16 Japanese Potato Cakes Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Japanese cuisine is known for its variety of flavors and unique cooking techniques. One dish that stands out is the Japanese potato cakes, also known as korokke. These crispy and savory cakes are a popular snack or side dish in Japan and are also enjoyed all over the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of Japanese potato cakes and share a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for you to try at home.
Japanese curry is a delicious and flavorful dish that has roots in India, but has been adapted to suit the tastes of the Japanese palate. It is a staple in Japanese households and can be found in almost every restaurant, from casual street vendors to high-end establishments.
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Japanese Curry from Scratch
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Salt, Black Pepper, Oil, Garlic
While there are many store-bought curry roux blocks available, making Japanese curry from scratch is surprisingly easy and rewarding. By using a combination of spices, vegetables, and meat, you can create a rich and hearty curry that will have your taste buds dancing.
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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 popular variation of Japanese curry that features a crispy and juicy chicken cutlet on top of a bed of rice. It adds an extra layer of texture and flavor to the dish, making it a fan-favorite among curry lovers.
Nikujaga is a traditional Japanese beef stew that is hearty, comforting, and packed with umami flavors. It is made with thinly sliced beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions, simmered in a savory broth until everything is tender and flavorful.
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Japanese Curry With Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Carrots, Onions, Red
For those who prefer a lighter protein option, Japanese curry with chicken is a delicious alternative to the traditional beef version. The chicken adds a subtle sweetness to the curry and is a great way to switch things up.
Karaage, or Japanese fried chicken, is a must-try dish for any chicken lover. The chicken is marinated in a soy-based sauce, coated in a light batter, and fried until golden brown and crispy. It can be served on its own or as a side dish to accompany your Japanese curry.
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Vegan Japanese Curry
Main Ingredients: Onion, Carrots, Potato, Olive Oil, Broth, Mild Curry
Believe it or not, you can also make delicious Japanese curry without any meat or animal products. By using a variety of vegetables and a flavorful vegetable broth, you can create a vegan version of this classic dish that is just as tasty and satisfying.
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Creamy Japanese Potato Salad
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Cucumber, Carrot, Hard Boiled Eggs, Kewpie
A staple side dish in Japan, creamy Japanese potato salad is a must-try for anyone looking to expand their palate. It is made with mashed potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and Japanese mayo, giving it a unique and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with a hot bowl of Japanese curry.
Similar to katsu curry, Japanese chicken katsu curry features a tender and juicy chicken cutlet, but with an added layer of crunch from the panko breadcrumbs used in the breading. It is a perfect combination of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for seconds.
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Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Panko Breadcrumbs, Flour, Egg, Salt
If you're looking for a heartier version of Nikujaga, try this Japanese beef and potato stew. It is made with larger chunks of beef and potatoes, giving it a more rustic and satisfying feel. It's perfect for a cold winter day when you need something warm and comforting.
Karaage chicken is a versatile dish that can be served on its own as an appetizer or as a topping for your Japanese curry. The key to making perfect karaage is to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before frying to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.
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Karaage Chicken (Japanese fried chicken)
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Thigh, Potato, Plain Flour, Lemon
Korokke, or Japanese potato croquettes, are a popular snack in Japan that can also be served as a side dish. They are made with mashed potatoes, ground beef, and onions, breaded and fried until golden brown and crispy. They add a nice contrast to the soft and saucy Japanese curry.
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Korokke (Japanese Potato Croquettes)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Potatoes, Oyster Sauce, Vegetable Oil
Another variation of katsu curry, this dish features a chicken cutlet placed on top of a bed of rice and covered in a generous amount of Japanese curry sauce. It's a filling and satisfying meal that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
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Katsu Curry (Japanese Curry Rice with Chicken Cutlet)
Main Ingredients: Onion, Potato, Carrot, Oil, Curry, Water, Cooked Rice
For a fun twist on traditional korokke, try making these Japanese potato salad croquettes. They are made with the same ingredients as regular korokke but with the addition of potato salad, giving them a creamy and tangy flavor that pairs well with the rich and savory Japanese curry.
