Name: Japanese Katsu Curry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 boneless pork chops (about 1/2 inch thick); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; Neutral oil, for frying; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 onion, sliced; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 medium potatoes, chopped; 3 cups water or chicken stock; 1 package Japanese curry roux (about 3–4 cubes); Steamed Japanese rice, for serving

Why You’ll Love Japanese Katsu Curry Recipe

This Japanese katsu curry is the ultimate comfort food, balancing crunchy, golden chicken with a smooth and deeply flavorful curry sauce. It’s appoachable enough for home cooks, comes together in about an hour, and can easily be customized with different proteins or vegetables to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken katsu

boneless skinless chicken breasts
salt and black pepper
all-purpose flour
egg, lightly beaten
panko breadcrumbs
vegetable oil for frying

Japanese curry

Japanese curry roux
yellow onion
russet potato
carrot
olive oil
garlic, minced
grated apple
chicken stock
water
soy sauce
honey

To serve

cooked white rice

Directions

Prepare the chicken katsu

Butterfly and gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Prepare three shallow bowls with flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs.
Coat the chicken in flour, dip into the egg, then press firmly into the panko until fully coated.
Heat oil in a deep pan to about 170–180 °C (340–356 °F). Fry the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Rest briefly, then slice into strips.

Make the Japanese curry

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and softened.
Add the diced carrot and potato and cook for a few minutes.
Pour in the chicken stock, water, soy sauce, honey, and grated apple. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Add the Japanese curry roux and stir until melted and the sauce thickens. Simmer gently for a few more minutes.

Serve
Spoon rice onto plates, ladle the curry alongside or over the rice, and top with sliced chicken katsu.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: about 30 minutes
Cook time: about 30 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour

Variations

Protein swaps: Replace chicken with pork cutlets, tofu, or breaded vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Vegetables: Add bell peppers, peas, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes to the curry.
Spice level: Use a hotter curry roux or add chili flakes or chili oil to increase heat.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftover curry and chicken separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheat curry: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.
Reheat chicken: Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 175 °C (350 °F) to help maintain crispiness.

FAQs

What is katsu curry?

Katsu curry is a Japanese dish made with a breaded and fried cutlet served with a thick curry sauce over rice.

Can I make the curry sauce without store-bought roux?

Yes, you can make a homemade curry using spices and a flour-based roux, though store-bought roux makes the process much easier.

Is Japanese curry spicy?

Japanese curry is typically mild and slightly sweet, but spice levels can be adjusted with different roux or added chili.

What type of rice works best?

Short-grain or medium-grain rice pairs best with the thick curry sauce.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

The curry sauce can be made ahead and reheated, but the chicken is best fried fresh.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?

Avoid covering the chicken with curry until just before serving and reheat using an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave.

Can I freeze leftover katsu curry?

Yes, freeze the curry and chicken separately for up to 3 months for best quality.

What sides go well with katsu curry?

Pickled vegetables, shredded cabbage, or a simple green salad pair nicely.

Is there a vegetarian version of katsu curry?

Yes, breaded tofu or vegetables and vegetable stock can be used instead of chicken.

What gives Japanese curry its unique flavor?

Ingredients like curry roux, grated apple, soy sauce, and honey create its signature savory-sweet taste.

Conclusion

Japanese katsu curry is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers bold flavor and comforting textures in every bite. With crispy chicken, rich curry sauce, and fluffy rice, it’s a meal that feels both special and approachable, making it a great addition to any home cooking rotation.