16 Japanese Curry Recipe Americas Test Kitchen Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
America's Test Kitchen has been known for its meticulous and thorough recipe testing to ensure the best results for home cooks. Their expertise extends to all types of cuisine, including Japanese dishes. One of their most popular recipes is the Japanese curry, a comforting and flavorful dish that has become a staple in many households. In this article, we will delve into the secrets of America's Test Kitchen's Japanese curry recipe and how you can recreate it in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Onion, Potato, Carrot, Oil, Curry, Water, Cooked Rice
If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, then you've probably heard of Katsu Curry. This delicious dish consists of a chicken cutlet served on top of a bed of rice with a flavorful curry sauce poured over it. The combination of crispy chicken and savory curry is a match made in heaven. And the best part? It's easy to make at home!
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Katsu Curry (Japanese Curry Rice with Chicken Cutlet)
Main Ingredients: Onion, Potato, Carrot, Oil, Curry, Water, Cooked Rice
One of the key ingredients in Katsu Curry is the S&B Golden Curry sauce mix. This pre-made mix includes a blend of spices and vegetables, making it easy to achieve the authentic flavors of Japanese curry. Simply follow the instructions on the package to create a rich and flavorful curry sauce.
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Japanese chicken curry with S&B Golden Curry sauce mix...
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast Fillet, Large Potato, Onion, Carrot
To make the perfect Katsu Curry, you'll also need to prepare the chicken cutlet. Start by seasoning chicken breasts with soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Then, coat the chicken in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs before frying until golden brown and crispy.
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Menchi Katsu Kare/ Hamburger Croquette with Japanese...
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Apple, Unsalted Butter, Curry
If you're not a fan of chicken, you can also use other proteins such as beef or pork for your Katsu Curry. Another popular variation is Menchi Katsu Kare, which uses hamburger croquettes instead of chicken cutlets. These crispy fried patties add a unique texture to the dish and pair perfectly with the curry sauce.
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Japanese Curry With Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Carrots, Onions, Red
For a simpler version of Katsu Curry, you can skip the cutlet and simply serve the curry sauce over chicken and rice. This is a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. You can also add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions to the curry for added nutrition and flavor.
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JAPANESE SUSHI BOWL WITH CHICKPEA TOFU
Main Ingredients: Chickpea Flour, Water, Ginger, Salt, Spices, Cumin
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to fried chicken, try using chickpea tofu as a protein source in your Katsu Curry. This vegan and gluten-free option is made from ground chickpeas, creating a texture similar to regular tofu. It's a great way to add a plant-based protein to your meal while still enjoying the delicious flavors of Japanese curry.
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Japanese Curry Udon
Main Ingredients: Carrot, Kamaboko, Udon, Vegetable Oil, Ground Pork
Another popular way to enjoy Japanese curry is by serving it over udon noodles. The thick and chewy noodles are the perfect base for the rich and flavorful curry sauce. You can also add tempura shrimp or vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, and bell peppers to make it a heartier meal.
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Japanese Curry Fried Rice with Chicken Katsu
Main Ingredients: Curry Roux, Curry Powder, Cocoa Powder, Cooked Rice
If you have some leftover Katsu Curry, you can easily transform it into a whole new dish by using it as a topping for fried rice. Simply chop up the chicken cutlet and mix it with cooked rice, peas, corn, carrots, and any other veggies you like. Then, stir in the curry sauce and heat until everything is warmed through.
If you're short on time, you can still enjoy a delicious bowl of Japanese curry with this simple recipe for Beef Curry Udon. All you need is pre-cooked udon noodles and some thinly sliced beef. Cook the beef in a pan and add the curry sauce and noodles until everything is heated through. It's a quick and easy meal that doesn't sacrifice on flavor.
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Japanese Curry Soba Tsukemen
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Soba Noodles, Salad, Curry Sauce
Soba noodles, made from buckwheat flour, are another popular option for Japanese curry dishes. Tsukemen refers to dipping noodles into a separate bowl of sauce, and this dish uses the curry as the dipping sauce. The noodles are served cold, making it a refreshing and unique way to enjoy curry.
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Teriyaki Chicken Breasts
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Sake, Mirin, Sugar, Ginger, Skinless
While not traditionally served with Japanese curry, teriyaki chicken breasts make a great accompaniment to the dish. The sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki pair well with the rich and spicy curry. Plus, it's a great way to add some variety to your meal and satisfy different taste preferences.
