Curry Bread

Curry Bread is a delightful treat that combines the crispy texture of deep-fried dough with a savory filling of rich Japanese curry. Perfect for snacking, appetizers, or even a light meal, this dish brings the warmth and comfort of Japanese cuisine straight to your kitchen. With its chewy exterior and flavorful interior, Curry Bread is sure to impress at any gathering or simply as a comforting homemade delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Mouthwatering Flavor: The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and Japanese curry roux creates an irresistible taste that will have you coming back for more.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, making Curry Bread at home is simpler than you might think.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party, game day, or a family dinner, these curry-filled buns are always a hit!
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to adapt the filling based on your preferences – try different meats or add more veggies!
• Deep-Fried Delight: Enjoy that crispy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the soft bread and savory filling.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in achieving perfectly cooked Curry Bread.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spilling.
• Frying pan or deep fryer: Allows for even cooking and crispiness when frying the bread.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts for consistent results.

Ingredients

Curry Bread or also known as Kare Pan is literally a deep-fried crispy and chewy bread filled with rich savory Japanese curry.

For the Dough

• 2 1/4 cups bread flour
• 3/4 cup cake flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm milk
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1 egg
• Oil

For the Filling

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion
• 1 carrot
• 3 potatoes
• 0.3 lbs ground beef
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 3 cubes Japanese curry roux
• 1 cup water

For Coating

• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups panko/breadcrumbs

How to Make Curry Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent. Then add diced carrots and potatoes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften.

Step 2: Cook Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the pan. Cook until browned. Stir in soy sauce, ketchup, Japanese curry roux, and water. Let it simmer until thickened.

Step 3: Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine bread flour, cake flour, salt, warm milk, butter, sugar, yeast, and egg. Knead until smooth. Let it rise for about 90 minutes in a warm place.

Step 4: Assemble the Curry Bread

Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Flatten each piece and fill with the prepared curry filling. Pinch to seal tightly.

Step 5: Frying Time

Heat oil in a deep fryer or frying pan. Dip each filled bun in cornstarch mixed with beaten egg before coating with panko breadcrumbs. Fry until golden brown on all sides.

Enjoy your homemade Curry Bread fresh out of the fryer!

How to Serve Curry Bread

Curry bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a snack, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.

As a Snack

• Enjoy warm curry bread straight from the fryer for a delicious snack.

With Dipping Sauce

• Serve with soy sauce or tonkatsu sauce for an added layer of flavor.

In a Bento Box

• Include curry bread in a bento box alongside rice and pickled vegetables for a complete meal.

With Salad

• Pair with a fresh salad to balance the richness of the curry filling.

For Kids’ Lunchboxes

• Cut into fun shapes and serve with a side of ketchup for dipping, making it appealing to children.

How to Perfect Curry Bread

Perfecting curry bread requires attention to detail in both preparation and cooking. Here are some tips to achieve the best results.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality beef will elevate the flavor of your curry filling.
• Don’t skip resting the dough: Allowing the dough to rise adequately ensures a fluffy texture.
• Monitor oil temperature: Frying at the right temperature (around 350°F) creates a crispy exterior without overcooking the inside.
• Double-fry for extra crispiness: A quick second fry can enhance the crunch factor of your curry bread.
• Experiment with fillings: While traditional Japanese curry is delicious, feel free to try different fillings like chicken or vegetables.

Best Side Dishes for Curry Bread

Curry bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options that complement its flavors.

1. Miso Soup: A light soup made with dashi broth and miso paste adds warmth and depth.
2. Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono): These tangy pickles provide a refreshing contrast to the rich curry flavor.
3. Rice Balls (Onigiri): Simple rice balls can serve as a filling side that balances flavors.
4. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed seasonal vegetables add color and nutrition to your meal.
5. Edamame: These steamed soybeans offer protein and are easy to prepare as a side.
6. Tempura Vegetables: Crispy tempura adds another layer of texture and flavor that pairs well with curry bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Curry Bread, there are some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Using the wrong flour: Using all-purpose flour instead of bread and cake flour can alter texture. Stick to the specified flours for the best results.
• Not kneading enough: Insufficient kneading leads to dense bread. Ensure you knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
• Overfilling the bread: Filling the bread too much can cause it to burst while frying. Use just enough filling to seal properly.
• Incorrect oil temperature: Frying at too low or too high a temperature can result in soggy or burnt bread. Use a thermometer to maintain the right heat.
• Skipping the resting time: Not allowing the dough to rest hinders its rise. Be patient; let it rise until doubled in size.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure they are completely cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Curry Bread

• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Curry Bread

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bread on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Microwave on medium power for about 30 seconds, but note this may make them slightly soggy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat for 5 minutes on each side for a crispy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Curry Bread?

Curry Bread, also known as Kare Pan, is a Japanese deep-fried bread filled with savory curry. It’s loved for its crispy exterior and flavorful filling.

How do I make my own curry filling?

You can create your own filling by sautéing onions, carrots, potatoes, ground beef, and adding Japanese curry roux with water. Customize it with your favorite vegetables!

Can I bake Curry Bread instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake Curry Bread! Brush them with egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

How long does Curry Bread last after cooking?

Curry Bread stays fresh for about 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months in the freezer when stored properly.

Is Curry Bread suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! You can easily make vegetarian Curry Bread by omitting meat and using vegetables or tofu instead.

Final Thoughts

Curry Bread is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize your filling based on personal preferences or dietary needs. Whether served as an appetizer or snack, this dish offers a delightful bite of Japanese cuisine that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try and enjoy creating your own unique version!

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Curry Bread

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Curry Bread, or Kare Pan, is a delightful Japanese snack that perfectly marries crispy deep-fried dough with a savory filling of rich Japanese curry. This dish is not only easy to make at home, but it also serves as a fantastic appetizer or light meal. With its chewy exterior and flavorful interior, Curry Bread is sure to impress at gatherings or provide comforting satisfaction as a homemade treat. Ideal for any occasion, these curry-filled buns can be customized to suit your taste preferences, making them a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

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Ingredients

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• 2 1/4 cups bread flour
• 3/4 cup cake flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm milk
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1 egg
• 0.3 lbs ground beef
• 3 cubes Japanese curry roux
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion
• 1 carrot
• 3 potatoes
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 1/2 cups panko/breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Prepare the filling by sautéing onions in vegetable oil until translucent. Add diced carrots and potatoes; cook until softened.
2. Incorporate ground beef into the pan, cooking until browned. Stir in soy sauce, ketchup, curry roux, and water; simmer until thickened.
3. For the dough, combine both flours, salt, warm milk, butter, sugar, yeast, and egg in a mixing bowl. Knead until smooth and let rise for about 90 minutes.
4. Divide risen dough into portions; flatten each piece and fill with curry filling. Pinch to seal.
5. Fry each bun after coating with cornstarch mixed with beaten egg and panko breadcrumbs until golden brown on all sides.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bun (75g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 35mg