Craving for something crunchy yet saucy at the same time? That’s what Japanese chicken katsu curry is all about!
Seasoned with just salt and pepper, the chicken katsu is deep-fried to a perfect golden brown color. The secret to its crispy texture is the flour and egg dip, followed by the panko breadcrumb that creates a delicate, crunchy crust when fried. The panko breadcrumbs, being airier than the regular ones, don’t absorb much oil and help create a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
Now, let’s talk about the gravy that takes the chicken katsu to a whole new level of experience!
The curry features a signature Japanese style of mild spices that delivers a rich and comforting flavor while keeping the chicken star of the dish. With seasonal veggies like carrots and potatoes added to the mix, the curry gains extra nutrition, while flour thickens the sauce to a rich, gravy-like consistency. The mild- almost sweet flavor of the curry offers warmth rather than heat to the dish, making it the perfect meal for those sick days when you need something soothing!
What Is A Japanese Katsu Curry Recipe?
Katsu curry is a popular dish in Japan that combines crispy fried cutlets with a mild, thick sauce that’s served over rice. The word ‘katsu’ refers to cutlets that are deep-fried and come with a golden, crispy coating. The most common meats that are used in katsu curries are chicken and beef, which are also accompanied by vegetables such as onions, potatoes, and carrots. Unlike traditional curries, Japanese chicken katsu curry uses a blend of milder spices that give the gravy a creamy consistency without packing any heat.
Katsu, being the main ingredient of the dish, is typically seasoned with salt and pepper before coated in flour, dipped in egg mixture, and then covered in panko breadcrumbs. The cutlets are then deep-fried in hot oil until they are crispy and golden brown in color.
While the katsu is fried to perfection, the curry gravy is prepared with sauteed onion, garlic, ginger, carrots, and potatoes, along with some spice powders. A splash of vegetable stock adds depth to the dish, and flour thickens the sauce to a thick consistency. As a finishing touch, the fried katsu is sliced into strips and placed alongside the rich and flavorful curry sauce and served with steaming rice on the side.
Tips For Perfecting The Chicken Katsu Curry At Home
Is this your first time trying Japanese chicken katsu? It’s completely okay to feel intimidated then! The recipe is, after all, not a dish that we cook most often(unless you are Japanese, of course!). The process is pretty straightforward, yet you might find some hiccups along the way if you are unfamiliar with selecting the right chicken cut, deep frying, or balancing the flavors in curry sauce.
To help you move past these issues and perfect the chicken katsu curry at home, here are some tips you might need for this recipe:
Select The Right Cut
Chicken being the star of the dish, it’s essential to choose the proper cut of this meat for a perfect katsu curry.
My favorite cut for this recipe is boneless, skinless chicken breast! With an even thickness all over its surface, the chicken breast cooks very easily and uniformly. Pound the chicken as per the recipe instructions, and your hard work will pay off in crispy golden brown katsu curry that’s incredibly delicious!
Coat Breadcrumb Properly
The secret behind the chicken’s crispiness is in the coating process! After seasoning with salt and pepper, the chicken gets dipped into the egg mixture, flour, and panko breadcrumbs. The flour and the egg mixture work as binding agents to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
Make sure to keep your hands dry while switching between wet and dry ingredients.
Fry It Up!
Choose oils with high smoking points, like canola or vegetable oil, for this recipe. Once the chicken is appropriately coated, please place them in the hot oil using tongs to avoid splashing one by one. The pan needs to be large enough to accommodate the chicken without overcrowding.
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Do you love the rich, comforting taste of the gravy but want to stay away from the heat that typically comes along with it? Then this Japanese chicken katsu curry is the perfect dish for you!
The aromatic spice powder used in this curry helps balance the richness of the sauce while the sugar tones down the heat. The result is a sweet, mild-flavored gravy that leaves room for the crispy chicken to shine beautifully! Served over steamed rice and a side of fresh vegetables, the chicken katsu curry gives a mix of crispy and savory flavor in every mouthful!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Make The Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry Spicy?
Yes, absolutely! You can increase the curry’s spiciness by adding chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper while preparing the gravy.
How To Make This Japanese Curry Dish Gluten-Free?
As panko breadcrumbs and soy sauce contain gluten in them, you can substitute them with gluten-free breadcrumbs and coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
How To Freeze Chicken Katsu Curry?
You can store this dish for up to 2 months by freezing the curry and chicken katsu separately. Please keep the curry in an airtight container and wrap the chicken pieces in plastic wrap before you put them in the freezer.
Is There A Healthier Version Of Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry?
You can make this dish healthier by baking the chicken pieces instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the chicken for 20 minutes until it’s golden and cooked through.
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