japanese curry recipe

 Japanese Curry Recipe: A Delicious Guide for Home Cooks

Japanese curry, or "kare," is a beloved dish in Japan. It's rich, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. In recent years, its popularity has spread to the United States. Home cooks everywhere are eager to try making this comforting dish. Here’s a detailed guide to help you create a delicious Japanese curry at home.

Introduction to Japanese Curry

Japanese curry is different from Indian or Thai curry. It’s milder, sweeter, and has a thicker sauce. The dish typically includes meat, potatoes, carrots, and onions, all simmered in a rich, flavorful curry sauce. The sauce is often made from curry roux, a mixture of flour, oil, and spices.

Ingredients

To make Japanese curry, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Curry Roux:

• 3 tablespoons of butter
• 4 tablespoons of flour
• 2 tablespoons of curry powder
• 1 teaspoon of garam masala
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander

For the Curry:

• 1 pound of meat (chicken, beef, or pork)
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 4 cups of water or chicken broth
• 1 apple, grated (for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving

Making the Curry Roux

1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the Flour: Stir in the flour to form a paste. Cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown.
3. Add the Spices: Gradually add the curry powder, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, and coriander. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook the Roux: Continue to cook the roux for another 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Preparing the Curry

1. Cook the Meat: In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onions: In the same pot, add the chopped onions. Cook until they are soft and translucent.
3. Add Carrots and Potatoes: Add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Add Water or Broth: Pour in the water or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Add Grated Apple: Stir in the grated apple for a touch of sweetness.
6. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the curry simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Combining the Roux and Curry

1. Add the Meat Back: Return the browned meat to the pot. Stir well to combine.
2. Add the Roux: Gradually add the curry roux to the pot. Stir constantly to ensure the roux dissolves and thickens the curry.
3. Season: Add the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer Again: Let the curry simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving the Curry

1. Prepare the Rice: Cook your rice according to the package instructions. Japanese curry is traditionally served with short-grain rice.
2. Serve: Spoon the curry over a bed of rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or pickled ginger if desired.

Tips for Perfect Japanese Curry

1. Choose the Right Meat: Chicken thighs, beef chuck, or pork shoulder work well in Japanese curry. These cuts are flavorful and become tender when cooked.
2. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.
3. Use Broth for More Flavor: Chicken or beef broth adds more depth to the curry compared to water.
4. Make Ahead: Japanese curry tastes even better the next day. Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers.
5. Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms.

Japanese Curry Variations

1. Katsu Curry: Serve the curry with a breaded and fried pork cutlet (tonkatsu) on top. This variation is incredibly popular in Japan.
2. Seafood Curry: Substitute the meat with seafood like shrimp or squid. Adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking the seafood.
3. Vegetarian Curry: Skip the meat and use a variety of vegetables and tofu. Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth.

Conclusion

Making Japanese curry at home is a delightful culinary adventure. The combination of tender meat, hearty vegetables, and flavorful curry sauce is sure to become a favorite in your household. With this detailed guide, you can confidently prepare a delicious Japanese curry that rivals any restaurant.

Enjoy your cooking experience and savor the rich, comforting flavors of homemade Japanese curry.