How To Make Japanese Curry: Ingredients, Steps, And Variations

Japanese curry, a comforting blend of savory and sweet flavors, is a national treasure in Japan. It's a popular dish enjoyed by people of all ages, and for good reason. In this guide, Kiichin will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make Japanese curry at home.

1. Japanese curry ingredients

Making flavorful Japanese curry starts with the right ingredients. Here's a breakdown of how to make Japanese curry with all the essential ingredients:

Base ingredients:

• Protein (choose one): Chicken, pork, beef, tofu - cubed meat cooks more evenly.
• Vegetables (choose your favorites): Onion (essential), carrot, potato (classic trio), bell peppers, green beans, mushrooms.
• Liquid: Water (simple) or stock (chicken, vegetable, or dashi for extra flavor).
• Rice (or udon noodles): The perfect base to soak up all that delicious curry.

Pre-made curry roux:

If you are looking for an easy Japanese curry recipe, you should you it. This is the magic ingredient for Japanese curry's flavor and thickness. You can find it in Asian grocery stores or the international aisle (S&B Golden Curry, House Foods Vermont Curry are popular brands). You can also choose your spice level.

Optional flavor boosters:

• Apple (grated or chopped): To add sweetness and depth.
• Honey: To balance savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
• Ketchup (A small amount): To add tanginess and umami.
• Worcestershire sauce: To add a savory kick and umami depth.

Homemade curry roux (If you want to):

• Butter
• Plain flour
• Curry powder
• Garam masala
• Cayenne pepper (optional): For extra heat, you can also use "ichimi togarashi" chili powder.

Tips:

• Pre-made curry roux is convenient and makes this dish perfect for a weeknight meal.
• If you want to get creative, try adding other vegetables, protein options, or explore the optional flavor boosters to personalize your curry.
• Can't find pre-made curry roux at the store? Our recipe below will include guides for making your own roux from scratch.

You can add more ingredients that you love to make your personalized curry

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2. How to make Japanese curry at home: A step-by-step guide

Step 1: Preparing vegetables and protein

1. Chop your onion (essential for flavor base) and other chosen vegetables (carrot, potato, etc.) into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Cube your chosen meat (chicken, pork, beef) for faster cooking. Tofu users, simply drain and cut into cubes if desired.

Step 2: Sautéing the aromatics and browning the protein:

1. Heat oil over medium heat in a pot or large skillet.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent. This is the flavor base for your curry.
3. If using meat, add it to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Set aside temporarily if browning.

Step 3: Simmering the vegetables and broth:

1. Add your chopped vegetables (carrot, potato, etc.) to the pot with the softened onions. Sauté for a few minutes to slightly soften them.
2. Pour in your chosen liquid (water or stock) and bring it to a simmer. Let the vegetables simmer until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Making the roux (skip this step if you already have a pre-made one):

1. Melt butter over medium heat in a separate pan.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute or two, stirring constantly, to form a roux (a paste that thickens the curry).
3. Gradually whisk in your curry powder, garam masala, and cayenne pepper (if using) until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the roux.

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Step 5: Adding the Roux and Thickening the Curry:

1. If using pre-made roux, add it to the simmering pot with the vegetables and broth. If using homemade roux, slowly whisk it into the pot a bit at a time until the curry reaches your desired thickness.
2. If you browned the meat earlier, add it back to the pot with the thickened curry.

Step 6: Adjusting seasoning and adding finishing touches

1. Season your curry with soy sauce to taste. You can also adjust the sweetness with a touch of honey or ketchup, or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami.
2. Let the curry simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve over hot cooked rice or udon noodles (your choice), and enjoy it with a side of Fukujinzuke pickles (if desired).

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3. Variations of Japanese currry

The beauty of Japanese curry lies in its versatility. Following the basic guide on how to make Japanese curry can create a comforting and savory dish. However, you can easily customize it to suit your taste buds. Here are some exciting variations to explore:

Protein variations

• Use seafood instead of meat: You can swap out chicken, pork, or beef for shrimp, scallops, or even flaky white fish like cod. Remember to adjust the cooking time based on the chosen seafood.
• Vegetarian curry: You can enjoy meat-free curry by using lentils, chickpeas, or crumbled tofu as your protein source. These options add satisfying heartiness to the dish.

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Vegetable variations

• Add sliced red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a vibrant pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
• Throw in some chopped green beans for a delightful crunch and extra fiber.
• Sauteed mushrooms add an earthy depth of flavor to your curry. Experiment with different varieties, like shiitake, cremini, or even button mushrooms.

Spice level variations

• Add a sprinkle of red chili flakes for an adjustable kick of heat.
• Drizzle in some Sriracha hot sauce for a tangy and spicy twist. Be careful, it can sneak up on you.

Don't be afraid to experiment! Combine different protein options, vegetables, and spice levels to create your own signature Japanese curry.

4. How to serve Japanese curry for a perfect canvas

A steaming bowl of Japanese curry deserves an equally delightful presentation. Here's how to make Japanese curry at home served with a restaurant experience:

For the base, you can use:

• Fluffy white rice: This is the classic and most popular choice. Steamed white rice perfectly absorbs all the delicious flavors of the curry sauce, making each bite a flavor explosion.
• Udon noodles: For a heartier option, swap the rice for udon noodles. These thick wheat noodles have a satisfying chew and pair beautifully with the rich curry.

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For the toppings, you can choose:

• Fukujinzuke: The traditional Japanese curry recipe often includes this topping, a relish made with pickled vegetables like daikon radish, eggplant, and lotus root. Its sweet and slightly tart flavor adds a delightful contrast to the savory curry.
• Pickled punch: Other types of Japanese pickles, like ginger or umeboshi (pickled plums), can also be a refreshing accompaniment to your curry.

Pro tip: Get creative with your toppings. Chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a dollop of Japanese mayo can add extra flavor and textural interest to your curry masterpiece.

Japanese curry is a surprisingly easy and satisfying dish to prepare at home. Through this post, we provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make Japanese curry. With readily available ingredients and a simple process, you can whip up a flavorful and comforting meal in no time. We hope you will unleash your inner chef, explore the variations we've discussed, and don't be afraid to experiment. With each twist you add, you'll discover a new layer of deliciousness in the wonderful world of Japanese curry.

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