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Japanese curry rice is a popular and comforting dish featuring tender meat and vegetables simmered in a mildly sweet and savory curry sauce, served over steamed white rice. Originally inspired by British cuisine during the Meiji era, it has become a beloved staple in Japanese homes. Easy to prepare with common ingredients and versatile enough for many variations, this dish is perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 400 g chicken thighs, cut into chunks or beef/pork
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small apple, grated optional
- 3 cups water
- 1 block Japanese curry roux
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp honey optional
- Steamed Japanese short-grain white rice, for serving
- Fukujinzuke or rakkyo pickles optional
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft and golden, about 8–10 minutes.
- Add the chicken pieces and brown lightly on all sides.
- Add the carrots and potatoes, then pour in the water. Bring to a gentle boil, skimming off any foam that forms.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Break the curry roux into chunks and stir into the pot until completely dissolved and the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the grated apple, soy sauce, and honey (if using). Simmer for another 5–10 minutes on low heat.
- Serve hot over steamed rice with pickles on the side if desired.
Notes
Curry rice in Japan: A delicious bowl of nostalgia 🍛
If you’ve ever spent any time in Japan—or even just browsed the menu of a Japanese restaurant—you’ve probably seen kare raisu, or Japanese curry rice. It’s one of those meals that feels like home: simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying. You’ll find it everywhere—from school cafeterias and family kitchens to military bases and casual diners.
So what exactly is Japanese curry rice? In short, it's a comforting dish made with chunks of meat and vegetables simmered in a thick, mildly sweet curry sauce, all served over a warm bed of steamed white rice. But that description barely scratches the surface of what makes this dish so beloved across Japan.
A bit of background: Not quite what you’d expect 🇯🇵
While many associate curry with India or Southeast Asia, the Japanese version has a very different origin. In fact, curry made its way to Japan during the late 1800s via British influence, when the country was opening up to the West during the Meiji Restoration. What began as a foreign curiosity was quickly adopted and transformed to suit local tastes, eventually becoming a full-fledged national favorite. Unlike the spice-packed and fiery curries of South Asia, Japanese curry is mellower—some might even call it “gentle.” It’s usually made with store-bought curry roux blocks, which help create its signature stew-like texture. Think of it as the Japanese answer to beef stew, but with a hint of sweetness and a rich, savory depth.What goes into it? 🥕🥔🍗
Every household has its own version of curry rice, but there are some ingredients you’ll see again and again:- Meat – Usually beef, pork, or chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Onions, carrots, and potatoes – The classic veggie trio.
- Curry roux – Sold in blocks, made from a blend of flour, oil, and spices.
- Optional sweetness – A grated apple, a spoonful of honey, or even mashed banana.
- Rice – Always white, sticky short-grain rice.
Fun variations to try 🍤🍛🧀
- Katsu curry – Top your curry rice with a crispy breaded pork or chicken cutlet.
- Seafood curry – Swap meat for shrimp, squid, or white fish.
- Vegetarian curry – Use seasonal veggies like eggplant, spinach, and sweet potato.
- Cheese curry – Add grated cheese on top for a rich, creamy finish.
- Spicy curry – Add chili oil or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Why people love it ❤️
Japanese curry doesn’t try to be flashy—it’s simple, cozy, and endlessly comforting. It brings families together around the dinner table and warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re eating it in a school lunch tray or at home on a rainy evening, curry rice is a dish full of heart and flavor. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in Japan—and maybe it’ll become one of yours, too.
