17 Japanese Curry Recipes You Have To Try

Updated by Louise Cutler on August 16, 2025

Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors of Japan’s unique take on curry! This collection of easy-to-make, filling, and mouthwatering Japanese curry recipes is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The Japanese have taken the classic Indian dish and given it their own special twist, making it a must-try for any curry enthusiast. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or hearty and comforting, there’s a recipe here that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

From udon and ramen to curry rice and katsudon, this collection has something for everyone. So go ahead, bookmark this article, and let me know what you think of these delicious Japanese curry recipes!

Japanese Chicken Curry

Japanese Chicken Curry

Looking for a simple yet flavorful addition to your meal repertoire? This Japanese chicken curry is an ideal choice. The classic Kare raisu (curry rice) recipe combines tender chicken, carrots, and potatoes in a rich and savory curry sauce with just the right amount of heat. To fully appreciate its delightful combination, be sure to serve it alongside a warm plate of steaming hot rice.

Japanese Curry Roux

Japanese Curry Roux

While many recipes in this collection rely on the convenience of store-bought curry roux, it’s understandable that some users may not have access to this product. As such, creating a homemade version of curry roux can be a game-changer for those looking to add authentic curry flavors to their dishes.

By combining toasted spices like cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon with the warm, aromatic notes of garam masala, among others, it’s possible to create a rich and complex curry flavor profile that rivals its store-bought counterpart.

Katsu Curry (Japanese Curry with Chicken Cutlet)

Japanese curries are a culinary delight, and one dish stands out as my top pick: katsu. I’m actually making it for dinner tonight! For the uninitiated, katsu refers to a breaded chicken cutlet that’s deep-fried until golden brown, reminiscent of its Austrian counterpart, schnitzel. But what truly elevates this comfort food is the rich and savory curry sauce that coats every bite.

Imagine the crunch of the fried exterior giving way to tender chicken and an explosion of umami flavor – it’s a match made in heaven!

Curry Udon

Curry Udon

Japanese cuisine is renowned for its rich diversity, and one dish that embodies this heritage is the humble udon. When paired with another beloved ingredient, pork, the result is a culinary masterpiece that warms the heart and satisfies the palate. Thick, starchy udon noodles are perfectly complemented by tender strips of thinly sliced pork, which together swim in a rich and aromatic curry soup.

This hearty dish is a masterclass in Japanese comfort food, boasting an abundance of flavors that will leave you feeling cozy and content.

Cozy Chicken Curry Soup

Cozy Chicken Curry Soup

Warm up with another comforting soup that’s sure to banish the chill. This indulgent curry is packed with tender chicken and an assortment of hearty vegetables, perfect for a satisfying solo meal or paired with a side of fluffy rice. Alternatively, why not try one of these delicious Japanese accompaniments to turn it into a well-rounded and filling meal?

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Vegan Japanese Curry

Vegan Japanese Curry

Curry’s bold flavor profile allows it to shine even without meat, making it a great option for vegan and vegetarian options. Take this vegan curry, for example, which is packed with hearty mushrooms, carrots, and potatoes. What might initially raise an eyebrow – grated apples – actually brings a surprisingly complex depth to the sauce, elevating the dish as a whole.

Japanese Coco Ichibanya-Style Vegetable Curry

Japanese Coco Ichibanya-Style Vegetable Curry

If you’re looking for another delicious Japanese vegetarian dish that even meat-lovers will appreciate, look no further. The curries at Coco Ichibanya are a benchmark of excellence, and fortunately, this recipe is a remarkably good copycat, allowing you to recreate the magic in your own kitchen. This hearty curry is loaded with an array of colorful vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, and eggplant.

Not only does it make for a visually appealing dish, but its flavor profile is also incredibly satisfying. Who needs meat when you have such a vibrant and flavorful medley of veggies? The answer, clearly, is nobody.

Curry Ramen

Curry Ramen

Japanese ramen enthusiasts are spoiled for choice when it comes to the diverse array of broths available at traditional restaurants. While classics like soy sauce-based shoyu, salt-based shio, and miso-based options remain popular choices, there’s a more adventurous option that’s gained popularity in recent years: curry ramen. This unconventional twist on the classic dish is surprisingly delightful, as the richness of the curry pairs perfectly with the hearty, chewy texture of the noodles.