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Japanese Potato Salad Croquettes (Korokke)
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Carrots, Cucumbers, Green Onions, Red Onions
For a vegetarian alternative to katsu curry, try using tofu instead of chicken. The tofu is breaded and fried, creating a crispy outer layer while remaining soft and tender on the inside. It adds a nice protein boost to the meal and is a great option for those who don't eat meat.
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Tofu Katsu with Japanese Curry
Main Ingredients: Firm Tofu, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Egg, Panko Breadcrumbs
Okonomiyaki, or savory Japanese pancakes, are a popular street food in Japan that can also be easily made at home. They are made with a batter consisting of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, topped with various toppings such as pork, shrimp, or even cheese. They are then drizzled with a sweet and savory sauce that pairs well with Japanese curry.
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Okonomiyaki (Savory Japanese Pancakes)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Salt, Sugar, Baking Powder, Baking Potato
Nikuman, or Japanese steamed pork buns, are a popular snack or light meal in Japan. They are made with a fluffy and soft dough, filled with a savory pork and vegetable filling, and steamed until cooked through. They are perfect for dipping into your bowl of Japanese curry and soaking up all the delicious flavors.
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Easy Japanese Steamed Pork Buns (Nikuman)
Main Ingredients: Biscuits, Vegetable Oil, Ground Pork, Shiitake
Similar to Nikujaga, this Japanese meat and potato stew features larger chunks of meat and potatoes, giving it a more hearty and satisfying feel. It is a great option for those who want a more substantial meal or for those who are feeding a hungry crowd.
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Japanese Meat and Potato Stew (Nikujaga)
Main Ingredients: Beef, Potatoes, Onion, Carrot, Shirataki, Oil, Dashi
Nikujaga is a classic Japanese dish that is comfort food at its finest. It usually consists of thinly sliced beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions, cooked in a flavorful broth until everything is tender and flavorful. It is often served with a bowl of steamed rice and pairs perfectly with Japanese curry.
The Origins of Japanese Potato Cakes
The Influence of European Cuisine
The history of Japanese potato cakes can be traced back to the late 19th century when Japan opened its borders to foreign trade and began to adopt Western influences. One of the first European dishes to make its way to Japan was the French croquette, which is a deep-fried potato and meat or vegetable mixture. The Japanese quickly put their own twist on this dish by adding their own unique ingredients and flavors.
The Rise of the Korokke
During World War II, food shortages in Japan led to the creation of the korokke as a cheap and filling meal option. It became a popular street food and was often sold by street vendors or in convenience stores. Today, Japanese potato cakes can be found in almost every supermarket and are a staple in Japanese cuisine.
The Recipe
Now, let's get to the fun part - making our own Japanese potato cakes! Here is a simple and delicious recipe that you can easily recreate at home.
Ingredients:
2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 small onion, diced
1 small carrot, diced
1/4 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup ground beef or pork
2 tablespoons flour
1 egg
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
Directions:
Boil the potatoes in a pot of salted water until they are soft enough to mash. Drain and mash the potatoes in a bowl.
In a separate pan, sauté the onions, carrots, and peas until they are soft. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
Mix the mashed potatoes with the cooked vegetables and meat. Let it cool for a few minutes.
In a shallow dish, beat the egg with a splash of water. In another shallow dish, place the flour and season with salt and pepper. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Take a small handful of the potato mixture and form it into a flat patty. Dip it in the flour, then the egg, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs.
Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the potato cakes for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the pan and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own.
Experiment with Flavors
One of the best things about Japanese potato cakes is that you can easily customize them to your liking. You can add different vegetables, meats, or even tofu to the potato mixture. You can also add various seasonings and spices to give them a unique flavor. Get creative and have fun with it!
In conclusion, Japanese potato cakes are a delicious and versatile dish that has a rich history in Japanese cuisine. With this easy recipe, you can now enjoy them in the comfort of your own home. So go ahead and give it a try, and impress your family and friends with your newfound cooking skills.
Now that you have the recipe, it's time to put on your apron and get cooking!
