When i first came to Japan, I had no idea that Japanese curry was even a thing.
To me, a curry was Indian and something you ate with a naan.
It was not for a couple of months of being here that I tried the Japanese version.
And now, I have a thing for the Japanese curry taste.
The most common name is curry rice but grammatically, it should be curry and rice.
You can find curry here in many guises.
For example: Japanese chicken curry, katsu (fried cutlet) curry, dry curry, curry udon, and even curry donuts (savoury with a Japanese curry sauce inside).
And while I still love Indian curry, the two are totally different and absolutely delicious.
Anyhow, enough of all that.
Let’s spice things up and crack on.
History of Japanese Style Curry
During the Meiji era (1868-1912), the British colonial rule governed the Indian subcontinent.
It was then that British sailors stationed in Japan introduced curry to the Japanese people.
Their love for curry played a significant role in its introduction.
The Japanese quickly adopted curry and made it their own by adding their own unique twist to the dish.
One of the most popular theories about the origins of Japanese curry is that it was first served in Japan in 1872 by a British sailor named William Clark.
According to legend, Clark was shipwrecked off the coast of Japan and was taken in by a Japanese family.
As a token of gratitude, Clark taught the family how to make curry, and the dish quickly became a favorite in Japan.
As curry became more popular in Japan, many unique variations of the dish emerged.
Today, Japanese curry rice is a beloved national dish that can be found in restaurants and homes across the country.
It is often served with rice and a variety of toppings, including vegetables, meat, and seafood.
Overall, Japanese curry has a rich history and has become an important part of Japanese cuisine.
Now let’s move on and look at what’s inside a typical Japanese curry.
Ingredients
Japanese curry roux
One of the key ingredients in Japanese curry is the roux, which is a mixture of fat and flour that thickens the sauce.
The roux is typically made with butter and flour, and curry powder and other spices are added to make the curry sauce.
Some recipes call for store bought curry roux cubes.
All supermarkets sell curry roux cubes and it’s actually quite simple to make Japanese curry rice.
Store Japanese curry is just as tasty, albeit with slight variations.
Spices and Seasonings
Curry powder and garam masala are the main spices used in Japanese curry.
Other seasonings commonly used include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and honey though these are optional.
These ingredients add depth and complexity to the curry sauce.
Each family has their own homemade version and cooking process.
Meat and Vegetables
Meat and vegetables are the main components of Japanese curry.
The most common meats used are beef, pork, and chicken, which are cut into bite-sized pieces.
In our house we use either chicken meat or minced beef (if making a dry curry).
Vegetables typically include onions, carrots, and potatoes, which are also cut into bite-sized pieces.
Some recipes may also include other vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes.
Here is a table summarizing the ‘typical’ ingredients used in Japanese curry:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter | 4 Tbsp |
| Flour | 7 Tbsp |
| Curry powder | 2 Tbsp |
| Garam masala | 2 Tbsp |
| Beef, pork, or chicken | 1 lb |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Vegetable oil | 1 Tbsp |
| Ketchup (optional) | 3 Tbsp |
| Soy sauce | To taste |
| Worcestershire sauce | To taste |
| Honey | To taste |
| Onions | 300 g |
| Carrots | 200 g |
| Potatoes | 200 g |
Japanese chicken curry recipe
To make Japanese curry, follow these simple steps:
- Start by preparing your ingredients. Cut skinless chicken thighs and vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- In a pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
- Add the vegetables to the pot and cook until they start to soften.
- Add more curry powder if you like medium hot.
- Add the broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the curry roux to the pot and stir until it dissolves. This will leave you with a nice Japanese curry sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the curry for 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve the curry with rice, noodles, and, if you like, fresh ginger.
- Sounds delicious so now it’s time to eat.
Extra Cooking Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks for making the perfect Japanese curry:
- Use a high-quality curry roux for the best flavor. You can find Japanese curry roux in most Asian grocery stores or online.
- If you want a thicker sauce, add more curry roux. If you want a thinner sauce, add more broth.
