Japanese Curry Recipe

Japanese Curry is a rich, savory, and slightly sweet dish featuring tender chunks of meat, vegetables, and a thick, velvety curry sauce served over fluffy rice. It’s a beloved comfort food in Japan—mild in spice but full of deep, umami-packed flavor. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using curry roux, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to prepare at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting, flavorful, and filling
• Kid-friendly with mild heat
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Customizable with your choice of meat and veggies
• A complete meal in one bowl

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless chicken thighs or beef stew meat
• Onion
• Carrots
• Potatoes
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Japanese curry roux blocks (store-bought or homemade)
• Oil (vegetable or canola)
• Water or chicken broth
• Soy sauce (optional)
• Apple or honey (optional, for sweetness)
• Steamed white rice, for serving
• Optional toppings: fukujinzuke (Japanese pickles), boiled eggs, green peas

directions

this recipe

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and lightly browned.
2. Add minced garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
3. Add meat and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Stir in carrots and potatoes.
5. Pour in water or broth to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and meat is cooked through.
6. Break curry roux blocks into pieces and stir them into the pot. Stir continuously until completely dissolved and the sauce thickens.
7. Simmer for another 5–10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. Add soy sauce, grated apple, or honey if desired for extra depth.
8. Serve hot over steamed rice with optional toppings.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use mushrooms, eggplant, and tofu.
• Spicy Curry: Use a hot version of curry roux or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Katsu Curry: Top with crispy breaded pork or chicken cutlet.
• Seafood Version: Use shrimp or fish fillets in place of meat.
• Homemade Roux: Make your own curry roux with butter, flour, curry powder, and garam masala.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
You can also freeze curry for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

What is Japanese curry roux?

It’s a concentrated curry base made from fat, flour, and spices, often sold in blocks for easy use.

Is Japanese curry spicy?

Not typically—it’s milder and sweeter than Indian or Thai curries.

Can I make it without curry roux?

Yes, you can make a homemade roux using butter, flour, curry powder, and other spices.

What kind of meat is best for Japanese curry?

Chicken thighs, beef stew meat, or pork shoulder are all great options.

Can I use instant curry mixes?

Yes, store-bought curry blocks like Golden Curry or Vermont Curry are commonly used and taste delicious.

How do I make it sweeter?

Grated apple or a spoonful of honey adds sweetness and balances the spices.

What’s the best rice to serve with curry?

Steamed Japanese short-grain rice is traditional, but jasmine or basmati also work.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes, add all ingredients except the roux and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Stir in the curry roux at the end.

Are there gluten-free curry roux options?

Some brands offer gluten-free versions, or you can make your own with gluten-free flour and spices.

What are good toppings for Japanese curry?

Fukujinzuke pickles, soft-boiled eggs, green peas, or tonkatsu are all classic toppings.

Conclusion

Japanese Curry is a beloved, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. Whether you go classic with chicken and root vegetables or add your own twist, this flavorful curry is guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table. Serve it over warm rice for a cozy, satisfying meal that you’ll want to make again and again.

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