Name: Japanese Curry Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1 yellow onion(s); 1 tsp oil; 250 g chicken meat; 200 ml red wine; 200 ml water; 5 g ginger; 1 potatoes; 1 carrot(s); 1 apple(s); 2 curry roux; 0.5 tbsp paprika powder; 0.5 chilli powder; 1 tsp ketchup; 1 tsp maple syrup; 1 egg(s)

This tasty Japanese curry rice dish is a favourite among the locals in Japan. Consisting of fresh apples, store-bought roux and other secret ingredients, the dish can be easily recreated for a weekday dinner.

The best Japanese curry recipe contains a few secrets. I've gathered a few tips and using the store bought roux such as Golden Curry or Vermont curry, this curry dish can be made without much effort. Here are some tips to help you make one of the most delicious Japanese dishes.

What is Japanese curry made of?

Japanese curry is made out of a special roux which comprises of curry powder, flour, oil and other aromatics. It is then served with either udon (Japanese wheat noodles) or rice together with a selection of meat which may be braised or coated in breadcrumbs and fried (katsu). When fried, the choice of pork and chicken is more popular compared to beef. Otherwise, all three types of meat can be used in Japanese curry. In some restaurants, it uses minced chicken or pork instead.

Is Japanese curry same as Indian curry?

Japanese curry is Indian influenced. This is because curry was introduced to Japan by the British exactly during the time when India was under the colonial rule of the British Crown.

What vegetables are added to Japanese curry?

Onion, carrots and potatoes. These are the common vegetables used in a Japanese curry. Potatoes and carrots should be cooked until fork tender.

Japanese families' secret curry recipes

In a Japanese documentary, I once watched how a mother was preparing this chicken curry dish. When she used wine in the dish, I was intrigued! Further research showed that every family has its own secret curry recipe and ingredients to add to the basic curry roux. Among those ingredients were wine, maple syrup, apple, tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce.

I tried experimenting by adding red wine, spices and caramelizing onions to prepare this dish. Lo and behold, it definitely made a whole world of difference! Above all, adding grated apple sweetened the dish naturally. It also helps to thicken the curry while adding some texture to the gravy.

I especially love the gravy from deglazing the pot with some red wine. It makes the dish tastes so much better. However, if you prefer, substitute it with chicken stock or water instead.

Side dishes for Japanese curry rice

Of course, this dish has to be eaten together with 'Fukujinzuke' (pickled vegetables). It makes the dish even more amazing and exciting due to its crunchiness. If you love the dish the way I do, top it up with a hard boiled egg.