Sodium Soy Sauce, Mirin
Shrimp tempura is a popular Japanese dish, and it's typically served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and dashi. This sauce also makes a fantastic marinade for beer can chicken. The combination of sweet, salty, and umami flavors adds depth to the chicken and makes it incredibly delicious. Let the chicken marinate in the sauce for at least an hour before cooking, or use it as a dipping sauce for the finished dish.
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Cold Soba Noodles Dipping Sauce (5 Minutes!!)
Main Ingredients: Dashi Stock, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Chopped Green Onion
This cold soba noodles dipping sauce is quick and easy to make, and it's a great option for beer can chicken. It's made with soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and dashi, with a touch of wasabi for heat. This sauce also works well as a marinade for chicken, or you can brush it on the chicken during grilling for a flavorful glaze. Serve the chicken with cold soba noodles and vegetables for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
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Katsu Sauce
Main Ingredients: Ketchup, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Mirin, Worcestershire
Katsu sauce is a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that is typically served with tonkatsu, a fried pork cutlet. However, it also makes a fantastic marinade for beer can chicken. This sauce is made with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar. For a richer flavor, you can also add a splash of sake or mirin. Let the chicken marinate in the katsu sauce for at least an hour before grilling for maximum flavor.
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The Best Yakitori Sauce
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Sake, Mirin, Sugar, Shoyu
Yakitori sauce is a traditional Japanese sauce that is used for grilling skewered chicken, but it also works wonders as a marinade for beer can chicken. This sauce is a combination of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar, with a touch of ginger and garlic. It's a simple yet flavorful option for chicken, and it pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Let the chicken marinate in the sauce for at least an hour before grilling for maximum flavor.
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Yakitori Tare Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Mirin, Sake, Garlic Cloves
Yakitori tare sauce is a thick and sweet sauce that is typically used for basting chicken skewers. However, it also makes a fantastic marinade for beer can chicken. This sauce is made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, with a touch of ginger and garlic. It's a delicious and easy option for chicken, and it adds a unique Japanese flavor to the dish. Brush the tare sauce on the chicken during grilling for a delicious glaze, or use it as a dipping sauce for the finished dish.
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Tempura Sauce
Main Ingredients: Dashi, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Bonito Flakes, Daikon
Tempura sauce is a classic dipping sauce for tempura, a popular Japanese dish made with battered and fried vegetables and seafood. This sauce is made with soy sauce, mirin, and dashi, with a touch of sugar. It also works well as a marinade for beer can chicken, as it adds a unique flavor to the meat. Let the chicken marinate in the tempura sauce for at least an hour before cooking, or use it as a dipping sauce for the finished dish.
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Japanese Ginger Sauce
Main Ingredients: Light Mayonnaise, Fresh Ginger, Low Sodium Soy Sauce
This Japanese ginger sauce, also known as ponzu sauce, is a tangy and citrusy sauce that pairs well with a variety of dishes, including beer can chicken. It's made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, citrus juice, ginger, and garlic. It's a refreshing and flavorful option for chicken, and it works well as a marinade or as a dipping sauce. Let the chicken marinate in the ginger sauce for at least an hour before cooking for maximum flavor.
Tonkatsu sauce, also known as Japanese ketchup, is a thick and savory sauce that is typically served with tonkatsu and other fried foods. It's made with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and sugar, with a touch of ginger and garlic. This sauce also makes a great marinade for beer can chicken, as it adds a unique flavor to the meat. Let the chicken marinate in the tonkatsu sauce for at least an hour before grilling for maximum flavor.
Why Make Your Own Curry Sauce?
Making your own Japanese curry sauce may seem like a daunting task, but the results are well worth the effort. Not only does it allow you to control the flavors and ingredients, but it also ensures a healthier and more authentic meal. Many store-bought curry sauces contain preservatives and additives, while homemade versions use fresh, natural ingredients. Plus, by making it yourself, you can adjust the spice level to your liking, making it perfect for the whole family.
The Key Ingredients
To make the perfect Japanese curry sauce, you'll need a few key ingredients. First and foremost, you'll need curry powder, which is a blend of spices including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger. You can find it at most grocery stores or make your own by toasting and grinding the spices yourself. Next, you'll need vegetables such as onions, carrots, and potatoes, which add texture and flavor to the sauce. Finally, stock or broth and flour are essential for creating the base of the sauce.
The Process
To make the curry sauce, start by sautéing the vegetables until they are tender. Then, add in the curry powder and flour, and cook for a few minutes until fragrant. This step helps to release the flavors of the spices and thicken the sauce. Next, gradually add in the stock or broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency. Finally, let it cool and blend it in a food processor or blender until smooth. You can also add in coconut milk for a creamy and indulgent twist.
Get Creative
Once you have mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative and add your own twist to the curry sauce. You can add meat such as chicken, beef, or pork to make it a heartier meal. For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the meat with tofu or tempeh. You can also add in fruit like apples or raisins, which add a touch of sweetness to the savory sauce. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to experiment and make the recipe your own.
In conclusion, making your own Japanese curry sauce is not as daunting as it may seem. With a few key ingredients and some creativity, you can elevate your curry game and create a delicious and healthy meal for you and your loved ones. So next time you're craving a warm and comforting bowl of Japanese curry, skip the store-bought sauce and try making it from scratch. Your taste buds will thank you.