You’ve spent the entire day in the kitchen perfecting your Japanese curry recipe. The only problem is you need to figure out what to serve with it.
The perfect side dishes that contrast the curry flavors also complement the curry’s texture. Avoiding anything too crunchy.
Saving this in mind, here are some of the most excellent sides to offer with Japanese curry and wow your visitors.
In a Hurry and want to know what to serve with Japanese Curry try any of these- Simple yet Sweet White Rice, Naan Bread or Any bread You prefer, Roasted Veggies, Fruits, Fried Eggs, Spinach Ohitashi, Eggplant Dengaku, Kimchi, Any Mixed Pickle, Chili oil marinated cucumber and chicken, Steam buns, Noodles, Cutlet, Salad and Some Fresh Toppings.
Best side dishes to serve with Japanese Curry
1. White Rice is Always a Choice
Rice is always a good idea, no matter what cuisine you’re cooking. It’s a blank canvas that soaks up all the delicious flavors of the dish.
When it comes to Japanese curry, white rice is the way to go. The neutral flavor of the rice will allow the other ingredients in the dish to shine.
Try Japanese rice too. It is sticky, which makes it the perfect base for scooping up every last bit of curry sauce.
White rice is traditional, but brown rice or another whole-grain variety can also be used. Just be sure to cook it according to package instructions so that it’s nice and fluffy.
2. Naan Bread or Bread
Bread seems odd for a side dish, but it’s perfect for soaking up any extra curry sauce.
I prefer Naan bread from India; it is the ideal side dish. Who doesn’t love bread? Naan is found at most grocery stores these days, so it’s easy to find and make.
Just pop it in the oven for a few minutes before serving, and you’re good to go. Slice a loaf of bread into pieces and serve it alongside the curry for a filling and satisfying meal.
Naan bread is sweet, soft, and fluffy same time. It amazingly soaks up all flavor of the curry and gives extra compliments. Naan bread is a popular choice for Biryani and Baba Ganoush.
3. Roasted vegetables
Looking for a healthy option?
Vegetables are always a good idea when paired with curry, and there are endless possibilities regarding what you can choose.
Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, cauliflower, and green beans are effective options that add color, nutrients, and flavor to your dish without overpowering the curry flavors.
Plus, they’re healthy! Win-win. Simply roast them in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding them to your plate.
You can also cook them with the curry or steam them separately and add them at the end.
4. Fruit
Fruit is another great way to counteract the spice of Japanese curry. Sweet apples, juicy grapes, or tangy oranges are delicious fruits that will brighten your plate.
You can either serve them individually or incorporate them into another dish, like a fruit salad or smoothie.
5. Fried Egg
Adding a fried egg is a great way to enjoy Japanese curry. The egg adds some additional protein and fat to the dish, which helps to round it out and make it more filling. Plus, the yolk provides a delicious richness that takes the flavor of the curry to the next level.
6. Serve Spinach Ohitashi with Katsu curry
Katsu curry is a hearty, comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. While there are many ways to enjoy curry, one of my favorites is Spinach Ohitashi with Japanese Curry.
This dish features spinach that has been blanched and then soaked in a delicious, savory broth. The spinach is then simmered in a curry sauce made with various colorful vegetables.
The result is a vibrant, flavorful dish that will please the pickiest eaters. If you are searching for an effortless way to add excitement to your usual Japanese curry routine, give Spinach Ohitashi a try today.
7. Eggplant Dengaku
Eggplant Dengaku is a traditional Japanese dish with grilled eggplant and a sweet miso sauce. The eggplant is first grilled until it is soft and slightly charred. Then, it is brushed with a mixture of miso, sugar, and mirin.
The eggplant is then returned to the grill and cooked until the sauce has caramelized. Serve the Eggplant Dengaku alongside Japanese curry for a perfect winter meal.
8. Most Common Pair is Kimchi or Mixed Pickle
Kimchi is a Korean dish of fermented cabbage, radish, and scallion, while pickle is a cucumber preserved in vinegar and water.
The two commonly go together as a perfect pair for Japanese curry.
Kimchi provides a crunchy texture and zesty flavor that complements the rich, savory flavors of the curry, while pickles add a touch of acidity to balance the dish.
Together, they create a perfectly balanced meal that will satisfy any appetite.
Make a homemade mixed pickle with Daikon radish, lotus root, cucumber, eggplant, carrots, and marinade with, say, sauce.
9. Chili Oil Marinated Cucumber and Chicken
One of the best combinations is chili oil marinated cucumber and chicken. The cucumber provides a refreshing crunch, while the chicken adds tenderness and flavor.
The chili oil helps balance the curry’s sweetness, making it more savory. This combination is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their food.
For a truly authentic experience, try making your own Japanese curry powder from scratch. It is also relatively simple to make, so it is perfect for busy weeknights. However, the store-bought powder will also work well.
