Japanese curry is a rich, flavorful dish that has become a beloved comfort food for many around the world. The base of any good Japanese curry is the curry powder or roux that provides its distinctive taste and aroma.
Choosing the right Japanese curry powder or roux is essential to achieving an authentic flavor. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which one to select.
S&B Curry Powder, Oriental
This S&B Curry Powder brings out flavor in beef, chicken, fish, egg dishes and rice dishes. The ingredients include turmeric, coriander, fenugreek, cumin, red pepper, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, star anise, cloves, cardamom, fennel, nutmeg, laurel leaves, allspice and garlic. With this versatile Japanese curry powder, you can easily prepare personalized curry dishes to your taste. It provides a warm and vigorous taste to dishes it's added to.
The powder has a seasoned spicy flavor with natural sweetness from the blended spices. The powder is useful for curry rice, curry pasta, curry chicken, potato salad and coleslaw. With S&B Curry Powder, you can make delicious homemade curry to enjoy with family and friends.
Key Features:
- Contains 31 spices including turmeric, coriander, cumin and ginger
- Adds rich flavor to meat, rice and vegetable dishes
- Allows you to customize your own curry creation
What We Like:
- Warms up any dish with robust spice flavor
- Balanced blend of spices creates sweetness
- Easy to make homemade curry rice and other recipes
YAMASAN KYOTO UJI Vegan Curry Powder
This vegan and gluten-free Yamasan Kyoto Uji curry powder contains no animal ingredients or MSG. The blend of 15 natural spices provides a mildly spicy, umami Japanese curry flavor. It's made using vegetable purees like tomato, apricot, onions and garlic instead of powders to bring out a more authentic taste. The curry powder is crafted with care using traditional methods by skilled artisans.
The product brings the rich flavors of Japanese home cooking. It's easy to use and blend into recipes like curry rice, curry pasta, coleslaw, hot pot and curry pies. The curry powder is versatile for vegan or vegetarian cooks to make many creative recipes. The blend of millet flour and spices enhances the taste while supporting a healthy lifestyle.
Key Features:
- Vegan and gluten-free Japanese curry with no MSG
- Made with 15 selected natural spices for seasoning
- Crafted using traditional techniques by skilled artisans
What We Like:
- Authentic Japanese curry taste at home
- Mildly spicy and full of umami flavor
- Easy to use in many plant-based recipes
Hachi Japanese Style Curry Roux
Hachi Japanese Style Curry Roux is a spicy powdered curry made with 31 kinds of spices. This versatile Japanese curry roux comes in a powder form rather than solid cubes, so it can be used in many dishes. The powder contains a blend of spices that provide a warm, robust flavor to whatever it's added to.
With its variety of spices, this curry roux powder brings an authentic Japanese curry taste. It's easy to prepare personalized curries to your taste using the versatile powder. You just need to add your own choice of meat and vegetables. This tasty traditional Japanese curry is perfect for rice dishes, noodle dishes and more.
Key Features:
- Powder form allows versatile use in recipes
- Made with 31 different spices for flavor
- Provides authentic Japanese curry taste
What We Like:
- Warm, spicy flavor enhances dishes
- Customizable to your taste preferences
- Easy to prepare homemade Japanese curry
NY SPICE SHOP Japanese Curry Powder
The NY Spice Shop Japanese Curry Powder features a quick and easy blend perfect for adding to Indian-inspired dishes, scrambles, sauces and more. With turmeric and mustard, this curry powder provides a warm, vigorous taste to enhance the flavor of chicken, pork, beef and veggie dishes.
You can conveniently make your own customized curry powder blends at home with this product. NY Spice Shop's recipe balances spices to bring food flavors to life. Use the mild curry spice mix for easy weeknight cooking and for marinades. The curry powder is carefully packaged in a hygienic facility.
