Japanese Curry 4 Ways Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (2024)

FAQs

Is Japanese curry junk food? ›

“Everything in excess is bad,” so you should consume Japanese curry in moderation because it is high in sodium and fat- which can make a person sick when taken too much. Nevertheless, consuming it often can provide you with several health benefits and a lot of strength. Japanese curry is a good source of protein.

Likewise, if you've added too much water, you can let the curry simmer to thicken up. Or, you can add a cornstarch/flour roux to the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.

The sauce is thickened by a roux (a mixture of fat and flour and an addition of curry spices). You can find many variations of Japanese curries, ranging from regions to households, but the most basic one uses chicken, which is the recipe I'm sharing here.

For one, Japanese curry uses curry powder with less spices whereas Indian curry uses a variety of bases such as cumin, paprika, turmeric, and many more. Indian curry is more vibrant and bursting with flavor, while Japanese curry is sumptuous and “umami” but in a more understated manner.

Generally, Japanese foods are considered healthier and more nutritious than Chinese meals. The reason lies in the use of fats, carbs, and proteins. Japanese cuisine uses a lot of proteins, and the primary source is seafood. Usually, the Japanese serve raw seafood. However, some prefer steaming and stir-frying.

Unfortunately, katsu curry can be high in calories and not very healthy for you. Curries, in general, tend to be more fattening than people expect. If you're looking for a way to make your favorite dish waistline-friendly, look no further.

While curry is prevalent in multiple countries, Japanese curry is usually thicker in texture, sweeter, and less spicy than its Thai or Indian counterparts. That sweetness often comes from the addition of an apple and/or some honey.

Curry will not thicken if there is not enough heat after adding a roux to the pot. Factors which impede thickening include using too little roux, adding too much water, and using vegetables with a high water content.

Some recipes for Japanese curry call for cornstarch as a thickener, but many others use a classic roux of flour cooked in butter or another fat.

The triad of vegetables most commonly found in Japanese curry are onion, potato, and carrots, but you can use almost any combination of vegetables and protein. Here, I've added celery, green beans, and corn to the mix, and use chicken thighs as my protein.

What meat to use for Japanese curry? ›

Japanese curry is not usually made with ground meat, because that makes it very hard to eat. Usually you use chunks — chicken, pork, seafood, occasionally beef, rarely lamb. Ingredients are the same as always: onions, carrots, potatoes, and meat seared together with a little oil just until the onion is softened.

As much a part of the national food culture as sushi, various types of curry served with white rice (Kare Raisu, カレーライス) has been an enduring favorite in Japan since the Meiji era (1868-1912).

The stand-out feature of a Japanese curry is its thick, rich sauce. The thickness of the sauce which can only be found in Japanese curry is supported and beloved by many. The rich and indulgent sauce mixes with rice so perfectly, you will find it difficult stoping eating.

Korean curry has similar ingredients and methods of preparation as Japanese curry but is notably spicier (and tends to be a bit heavier on the garlic). Korean curries utilize a roux as their foundation like Japanese curries to get its thick consistency.

Since the introduction of curry, it was reinvented to suit Japanese tastes and ingredients. Japanese curry has little resemblance to curries from other regions. The dish has changed and been adapted so much since its introduction that it stands on its own as uniquely Japanese.

Moreover, ready-made curry roux blocks, a convenient option for many home cooks, often contain added sugars and preservatives, potentially offsetting the health benefits of the spices. Japanese curry's healthfulness can vary widely depending on the ingredients used and how it's prepared.

Some of the most commonly used vegetables in Japanese cuisine are cabbage, carrots, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, radishes, peppers, and spinach. The second reason Japanese food is considered the healthiest in the world is that this type of cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients.

One serving of Japanese curry rice with beef has 20 g of fat, which represents 180 calories and 32 percent of the recommended daily value for fat. The meal also comprises 8 g of saturated fat, 8 g of fiber and about 25 g of protein.

A single portion of takeaway curry can contain over 1,000 calories and a huge amount of saturated fat, salt and sugar. You'd need to cycle for about three hours to burn it off. The best way to enjoy your favourite dishes is to ditch the takeaway and make your own.