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Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Main Ingredients: Milk, Butter, Egg, Salt, Granulated Sugar, Bread Flour
For a sweet ending to your Katsu Curry meal, try making these delicious sourdough cinnamon rolls. The tanginess of the sourdough complements the sweetness of the cinnamon perfectly. Plus, the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls will make your home smell amazing.
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Dad’s Secret BBQ Rib Sauce
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Tomato Puree, Tomato Paste, Apple Juice
If you're planning a backyard BBQ, why not switch things up and use Japanese curry as a marinade for your ribs? The spices and flavors in the curry sauce will add a unique twist to the classic BBQ dish. Your guests will be impressed with this unexpected flavor combination.
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Chicken Curry Udon
Main Ingredients: Udon, Chicken Breast, Shiitake Mushroom, Onion, Carrot
This recipe combines two popular Japanese dishes: curry and udon noodles. The chicken is cooked in the curry sauce, infusing it with all the delicious flavors. Then, it's served over udon noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Beef Curry Udon
Main Ingredients: Water, Dashi Powder, Vegetable Oil, Onion, Beef, Sake
If you prefer beef over chicken, you can use the same method to make Beef Curry Udon. The tender and juicy beef pairs well with the rich and spicy curry sauce. For an extra kick of flavor, top it off with some green onions and shredded cheese.
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Curry Udon
Main Ingredients: Brown Onion, Carrot, Green Onion, Potato Starch, Water
If you're short on time or ingredients, you can still enjoy a simple bowl of Curry Udon. This recipe uses pre-made udon noodles and a package of curry sauce mix, making it quick and easy to prepare. You can also add any leftover proteins or veggies you have on hand to bulk up the dish.
For a more filling version of Curry Udon, add a crispy chicken cutlet on top of the noodles. This dish is a great way to use up any leftover Katsu Curry or to make a quick and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
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Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Main Ingredients: Popped Popcorn, Butter, Mini Marshmallows, Vanilla
For a fun and tasty snack, try making these Marshmallow Popcorn Balls. The sweet and gooey marshmallow coating pairs surprisingly well with the savory spices in Japanese curry. It's a great way to use up any leftover curry sauce and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time.
If you want to make your own Japanese curry from scratch, this recipe is for you. It may seem like a daunting task, but the end result is worth it. The combination of spices and vegetables creates a complex and flavorful curry that will make you never want to go back to store-bought sauce again.
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Patriotic Surprise Firework Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: White Cake Mix, Vanilla Frosting, America, Candy Melts
For a fun twist on traditional cupcakes, try making these Patriotic Surprise Firework Cupcakes. The red, white, and blue colors make them perfect for any patriotic holiday, and the surprise filling adds an extra burst of flavor. Plus, they're a great way to use up any leftover Katsu Curry sauce.
The Origins of Japanese Curry
How did curry become a popular dish in Japan?
Japanese curry has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s when it was introduced by the British during their colonization of India. The British brought their love for curry to Japan, and it quickly became a popular dish among the locals. However, Japanese curry has evolved over the years to become its own unique version, with a thicker consistency and sweeter taste compared to traditional Indian curry.
The Key Ingredients
Curry powder, onions, and potatoes are the essential ingredients in Japanese curry and give it its distinct flavor profile. America's Test Kitchen has experimented with different types of curry powder and found that a mix of Madras and S&B brand curry powder provides the best balance of heat and flavor. The onions and potatoes add depth and sweetness to the dish, while also helping to thicken the sauce.
Choosing the Right Meat
While some traditional Indian curries use lamb or goat, Japanese curry typically uses beef as the protein of choice. America's Test Kitchen recommends using a well-marbled cut of beef, such as chuck roast, that will become tender and melt in your mouth after hours of simmering. However, you can also use chicken, pork, or even tofu, depending on your preference.
The Cooking Process
Creating the Flavor Base
The key to a flavorful Japanese curry is in the roux, a mixture of flour, butter, and curry powder. America's Test Kitchen has perfected their roux recipe to ensure a smooth and velvety consistency. They also recommend sautéing the onions and curry powder in butter before adding the flour to enhance the flavors.
The Simmering Method
One of the secrets to a delicious Japanese curry is to let it simmer for a longer period. This allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender. America's Test Kitchen suggests cooking the curry for at least 2-3 hours, but the longer you let it simmer, the better. This also makes it a perfect dish to make ahead and reheat for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
In Conclusion
Japanese curry is a beloved dish that has made its way into many American homes, thanks to America's Test Kitchen's perfected recipe. With their attention to detail and dedication to creating the best recipes, you can trust that their Japanese curry recipe will not disappoint. So why not give it a try and experience the deliciousness of this comforting and flavorful dish in your own kitchen?