Key Features:
- Allows custom blends at home
- Made with turmeric, mustard and a spice balance
- Packaged in a hygienic controlled facility
What We Like:
- Brings warmth and flavor to various dishes
- Easy to use for weeknight cooking
- Can customize flavors to your taste
Unpretentious Japanese Curry Powder
This traditional blend from Unpretentious Baker provides a sweet and mild Japanese curry taste. The curry powder is meant to create rich curries. With versatile use, it can enhance the flavor of soups, sauces, stews, marinades and more.
Unpretentious Japanese Curry Powder makes it easy to start cooking up some delicious curries. The product provides traditional curry spice flavors to complement your recipes. The blend allows you to bring the taste of Japan to your kitchen creations.
Key Features:
- Sweet, mild flavor provides traditional taste
- Use in curries, soups, sauces, marinades and stews
- Brings Japanese curry flavors to recipes
What We Like:
- Easy to make rich, flavorful curries
- Versatile for use in many dishes
- Provides authentic Japanese curry spice
Premium Japanese Curry Powder
This premium Japanese curry powder comes from the original Jiyuken Osaka restaurant blend. The curry powder provides an authentic Japanese curry taste. It's meant to be used as a complement to enhance pre-made curry flavor. The product allows you to add a traditional Japanese curry kick to your homemade dishes.
With versatile use, the Japanese curry powder can spice up any prepared curry sauce. It also works well when added to soups, sauces and stews. The premium spice blend makes it simple to incorporate genuine Japanese flavors into your cooking.
Key Features:
- Authentic Jiyuken Osaka restaurant blend
- Provides traditional Japanese curry taste
- Use to enhance flavor of prepared curries
What We Like:
- Adds genuine Japanese curry kick
- Versatile to spice up many dishes
- Easy way to add Japanese flavor
S&B Golden Curry Sauce Mix
S&B Golden Curry Sauce Mix features a rich aroma of spices and herbs. The curry blocks contain curry powder, flour, seasonings and spices. Just add the blocks to your stew to instantly transform it into curry. The well-balanced mellow and spicy flavor suits most tastes. The mix has no meat ingredients and works well with rice, noodles, bread and more.
By using the S&B sauce mix, you can quickly make fine homemade curry. The blocks provide an easy way to whip up Japanese-style curry packed with seasoning. The convenient curry cubes are versatile for making all kinds of curry recipes.
Key Features:
- Instantly transforms stew into curry
- Contains flour, spices and curry powder
- Well-balanced mellow and spicy
What We Like:
- Quick and easy authentic curry
- Rich aroma and tasty spices
- Allows versatile curry recipes
CoCo Ichibanya Curry House Spice
This CoCo Ichibanya curry spice comes directly from the popular Japanese curry restaurant. The authentic restaurant blend contains a variety of seasoning spices. It's meant to be used as a complement for enhancing prepared CoCo's curry. Just a spoonful can add an extra kick of heat and depth to your homemade curry.
The versatile Japanese curry spice allows you to customize the flavor of your CoCo's curry singles. By using the authentic Japanese restaurant blend, you can achieve the true CoCo Ichibanya curry taste at home. The convenient spice makes it easy to whip up genuine Japanese curry.
Key Features:
- Authentic CoCo Ichibanya restaurant blend
- Adds heat and depth to prepared curries
- Allows customizing curry flavor at home
What We Like:
- Brings true CoCo's flavor to your kitchen
- Convenient way to enhance curry
- Easy to achieve authentic taste
MASI MASA Japanese Gold Curry
MASI MASA Japanese Gold Curry features a gluten-free, vegan blend with no artificial ingredients. Crafted from 15 spices like turmeric, cardamom and cinnamon, it has a sweet, mild Japanese curry taste. The powder contains no soy, dairy or nuts. It's easy to use for making fast weeknight curry meals from the recipes provided.
The natural curry spice blend brings the authentic flavors of Japan for easy homemade cooking. It provides a healthy, flavorful alternative with no MSG or preservatives. The convenient Japanese curry powder allows you to quickly prepare delicious family dinners.
