Japanese Katsu Curry

Japanese katsu curry is a comforting dish that features crispy panko breaded chicken paired with a rich, aromatic curry sauce. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a family favorite and an excellent way to introduce Japanese cuisine to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture – The panko breadcrumbs create an irresistibly crunchy coating on the chicken.
• Flavorful Sauce – The sweet and savory curry sauce elevates the dish, making each bite satisfying.
• Quick Prep Time – With just 30 minutes of prep and another 30 for cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready in one hour.
• Customizable Ingredients – You can easily swap out vegetables or proteins based on your preferences or what’s in season.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – This recipe reheats beautifully, making it great for lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make Japanese katsu curry effortlessly, gather some essential tools that will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Frying pan – A good frying pan ensures even cooking and browning of the chicken while allowing for easy flipping.
• Mixing bowls – Having multiple mixing bowls helps keep ingredients organized during the breading process.
• Whisk – A whisk is essential for smoothly combining the egg and flour without lumps.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Katsu

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (lightly pounded)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3 cups vegetable oil

For the Curry Sauce

• 2 oz Japanese Curry Roux
• 1 yellow onion (wedge cut)
• 1 large russet potato (peeled and diced into 1 inch pieces)
• 1 large carrot (peeled and diced into 1 inch pieces)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ cup red apple (peeled and grated about 1 large apple)
• 2 cups chicken stock
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey

For Serving

• 2 cups cooked white rice

How to Make Japanese Katsu Curry

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the pounded chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
2. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
3. Dredge each piece of chicken first in flour, then dip into the egg, followed by coating it evenly with panko breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot oil. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5–7 minutes per side.
3. Once cooked through, remove from oil and let drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Curry Sauce

1. In another pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent.
2. Add garlic, carrots, and potatoes; cook until slightly softened.
3. Stir in grated apple, curry roux, chicken stock, water, soy sauce, and honey. Simmer until vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Serve

1. To plate, serve warm white rice topped with sliced chicken katsu drizzled with curry sauce.
2. Enjoy your homemade Japanese katsu curry!

How to Serve Japanese Katsu Curry

Japanese katsu curry is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it on its own or with a few accompaniments, there are plenty of options to enhance the dining experience.

Classic Serving

• Serve the katsu curry over a bed of warm white rice for a traditional approach. The curry sauce soaks into the rice, creating a deliciously comforting meal.

Garnishes

• Add chopped green onions or scallions on top for a fresh crunch and vibrant color. This simple addition elevates the presentation and flavor.

Pickles

• Serve with Japanese pickles (tsukemono) on the side for a tangy contrast. These pickles add an extra layer of flavor and balance to the richness of the curry.

Side Salad

• A light side salad with sesame dressing complements the curry well. The crisp vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty katsu.

Fried Egg

• Top your katsu curry with a fried egg for added richness. The runny yolk enhances the dish’s creaminess and adds another layer of flavor.

How to Perfect Japanese Katsu Curry

Making Japanese katsu curry is easier when you follow some helpful tips. Here are some ideas to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality curry roux make a significant difference in flavor.
• Pound Chicken Evenly: Lightly pound the chicken breasts to ensure they cook uniformly, resulting in juicy, tender meat.
• Heat Oil Properly: Make sure your vegetable oil is hot enough before frying; this ensures a crispy coating without absorbing too much oil.
• Cook Vegetables Thoroughly: Ensure your onions, carrots, and potatoes are cooked until tender for balanced texture in your curry.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your curry sauce before serving and adjust soy sauce or honey for sweetness or saltiness as needed.
• Let It Rest: Allow the katsu to rest after frying for a few minutes; this helps maintain juiciness when cut.

Best Side Dishes for Japanese Katsu Curry

Pairing sides with Japanese katsu curry can enhance your meal significantly. Here are several delicious options to consider:

1. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the flavors of katsu curry while adding warmth and comfort.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious green element that contrasts nicely with the rich curry.
3. Edamame: These steamed young soybeans make for a protein-packed snack that pairs well with any Japanese meal.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar is perfect for cutting through the richness of katsu.
5. Vegetable Tempura: Crispy vegetable tempura offers additional texture and flavor, making it an excellent side dish.
6. Nasu Dengaku: Grilled eggplant glazed with miso adds an umami-rich option that beautifully complements katsu curry.
7. Seaweed Salad: A light seaweed salad brings freshness and depth while adding nutritional benefits.
8. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad can provide comfort alongside your katsu curry, balancing flavors nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Japanese katsu curry can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold phrase: Skipping the seasoning. Not seasoning the chicken before breading can lead to bland flavors. Always use salt and pepper to enhance taste.
• Bold phrase: Using the wrong oil. Choosing an oil with a low smoke point may result in burnt katsu. Opt for vegetable oil or other high-smoke-point oils.
• Bold phrase: Overcrowding the frying pan. Placing too many pieces of chicken at once can lower oil temperature, leading to soggy katsu. Fry in batches for a crispy texture.
• Bold phrase: Not letting the chicken rest. Cutting into the chicken immediately after frying can cause juices to escape. Allow it to rest for a few minutes for a juicier bite.
• Bold phrase: Ignoring the curry roux instructions. Each brand may have different preparation guidelines. Always check and follow package directions for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it.

Freezing Japanese Katsu Curry

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with dates to keep track of freshness.

Reheating Japanese Katsu Curry

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through (about 20-25 minutes).
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that often arise regarding Japanese katsu curry.

What is Japanese Katsu Curry?

Japanese katsu curry is a comforting dish featuring crispy breaded chicken served with a rich curry sauce over rice.

Can I make Japanese Katsu Curry vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with plant-based proteins like tofu or vegetables. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for the sauce.

How do I make the curry sauce thicker?

To thicken your curry sauce, you can add more curry roux or mix in a slurry made from cornstarch and water.

What side dishes go well with Japanese Katsu Curry?

Japanese katsu curry pairs well with pickled vegetables or simple salads to balance its richness.

Can I prepare Japanese Katsu Curry ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep ingredients ahead of time and cook just before serving for the best results.

Final Thoughts

Japanese katsu curry is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences. Whether you enjoy it mild or spicy, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and experiment with different ingredients!

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Japanese Katsu Curry

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Japanese Katsu Curry, a delightful dish that pairs crispy panko-breaded chicken with a rich, savory curry sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is quick to prepare and easy to customize.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3 cups vegetable oil
• 2 oz Japanese curry roux
• 1 yellow onion, wedge cut
• 1 large russet potato, diced into 1 inch pieces
• 1 large carrot, diced into 1 inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup grated red apple
• 2 cups chicken stock
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Cooked white rice for serving

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Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station: place flour in one dish, beaten egg in another, and panko breadcrumbs in the third.
2. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry breaded chicken until golden brown on both sides (about 5–7 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
4. In another pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic, carrots, and potatoes; cook until slightly softened.
5. Stir in grated apple, curry roux, chicken stock, water, soy sauce, and honey. Simmer until vegetables are tender.
6. Serve warm rice topped with sliced katsu and drizzled with curry sauce.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (450g)
• Calories: 670
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28g
• Trans Fat: <0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 160mg