Japanese Keema Curry
This hearty Japanese keema curry transforms simple ground pork and vegetables into the ultimate comfort food. With its rich, savory flavor profile featuring curry roux, tonkatsu sauce, and aromatic vegetables, this one-pot wonder delivers authentic Japanese comfort in every spoonful.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 485kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 onion 200 g, finely chopped
- 1 rib celery 57 g, finely chopped
- ½ carrot 100 g, finely chopped
- 6 shiitake mushrooms chopped (optional)
- 1 lb ground pork or beef/chicken
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- Black pepper freshly ground
- 1 cup chicken stock or vegetable stock
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp Japanese curry powder
- 2 cubes Japanese curry roux about 50 g
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp tonkatsu sauce
- Cooked Japanese short-grain rice
- Fried eggs optional
Instructions
- Heat neutral oil in a large pan over medium heat. Stir-fry onion, celery, carrot, and mushrooms until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add ground pork, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook until meat is browned and cooked through, breaking up any large chunks, about 8-10 minutes.
- Pour in chicken stock and water. Bring to a simmer and cook until vegetables are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in curry powder, curry roux cubes, butter, ketchup, and tonkatsu sauce. Simmer while stirring until roux dissolves completely and mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Serve hot over steamed Japanese short-grain rice, topped with fried eggs if desired.
Notes
Japanese curry roux cubes can be found in Asian grocery stores or online; brands like Golden Curry or Vermont Curry work well
For a deeper flavor, add the curry powder earlier with the vegetables to bloom the spices
The curry can be made ahead and reheated; it actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld
Substitute ground meat with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version
Adjust thickness by adding more water for thinner consistency or simmering longer for thicker curry
Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months
Nutrition
Calories: 485kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 890mg | Potassium: 485mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g