What is Japanese Curry?
Japanese curry, also known as “kare” (カレー) in Japan, is a popular and delicious dish that has become a staple of Japanese cuisine. It is a unique variation of curry that differs from the curries found in other parts of the world, such as Indian or Thai curries. Japanese curry is milder and sweeter in flavor, making it suitable for a wide range of palates, including children.
The main components of Japanese curry typically include:
- Curry Roux: The base of Japanese curry is a pre-made curry roux, which is a mixture of flour, oil, and various spices, including turmeric, cumin, coriander, and more. The roux gives the curry its distinct thick texture and flavor.
- Meat and Vegetables: Commonly, Japanese curry is prepared with meat, such as beef, chicken, or pork. It can also be made with seafood or just vegetables for vegetarian versions. Common vegetable additions include potatoes, carrots, onions, and sometimes sweet potatoes or bell peppers.
- Broth: Water or stock is used to create the curry’s liquid base. Some recipes might also use dashi (a traditional Japanese broth made from fish and seaweed) to enhance the flavor.
- Additional Flavorings: Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sometimes honey or apple are used to further season and balance the curry’s taste.
Japanese curry is easy to prepare and is often served with white rice. It can be found in various forms, including:
- Kare Raisu: Curry served with rice, a common Japanese comfort food.
- Kare Udon or Kare Soba: Curry served with thick wheat udon noodles or buckwheat soba noodles, respectively.
- Kare Pan: Curry bread, where the curry is wrapped in dough and deep-fried, creating a crispy and tasty snack.
Japanese curry is loved by people of all ages in Japan and has also gained popularity worldwide. It is a perfect representation of how Japanese cuisine has taken elements from other cultures and adapted them to create unique and delicious dishes of its own.
How to make Japanese Curry
Click on the thumbnail or https://youtu.be/vRfAf4PQFhg to watch my cooking video.