Japanese Curry

Although it may not be in the same ranks as delicacies such as Sushi, Sashimi, or Kobe beef, Japanese Curry Rice(Karē raisu カレーライス) is one of Japan’s most popular dishes and favorite comfort foods. Many will infact, refer to it as the National dish of Japan!

The dish was first brought to Japan by the British from India during the Meiji Restoration( the political transformation of 1868). The British navy had recently adopted curry as a hearty meal for its sailors during the long voyages at sea. The Navy also added vegetables and meat and made its curry thicker than the kinds they found in India. Very different from any Indian Curry, from which it is inspired.. the Japanese curry sauce has a thick, viscous consistency, sweeter and milder in the heat of spices.

Legend has it that at one time, British sailors were shipwrecked off the Japanese coast. They were rescued and came ashore, with some of their rations, which included curry powder that they had taken from India. The Japanese navy was thus introduced to this form of curry and found that it was indeed a cheap, filling, and simple option for their men. And so, the first Japanese curry recipe was born.

To date, it remains a key fixture on the weekly menu of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces. They have “Curry Friday” each week for sailors both at sea and on land.

It may have initially been an imported dish, but it has become an integral part of Japanese food culture and has been adapted and developed in a typical style of ‘Wayo secchu’ 和洋折衷 Blending of Japanese and Western styles together..

Curry rice can be eaten in a wide variety of forms, the most popular being Katsu karē (curry with a breaded cutlet) and Karē don(curry sauce served in rice bowl). Nowadays a bewildering array of curry sauce roux is available to make instant Japanese Curry at home. It’s like a stock cube for making instant curry!

Scroll down for the Complete Recipe.

Japanese Curry

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Recipe Name: Japanese Curry

Recipe Type: Curry / Japanese

Author: Shana @ RecipesareSimple

Prep time: 15 min

Cook time: 15 min

Total time: 30 min

Yield: (6 servings)

Watch the Video or click to read Complete Recipe – Below.

How to make Japanese Curry – Recipe at a glance:

Purchase Japanese Curry (Roux) cubes or prepare homemade ahead of time – recipe below
Saute Onion and garlic till soft.
Add Chicken and/or potato (& carrot or apple of using). Stir till the chicken is white. (can be made with beef or vegetables only.
Add water/stock and simmer till chicken and potato is tender.
Add curry cubes as desired (around 60 gms for this recipe). Stir and simmer.
Adjust spices and water consistency.
Serve with Japanese Rice/ Steamed white rice.
See below for the detailed recipes.

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For the Curry Roux (curry cubes):

For Japanese Curry (Kare Raisu):

On Laptop, is recommended that you open the recipe page and keep this page going if you like to WATCH / LISTEN to the video alongside the written instructions.

Key Ingredients: Japanese Curry: Chicken, Potato, Carrot, Oil, Salt , Japanese Curry Cubes. Japanese Curry Roux Cubes: Butter/Oil, Flour, Spices, Salt.

EAT AND TELL!!! Let us know if you tried – Japanese Curry

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