Japanese Kare Raisu (Curry Rice)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (28g) vegetable oil
- 2 medium onions (400g), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp (20g) ginger, minced
- 1 lb (450g) beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 2 carrots (300g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 potatoes (450g), peeled and cubed
- 4 cups (960ml) beef stock or water
- 1 package (105g) Japanese curry roux
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4 servings of steamed rice
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or cilantro
Cooking Time
Total estimated time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing Ingredients
Begin by preparing your vegetables. Peel and slice the onions, mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the carrots and potatoes into chunks. Set aside each ingredient separately. Cut the beef chuck into small, manageable cubes for quicker cooking.
Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 10 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent. Mix in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Browning the Beef
Add the beef cubes to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté until the exterior is browned all over. This caramelization step enhances the flavor of the curry. It should take approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 4: Building the Curry Base
Add chopped carrots and potatoes into the pot. Pour in the beef stock or water, ensuring that ingredients are mostly submerged. Bring this to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Step 5: Incorporating the Curry Roux
Reduce the heat to low, then introduce the curry roux into the mixture. Stir using a wooden spoon until the curry roux has completely dissolved, thickening the sauce. Let it simmer gently for another 10 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
Taste your curry and adjust seasoning if needed with more salt or pepper. The curry should be rich, savory, with a hint of sweetness. Feel free to add more water if the mixture becomes too thick.
Serving
Serve the Japanese curry over freshly steamed white rice, garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. Enjoy the contrasting textures and harmonious flavors unique to Japanese Kare Raisu.
Conclusion
Congratulations on crafting a comforting, home-style Japanese dish! Kare Raisu is a versatile meal that can be customized with various proteins and vegetables depending on your preference. Its introduction into your culinary repertoire promises convenience and satisfaction for any day of the week. Whether savored by itself or with additional side dishes, this curry will always evoke warmth and delight. Keep experimenting with ingredients, and who knows? You may discover your signature touch to this beloved classic. Happy cooking!
