18 Japanese Curry Recipe Serious Eats Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Japanese curry is a beloved dish that has gained international recognition for its unique blend of flavors and comforting warmth. This delicious dish has been a staple in Japanese households for decades and has recently gained popularity in other parts of the world. While it may seem daunting to recreate this dish at home, with the right ingredients and techniques, anyone can make a delicious Japanese curry. In this article, we will explore the history and cultural significance of Japanese curry, as well as provide a foolproof recipe from Serious Eats. So let's dive in and discover the secrets to making the perfect Japanese curry!
Pork Katsu is a popular Japanese dish that features a breaded and fried pork cutlet. It is typically served with a tangy tonkatsu sauce and a side of cabbage for some added crunch. This dish is a staple at many Japanese restaurants, but it is also easy to make at home. The key to a perfect pork katsu is in the breading - it should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Japanese curry is a hearty and comforting dish that is popular in Japan. It is different from other types of curry in that it is thicker and sweeter, with a milder spice level. The curry roux used in Japanese curry is what gives it its distinct flavor. This dish is often served with rice and a variety of toppings such as chicken, beef, or vegetables.
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Katsu Curry (Japanese Curry with Chicken Cutlet)
Main Ingredients: Onion, Potato, Carrot, Oil, Curry, Water, Cooked Rice
Katsu curry is a delicious combination of two popular Japanese dishes - katsu (breaded and fried meat) and curry. This dish features a crispy chicken cutlet served with a thick and flavorful Japanese curry sauce. It is often served with rice and fukujinzuke, a type of pickled vegetables. The combination of the crispy chicken and the savory curry sauce is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Japanese pancakes, also known as hotcakes, are a fluffy and delicious breakfast treat. They are thicker and fluffier than traditional American pancakes, and are often served with toppings such as maple syrup, whipped cream, and fresh fruit. The secret to making these pancakes extra fluffy is to separate the egg whites and beat them until they form stiff peaks before folding them into the batter.
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that is filled with a variety of ingredients such as pork belly, seafood, and vegetables. The batter is made with flour, eggs, and cabbage, and is cooked on a griddle before being topped with a special sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. Okonomiyaki is a popular street food in Japan and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Japanese cotton cheesecake is a light and airy dessert that is similar to a traditional New York-style cheesecake but with a softer texture. The key to making this cheesecake is to beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks and then fold them into the cream cheese batter. This results in a fluffy and melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake that is perfect for any occasion.
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Japanese Curry With Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Carrots, Onions, Red
This Japanese curry with chicken is a delicious and easy meal that can be made in just one pot. It features tender chunks of chicken cooked in a flavorful curry sauce with potatoes, carrots, and onions. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, and leftovers can be enjoyed for lunch the next day.
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Japanese Curry from Scratch
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Salt, Black Pepper, Oil, Garlic
If you want to make Japanese curry from scratch, you'll need to make your own curry roux. This may seem daunting, but it is well worth the effort. The roux is made with flour, butter, and a variety of spices, and it gives the curry its distinct flavor and thickness. Once you have the roux made, you can add your choice of protein and vegetables to create a delicious and authentic Japanese curry.
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Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast Fillets, All Purpose Plain Flour, Eggs
Chicken katsu curry is a popular variation of Japanese curry that features a crispy chicken cutlet served with a side of curry sauce and rice. The key to making the perfect chicken katsu is to pound the chicken breast until it is thin and even, and then double coat it in flour and panko breadcrumbs before frying. The result is a crispy and tender chicken cutlet that pairs perfectly with the rich and flavorful curry.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
Sunomono is a refreshing and light Japanese cucumber salad that is perfect for hot summer days. It is made with thinly sliced cucumbers and a tangy dressing of rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. This dish is often served as an appetizer or side dish at Japanese restaurants, but it is also easy to make at home.