Key Features:
- Gluten-free, vegan curry blend
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- 15 spices provide authentic taste
What We Like:
- Fast and easy weeknight curry meals
- Healthy alternative with natural spices
- Brings Japanese flavors to your kitchen
Handmade Curry Powder Set
The Handmade Curry Powder Set contains 20 kinds of spices stuffed in a pouch. By following the included recipes, you can make authentic Japanese curry at home. The provided spices and simple instructions make it easy to whip up full-flavored curry. The longer the ripening time, the richer the final curry taste will be.
This product allows you to cook homemade curry packed with flavor. With the proper curry powder ratio, it helps anyone achieve a genuine curry creation. The set offers an approachable way to start making spice-based curries full of taste. You can arrange the included spices to make your own original recipes.
Key Features:
- 20 spices for homemade curry
- Ripening enhances final flavor
- Recipes provide easy instructions
What We Like:
- Allows real homemade curry taste
- Provides proper spice ratio
- Makes curry cooking accessible
Buying Guide for Japanese Curry Powder
When embarking on making true Japanese curry, the first step is finding the right curry powder or roux. This forms the base layer of flavors that distinguishes Japanese curry from other curry styles. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a Japanese curry powder or roux:
Types of Japanese Curry Powder and Roux
The main types of Japanese curry powder and roux available are:
1. Curry Powder
Curry powder comes as a dry seasoning mix to add to your curry dishes. It typically contains spices like turmeric, coriander, cumin, and fenugreek as well as thickeners like flour. Japanese curry powder has a distinct blend of spices tailored to Japanese tastes.
Benefits of curry powder include ease of storage and ability to control thickness. Drawbacks are the need to blend ingredients and cook longer.
2. Curry Roux Blocks
These pre-made blocks contain spices, thickeners, and other ingredients blended together. The roux blocks are designed to melt into dishes, creating the body and gravy. Roux blocks provide convenience but limit flexibility for thickness.
3. Curry Paste
Curry paste has a thick, concentrated texture. It contains the spice mix and thickeners in a versatile form that dissolves easily. Paste can provide flavor and thickness conveniently. Amount used controls level of thickness.
Spice Blend
The specific spice blend is what makes Japanese curry unique. Look for products containing spices like turmeric, ginger, coriander, cumin, garlic, fenugreek, and chili peppers. The balance of spices distinguishes the flavor profile.
Thickeners
Thickeners like flour, roux, or starch provide the characteristic body of Japanese curry. They thicken the sauce and allow it to coat ingredients. The level of thickness can impact flavor intensity.
Heat Level
Japanese curry powders and roux come in mild, medium hot, and hot varieties. The spiciness level affects the overall flavor experience. Evaluate your preferences when selecting.
Quality Ingredients
Higher quality spices, thickeners, and other ingredients lead to better taste. Look for products using fresh, authentic components instead of artificial additives or fillers.
Brands
Popular Japanese curry brands include S&B, House, Java, and Kokumaro. Trying different brands allows you to find your favorites. Established Japanese brands offer balanced blends tailored for Japanese curry.
Personal Taste
In the end, finding a Japanese curry base comes down to your individual taste preferences. Factors like spice level, thickness, and overall flavor profile are personal. Tasting different options can help determine your ideal match.
The process of selecting the right Japanese curry powder or roux may take some trial and error. Keep these key factors in mind as you test products to find your perfect base. Taking the time to find a curry powder or roux that suits your tastes will be rewarded with authentic, delicious Japanese curry.
FAQ
What makes Japanese curry unique?
Several key factors distinguish Japanese curry from other curry styles:
- Spice blend - The mix of spices like turmeric, coriander, cumin, and chili peppers creates a distinct flavor profile tailored to Japanese tastes.
