Japanese-style chicken curry is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of curry with tender chicken and a hearty sauce. This article will guide you through the process of making this flavorful dish from scratch, using a combination of aromatic spices, vegetables, and succulent roast chicken. With its rich and savory flavors, Japanese-style chicken curry is a popular dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. So, let's dive in and learn how to make this mouthwatering dish step by step.
Ingredients
To make Japanese-style chicken curry, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 prepared roast chicken
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 onions, thickly sliced
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely grated
- 25g ginger, peeled and grated
- 45g unsalted butter
- 30g plain flour
- 1 tbsp medium curry powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 850ml vegetable stock
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp rice wine vinegar
- 500g Maris Piper potatoes, cut into eighths
- 3 large carrots, sliced on the diagonal
- Cooked short-grain white rice
- Sliced spring onions
- Japanese pickles (optional)
Method
- For the sauce, heat the oil in a large flameproof casserole or pan over a medium heat.
- Cook the onions for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Mix in the garlic and ginger, and cook gently for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
- Add the butter and, once sizzling, stir in the flour, curry powder, and garam masala.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture has darkened in color.
- Gradually ladle in the stock, stirring well after each addition.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and add the soy sauce, honey, and vinegar.
- Stir in the potatoes and carrots, then cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the vegetables are cooked.
- Season to taste, adding a splash more stock if it's too thick.
- Slice the chicken and serve with the rice.
- Spoon over the sauce and scatter over the spring onions.
- Serve with Japanese pickles, if desired.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
To start making Japanese-style chicken curry, heat the oil in a large flameproof casserole or pan over a medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook them for about 10 minutes until they become lightly golden. This will help to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance the flavor of the curry sauce.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Once the onions are golden, it's time to add the grated garlic and ginger to the pan. These aromatic ingredients will infuse the sauce with a fragrant and savory flavor. Cook the garlic and ginger gently for a couple of minutes until they become fragrant.
Step 3: Create a Roux
Next, add the unsalted butter to the pan and allow it to melt. Once the butter is sizzling, stir in the plain flour, curry powder, and garam masala. This combination of spices will give the curry sauce its distinctive flavor and aroma. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes until it has darkened in color, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
Step 4: Add the Stock
Gradually ladle in the vegetable stock, stirring well after each addition. This will help to gradually thicken the sauce and ensure a smooth consistency. Continue stirring until all the stock has been added and the sauce has reached a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add Seasonings
Now it's time to add the soy sauce, honey, and rice wine vinegar to the sauce. These ingredients will add depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the curry. The soy sauce will provide a savory umami taste, while the honey and rice wine vinegar will balance the flavors with a touch of sweetness and acidity.
Step 6: Cook the Vegetables
Stir in the potatoes and carrots, ensuring they are fully coated in the sauce. These vegetables will add texture and color to the dish, as well as provide additional nutrients. Cover the pan and let the curry simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the vegetables are cooked to your desired tenderness.
Step 7: Season to Taste
Once the sauce has thickened and the vegetables are cooked, taste the curry and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash more vegetable stock to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
To serve the Japanese-style chicken curry, slice the roast chicken and arrange it on a plate alongside a portion of cooked short-grain white rice. Spoon the flavorful sauce over the chicken and rice, and garnish with sliced spring onions for an added pop of freshness. If you like, you can also serve the curry with Japanese pickles on the side to complement the rich flavors of the dish.
Conclusion
Japanese-style chicken curry is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together the best of Japanese and Indian flavors. With its aromatic spices, tender chicken, and rich sauce, it's no wonder that this dish has become a favorite in many households. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, you can easily recreate this delicious curry at home. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and savor the wonderful flavors of Japanese-style chicken curry.