How to Make a Traditional Japanese Katsu Curry with a Panko-Crusted Cutlet?

April 18, 2024

If you have ever wondered how to recreate the magic of Japanese cuisine at home, you have come to the right place. Today, we bring you the recipe for a traditional Japanese delight, the Katsu Curry. This dish features a chicken cutlet that is tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, bathed in a rich, aromatic curry sauce, and served over fluffy rice. Let’s dive into this culinary venture!

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before you start, it’s essential to gather all the ingredients you will need to make this mouth-watering dish. Here, we will break down the recipe into three parts: the chicken Katsu, the curry sauce, and the rice.

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For the Katsu Chicken:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • Salt and black pepper to season
  • ½ cup of flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
  • Oil for frying

This list might look quite simple, doesn’t it? Yet, these few ingredients will transform into a crispy, juicy cutlet that is the star of our dish.

For the Katsu Curry Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons of oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon of flour
  • 2 cups of chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of honey

This unique mix of ingredients will create a lusciously thick curry sauce that is bursting with flavors.

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For the Rice:

  • 2 cups of Japanese short-grain rice
  • 2 ½ cups of water

The rice serves as a canvas to our dish, soaking up the delicious curry sauce and complimenting the crunchy chicken cutlet.

Preparing the Chicken Cutlets

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Then, coat them in flour, dip them in the beaten eggs, and finally roll them in panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each chicken breast is covered evenly. This process is crucial for achieving the perfect crispiness.

Next, heat the oil in a pan and fry the chicken on medium heat until golden brown and cooked throughout. This process should take about 8-10 minutes on each side. Once they are done, let them rest on a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.

Making the Curry Sauce

While the chicken is resting, you can start preparing the curry sauce. First, heat the oil in a pan and add the onions, carrots, and garlic. Cook them until they become soft, which should take about 5 minutes.

Next, add the curry powder and flour to the pan. Stir well to ensure the vegetables are coated evenly. Continue to cook for another minute.

Then, gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the soy sauce and honey, and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, or until it thickens. This is your rich, delectable curry sauce.

Cooking the Rice

The last part of our recipe is the rice. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is essential to remove the excess starch and make your rice fluffy.

Add the rice and water to a pot, cover it, and bring it to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.

Finally, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become perfectly cooked.

Assembling the Dish

To assemble the dish, start by slicing the rested chicken cutlets into thick strips. Place a mound of rice on one side of a plate, arrange the chicken cutlet next to it, and generously pour the curry sauce over both. The vibrant, golden curry sauce, the crispy chicken, and the soft, fluffy rice combine to create a visually stunning and deliciously satisfying meal.

Follow these steps and you will be able to recreate an authentic Japanese culinary experience right in your own kitchen. The key to success is to pay attention to details, take your time, and above all, enjoy the process. Happy cooking!

Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Katsu Curry

Making an exceptional Japanese Katsu curry at home involves a bit more than just having the right ingredients and following the steps in the recipe. There are a few tips and tricks that can help you get the perfect chicken katsu and curry sauce every single time.

  • Chicken Breast: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They are lean, cook evenly, and have a mild flavor that allows the other elements of the dish to shine.
  • Breading: The breading process is key for a crispy chicken cutlet. Ensure your chicken is well-coated with flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Don’t rush this step; take your time to get it right.
  • Frying: While you can use an air fryer for a healthier version, deep frying in oil gives the chicken katsu its signature crispy texture. Remember not to overcrowd the pan; this can lower the oil temperature and result in a soggy cutlet.
  • Curry Roux: The base for the curry sauce is known as the roux, which is a mixture of flour and fat. Cooking the roux over a low heat gives it a nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Seasoning: Salt and pepper may seem simple, but they are vital for seasoning the chicken and the curry sauce. Don’t be afraid to use them liberally.
  • Time: This is not a dish that you can rush. Give yourself enough time to prepare the ingredients, cook the dish, and allow the flavors to develop.

By following these tips and tricks, you can master the art of making a traditional Japanese Katsu curry that tastes as good as it looks!

Conclusion

Mastering the creation of a traditional Japanese Katsu Curry may initially seem like a daunting task, but with the right ingredients, careful preparation, and a little bit of time, anyone can bring this authentic taste of Japan into their own kitchen.

This dish, with its tender chicken cutlets coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and enveloped in a rich, flavorful curry sauce, is a delight for the senses. The key is in the details: carefully seasoning the chicken, ensuring a light, even coating of breadcrumbs, deep frying to perfection, and creating a curry sauce that’s packed with flavor.

No matter what your level of culinary expertise, taking the time to make this dish from scratch is a rewarding experience. Not only do you get a delicious meal out of it, but you also gain a deep appreciation for the art of Japanese cooking. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make a Katsu Curry that you will be proud to serve. Happy cooking!