10. Steam Buns are Always a Great Vehicle for Savory Curry
We love steam buns in winter. The fluffy texture of the bun pairs perfectly with the savory curry, and the steamed Buns are always a great vehicle for savory Japanese curry for soaking up all the delicious curry sauce.
To make katsu curry steam buns, simply prepare the fillings and sauce according to your recipe. Then, take spoonfuls of the mixture and place them on the center of each bun.
Enjoy your katsu curry steam buns hot with pickled ginger and shredded cabbage. Steam the buns until they are cooked through. Wrap the bun around the filling, being sure to seal all the edges.
11. Katsu curry with Noodles
Ramen noodles or udon noodles pair well with Katsu curry because they are hearty and can stand up to the rich flavor of the curry.
One of the most common is to serve it over a bed of noodles. This dish can be made using either fresh or dried noodles, and the type of noodles you use will largely depend on your personal preference.
Once the noodles have been cooked, simply top them with the katsu curry sauce and meat. To customize the dish to your liking, you can also add other toppings, such as shredded cabbage or boiled eggs.
12. Salad
Many people think that all curries are spicy, but that’s not the case with Japanese curry. It’s mild, and the flavor goes well with a salad.
I like to mix greens, like lettuce, cabbage, and spinach. I also add some fruits and vegetables for color and texture. Diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and mandarin oranges all work well.
I’ll add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad for a protein-packed meal. And, of course, no salad is complete without dressing.
I usually go with a lightly sweetened vinaigrette, but you can also use an Asian-style dressing or even ranch. The most crucial thing is to have fun with your food!
13. Breaded Pork Or Chicken Cutlet
Curry is one of my favorite dishes. I love the mix of spices, the creamy texture, and the way it warms you from the inside out.
But what I really love about curry is how versatile it is. You can add almost any protein and vegetables and create a delicious meal.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy curry is with breaded pork or chicken cutlet. The crispy coating provides a contrast to the creamy sauce, and the juicy meat pairs perfectly with the rice.
The breading helps to soak up the curry sauce, and the crispy fried cutlets add a delicious crunch to the dish.
14. Best Japanese curry toppings You Should Try
Fried onions – This is a classic topping for Japanese curry, and it’s easy to see why. The crispy onions add a delicious crunch to the dish.
Shredded cabbage – Another common topping for Japanese curry is shredded cabbage. It balances the richness of the curry and provides a nice contrast in texture.
Thick slices of beef – If you’re looking for a heartier topping, go for thick slices of beef. The meat will cook in the curry sauce and add extra protein and flavor to the dish.
So, you can see there are many different ways to enjoy Japanese curry, but one thing that remains constant is that it’s always better with a side dish (or three).
These sides will do the trick, whether you’re looking for something to balance the spice or just want something extra to soak up all that delicious sauce. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
Read More- 9 Best Sides for Wagyu Steak according to culinary experts
FAQs
What is the red stuff served with Japanese curry?
If you’ve ever had Japanese curry, you know it’s not the same as other curries.
In addition to the curry’s unique flavor, a bright red condiment is served on the side. This is called Fukujinzuke, and it’s a traditional Japanese pickled vegetable.
The most common vegetables used in Fukujinzuke are daikon radish, eggplant, lotus root, and carrot. The vegetables are pickled in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili pepper, resulting in a savory-sweet-spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with curry.
So if you’re wondering what that red stuff is next time you order Japanese curry, now you know! It’s Fukujinzuke, and it’s delicious.
What vegetables go well with Japanese curry?
Many vegetables go well with Japanese curry, including potatoes and carrots, green beans, peas, mushrooms, Zucchini, and more.
What salad goes with katsu curry?
1) A simple green salad with a vinegar-based dressing. The acidity will brighten up the rich flavors of the curry, while the crisp greens will refresh your palate.
2) A Thai-style cucumber salad with a sweet and sour dressing. The sweetness will complement the curry’s sweetness, while the cucumbers will add a refreshing crunch.
3) A Japanese-style seaweed salad with a sesame dressing. The umami flavors of the seaweed will round out the curry, and the sesame seeds will add a nice nutty crunch. Whichever salad you choose, katsu curry is sure to be a delicious meal.
What to drink with katsu curry?
Non-alcoholic option, consider ocha, which is a type of green tea. The bitterness of the tea helps offset the curry’s richness, and the two flavors complement each other nicely.
Beer is always a good choice. The carbonation helps to cut through the grease from the fried chicken or pork, and the maltiness of the beer pairs well with the sauce’s sweetness.
For those who like their curry on the spicier side, sake is a great option. The rice wine helps to cool down the palate while still allowing you to enjoy the full flavor of the dish.
What rice to serve with katsu curry?
Many different types of rice can be served with katsu curry, but some are better than others.
–Basmati rice is a good choice because it is light and fluffy and has a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the curry.
-Another good option is jasmine rice, which has a slightly sweet flavor that helps offset the curry’s spiciness.
-You Can also try brown rice or wild rice. These options have a heartier texture and a more robust flavor that can stand up to the bold flavors of the curry.