Introduction
Welcome to my kitchen, where today we’re crafting an irresistible Japanese Katsu Curry — a dish that brings together the best of Japanese comfort food. This easy Katsu Curry recipe features a crispy, golden cutlet paired with a deliciously rich and flavorful Japanese curry sauce. Made with tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and vibrant peas, this homemade curry is both hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Ingredient Spotlight for the Perfect Japanese Katsu Curry
When it comes to making a memorable Japanese Katsu Curry, the ingredients are the heart and soul of the dish. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the harmony of flavors and textures that make this recipe a standout. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that bring this dish to life:
Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Waxy Potatoes)
Potatoes are a staple in Japanese curry, and choosing the right type makes all the difference. Yukon Gold or other waxy potatoes like new potatoes or red potatoes are perfect for this recipe. They hold their shape beautifully while simmering in the curry sauce, offering a creamy texture without falling apart. Their subtle sweetness and buttery flavor add depth to the dish, making every bite comforting and delicious.
Carrots
Carrots add a touch of natural sweetness to the curry, balancing out the savory notes. They soften as they cook, becoming tender and juicy, and help to thicken the sauce slightly. Plus, they bring a lovely pop of color to the dish, making it as visually appealing as it is tasty. Fresh, medium-sized carrots work best, diced to the perfect size to cook evenly with the potatoes.
Peas
Though not always found in traditional Japanese Katsu Curry, peas add a vibrant green hue and a burst of sweetness that complements the flavors of the curry sauce. They are added towards the end of cooking to maintain their color and texture, making the dish more interesting and nutritious.
Onion, Garlic, and Ginger
No curry would be complete without the aromatic trio of onion, garlic, and ginger. The onions provide a sweet base as they caramelize, while the garlic and ginger add depth and a touch of warmth. These ingredients are essential for building the flavor foundation of the curry sauce, creating a savory and aromatic profile that’s both comforting and complex.
Curry Powder and Garam Masala
The spices are what give the curry its signature flavor. A Japanese-style curry powder brings together a blend of mild spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a hint of sweetness, creating that familiar curry taste. Adding a touch of garam masala deepens the flavor with a more robust, aromatic punch. This combination creates a well-balanced, flavorful sauce that’s distinctly Japanese but with a global appeal.
Broth (Chicken or Vegetable)
The broth is the liquid base that brings everything together. Whether you choose chicken or vegetable broth, it adds a savory undertone that enhances the curry’s flavor. The broth absorbs the spices, vegetables, and other ingredients, simmering into a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the cutlet and rice perfectly.
Soy Sauce and Worcestershire Sauce
To add umami depth, soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce are must-haves. These ingredients lend a subtle savory note that complements the curry spices and ties all the flavors together. They also add a slight tanginess that cuts through the richness, creating a well-rounded and balanced sauce.
Honey or Sugar
Just a touch of honey or sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables and balances the spice of the curry. This little bit of sweetness is key to achieving the classic flavor of Japanese curry, which is known for its mild, slightly sweet taste.
Vegetable Oil
A couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil are used to sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger, helping to release their flavors and aromas. The oil also creates a smooth base for the roux, which thickens the curry sauce to the perfect consistency.
All-Purpose Flour
Flour is used to create a roux, which thickens the curry sauce and gives it that signature velvety texture. By cooking the flour with the spices, you ensure the sauce has a rich, full-bodied flavor without any raw flour taste.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Japanese Katsu Curry:
Japanese Katsu Curry Recipe with Potatoes, Carrots, and Peas
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion - finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic - minced
- 1- inch piece of ginger - minced
- 2 medium carrots - peeled and diced
- 2 large potatoes - Yukon Gold or waxy potatoes (like new potatoes or red potatoes), peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons curry powder - Japanese-style or mild curry powder
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the diced carrots and potatoes to the pan. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to start softening.
- Sprinkle the curry powder, garam masala, and flour over the vegetables. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices and flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes to let the spices bloom and the flour cook slightly.
- Gradually add the broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once all the broth is added, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and honey (or sugar). Stir well to combine.
- Let the curry sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the frozen peas to the sauce and cook for another 5 minutes until they are heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the curry sauce over a bed of rice with a crispy katsu cutlet on top. Enjoy your delicious Katsu Curry!
Nutrition:
Tips for Perfect Katsu Curry:
- Achieving the Perfect Cutlet Crunch: To ensure your katsu cutlet is extra crispy, use panko breadcrumbs, which are coarser and lighter than regular breadcrumbs. For maximum crunch, consider double-breading: dip the cutlet in flour, then egg, coat with panko, and repeat the egg and panko step. Let the breaded cutlets rest in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before frying — this helps the coating adhere better and crisps up beautifully.
- Balancing the Flavors: Taste the curry sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you want more saltiness, add a little extra soy sauce. For a touch more sweetness, a dash of honey or sugar can do the trick. Remember, Japanese curry is all about a harmonious balance of flavors, so feel free to make it your own!
- Thickening the Sauce: If you find the sauce too thin, continue simmering it uncovered to allow it to reduce and thicken. If it becomes too thick, add a bit more broth, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
A Few Words from the Chef
Cooking this Japanese Katsu Curry has been an exciting dive into the comforting and delicious world of Japanese cuisine. What I love most about this dish is its wonderful balance of savory, sweet, and subtly spiced flavors, and how versatile it is to customize. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, swap out the protein for chicken, pork, or tofu, or adjust the thickness and spice level of the curry sauce to suit your taste.
Whether you follow this recipe to the letter or add your own unique twist, every plate of Katsu Curry will bring a sense of warmth and satisfaction to your table. The joy of cooking comes from making each recipe your own, so go ahead and tailor this Katsu Curry to fit your flavor preferences!
Subscribe to my recipe website to get updates on new and exciting recipes directly in your mailbox. There’s much more in store, particularly my cherished Polish home recipes, along with a diverse range of dishes from various cuisines – I have a passion for cooking foods from all around the world. For exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses of my culinary adventures and photography, be sure to follow me on Instagram. Also, check out my TikTok to see how I cultivate some of the fresh ingredients used in my recipes, offering a unique farm-to-table experience.
Discover more from Chefs Binge
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I’ve just made this today! It’s a delicious dish and all of the ingredients are ones I’ve already had in my fridge/pantry. What an excellent way to make a rainy day meal! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️