Japanese Beef Curry

Japanese Beef Curry

While Japanese curry recipes typically feature chicken as the protein of choice, it’s not unusual to come across variations that incorporate other types of meat. Case in point: this beef curry recipe, which offers a rich and savory flavor profile that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. The fatty, buttery notes of the beef pair beautifully with the deep umami flavors of the curry, resulting in a culinary experience that’s nothing short of indulgent.

Pork Curry Donburi

Pork Curry Donburi

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food – a curry donburi that combines the unctuous richness of pork belly with the bold flavors of savory curry and fluffy rice. This delectable dish is a masterclass in simplicity, requiring only six ingredients to come together in a mere 30 minutes. And let’s be clear: no curry donburi is complete without a generous serving of cooked rice – its presence elevates the entire experience.

Curry Doria (Japanese Curry Rice Gratin)

Curry Doria (Japanese Curry Rice Gratin)

If you’re seeking a culinary experience that diverges from the familiar donburi and kare raisu, look no further than this innovative curry rice gratin. This delectable baked dish defies borders by combining elements of an American casserole with the rich flavors of Japanese curry, resulting in a love child of a dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

Cold Curry Udon

Cold Curry Udon

Get ready to be blown away by the sheer delight that is curry udon! This refreshing treat combines chilled udon noodles with tender sliced pork, boiled egg, and a medley of crunchy vegetables – think cucumber, onions, tomatoes, and eggplant. The pièce de résistance? A rich and creamy curry sauce that wraps everything in its flavorful embrace. And the best part?

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This cold noodle dish is perfect for hot summer days, but don’t worry if you’re craving it during the winter months too – it’s just as tasty served chilled!

Pressure Cooker Japanese Seafood Curry

Pressure Cooker Japanese Seafood Curry

Savoring the harmonious union of seafood and curry, this Japanese-inspired dish is a true delight. The succulent combination of shrimp, clams, scallops, and calamari comes together in perfect synergy, like a symphony of flavors. The richness of the curry beautifully complements the natural sweetness and brininess of the shellfish, creating an irresistible culinary experience.

But that’s not all – the addition of white wine to the curry infuses the sauce with an incredible depth and complexity, elevating the dish to new heights. It’s a match made in heaven, where every bite is a masterclass in flavor balance.

Quick Japanese Curry Rice

Quick Japanese Curry Rice

This Japanese curry recipe is a game-changer for those with even the busiest of schedules. In just 30 minutes, you can have a mouth-watering dish that’s equal parts quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. The secret to its success lies in using ground beef as the protein source – it cooks and absorbs flavors at an alarming rate, making it the perfect choice for a weeknight meal.

And despite its simplicity, this curry rice is surprisingly scrumptious, with a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more.

Curry Bread (Kare Pan)

Curry Bread (Kare Pan)

Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors and textures with kare pan, a crispy fried bread filled to the brim with aromatic curry and coated with panko breadcrumbs. The exterior provides a satisfying crunch, while the interior remains tender and juicy, oozing with rich curry goodness. A must-try for anyone who shares your passion for savory delights, kare pan is incredibly versatile – simply choose your preferred type of curry to use as the filling.

For this writer’s personal favorite, it’s a close tie between various options, but chicken curry always seems to take center stage.

Pressure Cooker Japanese Curry

Pressure Cooker Japanese Curry

This hearty curry recipe is packed with tender boneless chicken thighs, potatoes, carrots, and onions. Its timeless appeal ensures a delicious meal every time. To elevate the flavors, simply add ketchup and soy sauce to the sauce, as they bring a subtle sweetness that beautifully complements the warm curry spices. While the dish is satisfying on its own thanks to the variety of vegetables, serving it with a side of rice or udon noodles takes it to the next level.

Japanese Curry Using Roux Cubes

Japanese Curry Using Roux Cubes

To round out this culinary journey, I’ll share a fundamental curry recipe that you can effortlessly modify to suit your taste buds’ whims. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – use chicken, beef, pork, or shellfish as the protein base, and complement it with an assortment of vegetables. Carrots and potatoes are tried-and-true options, but feel free to experiment with other favorites.

Now, here’s the secret ingredient that will elevate this curry from ordinary to extraordinary: caramelized onions. By incorporating these sweet, deepened morsels into your sauce, you’ll achieve a depth of flavor and a velvety consistency reminiscent of a rich gravy. This addition is nothing short of transformative – it truly is a game-changer!

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