Description
Homemade Japanese Curry blends rich, savory flavors with tender meat and hearty vegetables for a comforting meal. Warm spices and silky sauce create a satisfying dinner that brings Japan’s culinary magic right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) chicken thighs or beef stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
Vegetables and Fruits:
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 apple, grated (Fuji or Honeycrisp)
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Serving Accompaniments:
- Steamed white rice
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley
- Optional garnish: fukujinzuke (Japanese pickles)
Instructions
- Craft a fragrant curry roux by gently melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisking in flour until it transforms into a light golden hue, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Enrich the roux by incorporating curry powder, garam masala, and tomato paste, stirring until harmoniously blended. Remove from heat and reserve.
- Heat oil in a robust pot, introducing meat and seasoning with salt and pepper. Sear protein thoroughly, developing a rich caramelized exterior.
- Introduce diced onions and sauté until translucent and slightly softened, creating a flavor foundation for the curry.
- Layer in chopped carrots and cubed potatoes, allowing vegetables to integrate with the developing aromatics.
- Pour liquid (water or broth) into the pot, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil before reducing to a gentle simmer.
- Allow ingredients to meld and tenderize for 20-25 minutes, ensuring vegetables become fork-tender and meat cooks completely.
- Elevate complexity by stirring in grated apple and soy sauce, then gradually incorporate the prepared curry roux.
- Continue simmering, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats ingredients luxuriously.
- Fine-tune flavor profile by adjusting seasoning with additional salt, pepper, honey, or Worcestershire sauce as needed.
- Serve the aromatic curry atop steamed rice, garnishing optionally with fresh herbs or condiments.
Notes
- Roux Preparation Tip: Create a smooth, flavorful base by cooking butter and flour until light golden, which prevents a raw flour taste and develops a rich, nutty flavor.
- Meat Selection Hack: Choose well-marbled cuts like beef chuck or chicken thighs for tender, juicy results that hold up during slow cooking.
- Vegetable Variation Strategy: Swap or add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to customize the curry and boost nutritional value.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend in the roux, ensuring the dish remains accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg