Instant Pot Japanese Beef Curry Recipe – FOOD is Four Letter Word (2024)

FAQs

What is Japanese curry called? ›

Japanese curry (カレー, karē) is commonly served in three main forms: curry over rice (カレーライス, karē raisu), curry udon (curry over thick noodles), and curry bread (カレーパン, karē pan) (a curry-filled pastry).

Japanese curry is meant to be mild. Even the commercially bought ones that are labeled hot are not very spicy. Two spices that can bump up the heat without changing the flavour are cayenne and black pepper. A little cayenne pepper goes a long way so be sure to add just a pinch at a time.

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.

Curry rice has undergone a cultural transformation, initially being seen as an exotic western food due to its introduction to Japan by officers of the British Navy, ultimately becoming the popular comfort food made in homes all over Japan.

Katsu Curry

The most popular curry dish in Japan, katsu kare, consists of a deep-fried, breaded cutlet (katsu) served over rice with a thick, fragrant sauce. The cutlet is typically made with pork or chicken, and the sauce contains a variety of spices, including turmeric, cumin, and ginger.

Beef chuck or shoulder: These cuts are commonly used in Japanese curry due to their balance of tenderness and robust flavor. They break down beautifully during cooking, infusing the curry with their rich taste.

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.

What is f*ckujinzuke. A customary item for Japanese curry, f*ckujinzuke (福神漬) is a type of Tsukemono, Japanese pickled vegetables. The pickles are easily recognizable for its eye-catching red color as they sit atop in almost every curry dish.

Overall, Japanese curry, when prepared with a focus on wholesome ingredients and dietary balance, can be a delicious part of a healthy diet. It's a perfect example of how traditional dishes can be adapted to meet modern nutritional needs, providing both soulful satisfaction and tangible health benefits.

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.

Why is Japanese curry brown? ›

The European roux base is what gives Japanese curry its deep brown color. To this distinctly Western stew base is added classic Western stew ingredients — wheat to thicken, beef or chicken, carrots, potatoes, and peas.

A hearty amount of fenugreek adds sweet elements, and the inclusion of cumin combined with the turmeric adds the colour and aroma often associated with the popular idea of curry.

“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.

As opposed to Thai curries, which are often made with coconut milk, and Indian curries, which often contain cream, the Japanese curry relies on a roux to thicken it up.

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.

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.

S&B Golden Curry is a boxed form of Japanese curry, a dish that's extremely popular in Japan and Korea. While curry sauce mixes can often be found in powder form, S&B Golden Curry Sauce Mix comes in a bar, similar to a chocolate bar, with squares meant to be broken apart.

The dish was originally called Katsuretsu Curry which we now know as Katsu Curry. The word katsu, which simply means “fried cutlet” in Japanese, is a piece of breaded fried meat.

Japanese curry is relatively mild compared to its Asian counterparts because it is made of an harmonious blend of curry powder and spices in which no particular ingredient stands out. Slightly sweet ingredients such as sautéed onions, grated apples, carrots or honey are also usually added to add sweetness and umami.