- Thick gravy - Japanese curry is known for its rich, thick sauce or gravy that clings to the ingredients. Thickeners like flour or roux provide this texture.
- Milder heat - While heat levels vary, Japanese curries typically have a milder spiciness compared to Indian curries, for example.
- Ingredients - Common proteins are chicken, beef, pork, or seafood. Vegetables like onions, carrots, and potatoes are standard.
- Toasted spices - The spices are briefly toasted to bring out deeper, more complex flavors.
This combination makes the flavor, texture, and aroma uniquely Japanese curry.
What's the difference between curry powder and curry roux?
The main differences between curry powder and roux are:
- Curry powder is a dried spice mix that you add directly to dishes. Curry roux is a pre-made paste or block that melts into the curry.
- Using curry powder requires you to blend ingredients and simmer the curry longer to develop flavor. Curry roux speeds up the process.
- Curry powder offers flexibility to adjust thickness as desired. Curry roux blocks determine thickness.
- Curry powder has a longer shelf life. Curry roux blocks should be refrigerated after opening.
- Both contain the signature Japanese curry spices, but the blending process differs.
The choice depends on convenience needs versus customization preferences. Either can provide authentic Japanese curry flavor.
What ratio of water to roux should be used?
The ideal water to roux ratio depends on the desired thickness, but some general guidelines are:
- Thick curry: 1:1 ratio of water to roux by weight. Equal parts water and roux.
- Medium curry: 1.5:1 to 2:1 ratio. 1.5 to 2 times as much water as roux.
- Thin curry: 2:1 to 3:1. 2 to 3 times as much water as roux.
Test different ratios to find your preferred thickness. Adjust the amount of roux to achieve the desired consistency. Use less roux for thinner or more for thicker curry.
What ingredients are in Japanese curry powder?
Typical ingredients in Japanese curry powder include:
- Spices - Turmeric, coriander, cumin, garlic, fenugreek, chili peppers
- Thickeners - Flour, cornstarch, roux
- Flavorings - Onions, ginger, curry leaves, sauce powder
- Colorings - Caramel coloring, annatto
- Others - Vegetable oil, salt, sugar
The exact blend and proportions vary by brand but focus on spices complementing the signature Japanese curry flavor profile.
How do you use curry paste?
Here are some tips for using Japanese curry paste:
- Sauté aromatic ingredients like onions, garlic, and ginger before adding the paste.
- Whisk the paste into boiling water or broth until fully incorporated.
- Use 1-2 tablespoons per serving as a general guideline depending on the thickness desired.
- Simmer the paste for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
- Add proteins and vegetables and continue simmering until cooked through.
- Adjust thickness by adding more paste for thicker curry or water for thinner.
- Refrigerate leftover paste in an airtight container for up to a week.
Curry paste provides a quick, easy way to make Japanese curry from scratch.
Conclusion
Perfectly crafted Japanese curry begins with thoughtfully choosing the right curry powder or roux. Seek out a blend that aligns with your preferences for spice level, thickness, ingredients, and overall flavor.
Testing different options from reputable brands like S&B, House, and Java can help you determine your ideal match.
References:
- S&B Foods: This website provides information about Japanese curry culture and the different types of curry available. https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/curry/culture/
- JustHungry: This website provides a formula for making Japanese curry powder, including the key ingredients and their proportions. https://justhungry.com/formula-making-japanese-curry-powder
- No Recipes: This website provides a recipe for making Japanese curry powder at home, including a list of ingredients and instructions. https://norecipes.com/how-to-make-japanese-curry-powder/
- Wikipedia: This page provides general information about curry powder, including its history and key ingredients. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curry_powder
- Atlas Obscura: This article discusses the history of curry in Japan, including its introduction by the British navy and its evolution into a popular dish. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/japanese-curry-history
- Just One Cookbook: This website provides information about S&B curry powder, the most popular brand in Japan, and how it is made. https://www.justonecookbook.com/japanese-curry-powder/