If you’ve ever wandered into a Japanese restaurant, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered Katsu Curry on the menu. This iconic Japanese dish has taken the world by storm with its blend of crispy breaded cutlet and rich, flavorful curry sauce. At Chefbabette, we love this dish for its comforting nature and its ability to satisfy all the senses. If you're craving a cozy, hearty meal, Katsu Curry is the answer. In this article, we’ll explore Katsu Curry, provide you with a step-by-step Japanese Katsu Curry recipe, and give you a few variations to try, so you can create the perfect Katsu Curry at home.

What Exactly is Katsu Curry?

Katsu Curry is a popular Japanese comfort food that combines two of Japan’s best-loved dishes: katsu (a breaded and deep-fried cutlet) and curry (a thick, savory sauce). It’s typically served with a side of steamed rice, creating a well-rounded and hearty meal.

While Katsu Curry originated in Japan, it has become popular in many parts of the world due to its satisfying combination of flavors and textures. The crispy texture of the breaded meat contrasts wonderfully with the rich, slightly sweet curry sauce, and the rice ties everything together to create a balanced meal.

The word katsu refers to the breaded cutlet, which can be made from pork (tonkatsu), chicken (chikin katsu), or even fish. The curry sauce is typically made from onions, carrots, and potatoes, simmered with curry powder, soy sauce, and broth. Together, these ingredients form the perfect dish to indulge in.

Key Ingredients in Katsu Curry

To make an authentic Katsu Curry, there are a few ingredients that you'll need to gather. These ingredients form the core of this beloved dish.

1. The Cutlet (Katsu)

The heart of the dish is the katsu itself, which can be made from pork, chicken, or other proteins. The meat is seasoned, coated in flour, dipped in beaten egg, and then covered with crispy panko breadcrumbs before being deep-fried to perfection. The result is a crispy, golden-brown crust with juicy, tender meat on the inside.

2. Curry Sauce

The curry sauce is what sets this dish apart from other breaded cutlet meals. Unlike spicier Indian curries, Japanese curry is usually milder, thicker, and often sweeter. It’s typically made from onions, carrots, and potatoes, and flavored with curry powder and soy sauce, giving it a rich and savory profile.

3. Rice

Finally, steamed rice is served alongside the Katsu Curry. The soft, sticky texture of short-grain rice is perfect for soaking up the delicious curry sauce and provides a neutral base for the flavorful components of the dish.

A Simple Japanese Katsu Curry Recipe to Try at Home

Making Katsu Curry at home is easier than you might think! With just a few ingredients and steps, you can create this flavorful meal right in your own kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to a delicious Japanese Katsu Curry recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Katsu:

• 2 boneless pork chops (or chicken breasts)

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Curry Sauce:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped

• 1 medium potato, peeled and chopped

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 2 tbsp curry powder

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp honey (optional)

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Rice:

• 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice

• 2 1/2 cups water

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Add the rice and water to a pot or rice cooker. Bring it to a boil and then lower the heat, covering the pot and simmering for about 20 minutes until the rice is cooked through.

Step 2: Prepare the Curry Sauce

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the chopped carrots and potatoes and cook for a few more minutes. Sprinkle in the curry powder and garam masala, allowing the spices to become fragrant for about a minute.

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, and honey (if desired). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Once the vegetables are soft, blend the sauce until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the curry sauce aside.

Step 3: Make the Katsu

Season the pork chops (or chicken breasts) with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station by placing the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes. Dip each piece of meat first into the flour, then the eggs, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs.

Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded meat into the pan and fry for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Slice the crispy cutlets into strips. Place a generous serving of rice on each plate, then lay the katsu on top. Pour the warm curry sauce over the rice and cutlet, making sure everything is nicely coated.

Garnish with some chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Fun Variations of Katsu Curry Recipes

While the classic Katsu Curry recipe is absolutely delicious, there are several fun ways to give your Katsu Curry a personal twist. Here are a few ideas to make your dish even more unique:

1. Chicken Katsu Curry

If you prefer chicken over pork, simply swap out the pork cutlet for chicken breast or thigh. The method remains the same, and you’ll still end up with a crispy, flavorful cutlet that pairs wonderfully with the curry sauce.

2. Vegetarian Katsu Curry

For a vegetarian version, use breaded tofu or plant-based cutlets. These alternatives offer a similar texture to meat-based katsu but are perfect for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. You can also load up the curry sauce with extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a hearty meal.

3. Spicy Katsu Curry

If you like a little heat, add some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or finely chopped fresh chilies to your curry sauce. You can also experiment with different types of curry powder to bring more spice to the dish.

4. Curry Udon with Katsu

For a fun twist on traditional Katsu Curry, try serving your crispy katsu over a bed of udon noodles instead of rice. The thick noodles absorb the curry sauce beautifully, making for a deliciously comforting variation.

Why You Should Try Making Katsu Curry at Home

Katsu Curry is a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying to make at home. The crispy, golden cutlet combined with the rich curry sauce and steamed rice is a meal that never disappoints. By making Katsu Curry yourself, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to adjust the flavor to suit your personal taste.

Whether you stick to the classic Japanese Katsu Curry recipe or get creative with variations, making this dish at home is a rewarding experience. Plus, it’s an excellent meal for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or any occasion where you want to enjoy a comforting, hearty dish.

Final Thoughts

Katsu Curry is a beloved dish in Japanese cuisine, and it’s easy to see why. With its satisfying combination of flavors and textures, it’s no wonder that this dish has become a worldwide favorite. At Chefbabette, we hope this guide has inspired you to try making Katsu Curry at home. Whether you’re a first-time cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a fun and delicious way to explore the flavors of Japan.

So, gather your ingredients, start cooking, and enjoy the comforting deliciousness of Katsu Curry with your loved ones. Don’t forget to let us know in the comments how your Katsu Curry turned out and if you tried any fun variations! Happy cooking from Chefbabette!