Ramen is a popular Japanese noodle dish that is often served in a rich and savory broth with toppings such as pork belly, soft-boiled eggs, and green onions. Making ramen from scratch can be a time-consuming process, but it is well worth the effort. You can also find instant ramen noodles at most grocery stores if you're looking for a quick and easy meal.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri, also known as rice balls, are a staple in Japanese cuisine. They are made by shaping rice into a triangle or ball shape and filling it with a variety of fillings such as umeboshi (pickled plum), salmon, or pickled vegetables. Onigiri are perfect for a quick and portable snack or lunch, and they can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza are Japanese dumplings that are often filled with a mixture of pork, cabbage, and garlic. They are then pan-fried until crispy on the outside and served with a dipping sauce of soy sauce and rice vinegar. These dumplings are a popular appetizer or side dish at Japanese restaurants, but they are also easy to make at home.
Udon noodle soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that features thick and chewy udon noodles in a savory broth. The broth is typically made with dashi (Japanese fish stock) and can be customized with a variety of toppings such as tempura, tofu, or vegetables. This dish is perfect for a cold and rainy day, or when you're in need of some comfort food.
Japanese eggplant, also known as nasu, is a versatile vegetable that is used in many Japanese dishes. It can be grilled, stir-fried, or roasted and is often served with a savory sauce such as miso or soy sauce. Eggplant is also a great source of nutrients such as potassium and fiber, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
Curry rice, also known as kare raisu, is a popular comfort food in Japan. It features a thick and flavorful curry sauce served over a bed of white rice. The dish is often topped with fukujinzuke (a type of pickled vegetables) and can be customized with your choice of protein and vegetables. Making curry rice at home allows you to adjust the spice level to your liking and add your favorite ingredients.
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Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
Soba noodles are thin and chewy noodles made from buckwheat flour. They are often served cold with a peanut sauce and a variety of toppings such as green onions, seaweed, and sesame seeds. This dish is a favorite among vegetarians and is a great option for a light and refreshing meal.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
Yakitori is a popular Japanese dish that features skewered and grilled chicken. The chicken is typically marinated in a teriyaki sauce before being grilled to perfection. This dish can be served as an appetizer or as a main course with a side of rice. Yakitori is also a popular street food in Japan and can be found at many food stalls and festivals.
Japanese zucchini, also known as hakusai, is a type of squash that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It has a mild and slightly sweet flavor and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including stir-frying and grilling. Zucchini is also a great source of vitamin C and potassium, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
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Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
The History and Cultural Significance of Japanese Curry
Japanese curry has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s when the dish was first introduced by British sailors to the Japanese Navy. It was initially served in the form of a stew and was heavily influenced by Indian curry. However, over time, the Japanese adapted the dish to their taste by adding their own unique blend of spices and ingredients.
Today, Japanese curry is a staple in Japanese households and is often considered a comfort food. It is commonly served in schools, restaurants, and even available as a fast-food option. This dish holds a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people, and it is often associated with feelings of nostalgia and warmth.
The Recipe: Japanese Curry from Serious Eats
Now that we have explored the history and cultural significance of Japanese curry, it's time to dive into the recipe. The following recipe is from Serious Eats, a trusted source for all things food-related.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 onions, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons grated ginger
2 tablespoons curry powder
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon garam masala
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or beef
2 carrots, peeled and cut into bite-size chunks
2 potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size chunks
1 apple, peeled and grated
1 cup frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic, ginger, and curry powder and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Add the tomato paste, flour, and garam masala and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the broth, stirring to combine. Add the chicken or beef, carrots, and potatoes.
Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the grated apple and peas and let the curry simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve over cooked rice and enjoy your homemade Japanese curry!
In Conclusion
Japanese curry is a dish that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and has gained popularity worldwide. With this easy and delicious recipe from Serious Eats, anyone can make a flavorful and authentic Japanese curry at home. So why not give it a try and experience the warmth and comfort of this beloved dish for yourself.
![[Homemade] Japanese Curry : r/food](https://i.redd.it/zkfwp1twwdx61.jpg)