- You can customize your curry by adding different vegetables, meats, or seasonings. Some popular additions include potatoes, carrots, onions, chicken, beef, and garlic.
- If you want to make your own curry roux from scratch, you can find recipes online. However, be aware that this can be a time-consuming process.
- Leftover curry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Traditional Accompaniments
Japanese curry is typically served with rice, but there are many other traditional accompaniments that can be added to enhance the dish’s flavors and textures.
Chopped vegetables such as daikon, eggplant, pickled ginger, and lotus root pickled in a soy sauce-based liquid, is a popular addition to Japanese curry.
It adds a sweet and sour flavor that complements the savory curry well.
Grated apple gives the dish a hint of sweetness that goes well with the hot and strong spices.
Another traditional accompaniment is tonkatsu, a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet.
The crispy texture of the tonkatsu pairs well with the smooth and creamy texture of the curry.
For a lighter option, Japanese pickles such as takuan (pickled daikon) or umeboshi (pickled plums) can be served on the side.
These pickles add a refreshing and tangy flavor that balances out the richness of the curry
Types of Japanese Curry
Kare Raisu [Japanese curry rice]
Kare Raisu, also known as Curry Rice, is the most popular and iconic Japanese curry dish.
It consists of a thick curry sauce made with vegetables, meat, or seafood, served over a bed of steamed rice.
The curry sauce is typically sweet and mild, with a hint of spice.
It’s a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for cold weather.
Kare Raisu is incredibly versatile, and there are many variations to suit different tastes.
Some popular variations include:
- Beef Curry
- Chicken Curry
- Seafood Curry
- Vegan Curry
katsu curry
Japanese katsu curry is a delicious and popular dish that combines crispy breaded cutlets with a flavorful curry sauce.
Chefs typically use pork or chicken for the cutlets, which they coat in panko breadcrumbs and then deep-fry until golden brown.
The curry sauce is made from a mix of vegetables and spices and is cooked until thick and rich in taste with savory flavors.
Served over a bed of steaming white rice, katsu curry is a comforting and satisfying meal that many people enjoy.
Curry Udon
Curry Udon is a type of Japanese noodle soup that’s made with a curry-flavored broth.
The broth is made with vegetables, meat, or seafood, and it’s thickened with a roux made from flour and butter.
The dish is served with thick udon noodles.
Personally, I top it with green onions and tempura.
Curry Udon is a popular comfort food in Japan, and it’s a great option for those who want to try something different from traditional curry rice.
Popular Restaurant
Japanese curry is a staple dish in Japan and can be found in many restaurants across the country.
From small family-run businesses to ones only located in certain cities.
Here is the most popular chain curry restaurant that is worth checking out.
And it’s located all over Japan.
Curry House CoCo Ichibanya
Curry House CoCo Ichibanya is one of the most popular curry chains in Japan, known for its customizable curry dishes.
Customers can choose the level of spiciness, toppings, and rice portion size to create their perfect meal.
At Coco Ichiban, customers enjoy the experience of creating their own curry masterpieces.
You start by choosing the type of curry you want.
The menu offers a wide variety of toppings to complement the curry dishes.
Popular choices include crispy pork cutlet, grilled chicken, and breaded shrimp.
Vegetarian options are available as well, such as tofu and mixed vegetables.
Then you choose the curry sauce spiciness
Options include mild or spicy ranging from 1 (slightly spicy) to 10 (fire level).
You can then choose how much-steamed rice you want.
Futsu just means normal and is more than enough for most people.
You can further customize your meal with additional toppings like cheese, soft-boiled eggs, or pickled vegetables.
Additionally, Coco Ichiban releases new curry sauce variations to keep customers coming back for more.
The chain has over 1,400 locations in Japan and began in the Nagoya area.
Before You Go
Japanese curry is a dish that has captured the hearts of many people around the world.
Whether you prefer a mild or spicy curry, there are curry recipes out there for you.
Start by popping to the supermarket and buying some Japanese curry roux.
Or head out to one of the many curry restaurants.
If you liked this post, then please share it on any of the below platforms
