Japanese Curry Rice is a beloved dish in Japan, known for its rich, thick curry sauce served over steamed rice. This version simplifies the process for a single serving, focusing on ease and accessibility while maintaining the comforting and hearty essence of the dish.
Japanese Curry Rice
Ingredients
Ingredients for Japanese curry roux:
Instructions
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*Prepare Vegetables and Protein:* Dice the onion, carrot, and potato into small pieces. If using protein, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
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*Sauté Vegetables:* Heat oil in a small pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and potato, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
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*Cook Protein:* If using protein, add it to the pot and cook until lightly browned.
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*Add Water and Curry Roux:* Pour water into the pot, bringing it to a boil. Lower the heat, add the curry roux cube, and stir until fully dissolved. Simmer until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened, about 15 minutes.
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*Season:* Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary.
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*Serve:* Place cooked rice in a bowl. Pour the curry over the rice, ensuring a generous amount of sauce and vegetables.
Instructions for Japanese curry roux:
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Melt Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Add Flour: Put in the flour and keep stirring it all the time to make a thick paste. This process helps to mix the flour and fat well, which is essential for thickening sauces and soups. Cook for about 10 minutes until it turns golden brown.
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Add Spices: Mix in the curry powder, garam masala, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.
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Simmer: Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
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Season: Add soy sauce and black pepper, stirring to incorporate.
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Cool and Store: Remove from heat. Let it cool, then store in an airtight container. Use as a base for Japanese curry dishes.
Note
- Feel free to add more vegetables or proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu.
- This recipe uses store-bought curry roux for simplicity. Look for it in Asian supermarkets.
- For an authentic experience, pair it with pickled radishes or a simple side salad.