Curry Bread
Curry Bread is a delightful treat that combines crispy, chewy bread with rich, savory Japanese curry. Perfect for snacks or appetizers, this dish stands out with its unique flavors and textures. The combination of warm curry filling and golden crust makes it an appealing choice for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor explosion: The savory Japanese curry filling pairs perfectly with the crispy bread.
- Easy to make: With straightforward steps, anyone can master this dish.
- Versatile options: Customize the filling with different meats or vegetables to suit your taste.
- Perfect for sharing: Ideal for parties, picnics, or family gatherings; everyone will love them!
- Satisfying snack: Enjoy as a hearty appetizer or a comforting snack any time of day.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools can enhance your cooking experience. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Curry Bread.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Frying pan
- Thermometer
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly and allows for easy mixing.
- Rolling pin: Helps shape the dough uniformly, ensuring consistent thickness for frying.
- Frying pan: A sturdy pan is crucial for even heat distribution while frying.

Ingredients
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 the Coating
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups panko/breadcrumbs
How to Make Curry Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the bread flour, cake flour, and salt in a mixing bowl. In another bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Once mixed well, combine both mixtures into a dough. Knead until smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Let It Rise
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent. Add diced carrot and potatoes; cook until slightly softened. Stir in ground beef and cook through. Add soy sauce, ketchup, curry roux, and water; simmer until thickened.
Step 4: Shape the Buns
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into rounds and flatten them out. Place a spoonful of curry filling in the center of each round, fold over to seal tightly.
Step 5: Coat and Fry
Prepare a coating station with beaten egg and breadcrumbs. Dip each bun in egg first then coat with breadcrumbs. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry each bun until golden brown on all sides.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, let them drain on paper towels briefly before serving warm. Enjoy your homemade Curry Bread with your favorite dipping sauce!
How to Serve Curry Bread
Curry bread is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal, these crispy curry-filled buns make for a delightful experience.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of curry bread perfectly.
Serve with Dipping Sauces
- Consider offering soy sauce or a spicy mayo on the side for added flavor and excitement.
Enjoy with Pickled Vegetables
- The crunch and acidity of pickled vegetables balance the savory richness of the curry filling.
Accompany with Soup
- A warm miso soup or any clear broth provides a comforting contrast to the crispy curry bread.
How to Perfect Curry Bread
Perfecting curry bread involves attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your curry bread turns out wonderfully every time.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality meat enhance the overall flavor of your filling.
- Knead well: Proper kneading develops gluten in the dough, giving it that perfect chewy texture.
- Monitor oil temperature: Ensure your frying oil is hot enough (around 350°F) for crispy results without absorbing too much oil.
- Rest the dough: Allowing the dough to rise adequately improves its texture and flavor before frying.
- Seal well: Make sure to pinch the edges tightly around the filling to prevent leaking during frying.
Best Side Dishes for Curry Bread
Curry bread can be paired with various side dishes that elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Japanese Coleslaw
A crunchy slaw made with cabbage and carrots tossed in a sesame dressing adds freshness. - Edamame Beans
Lightly salted edamame provides a protein-packed snack that balances the meal. - Tempura Vegetables
Crispy tempura offers an extra crunchy element alongside the soft curry bread. - Rice Balls (Onigiri)
These rice balls can be filled with various fillings, such as umeboshi or salmon, adding different textures. - Noodle Salad
A chilled noodle salad dressed in sesame sauce makes for a refreshing contrast to warm curry bread. - Miso Soup
A simple bowl of miso soup enhances warmth and comfort, complementing the flavors of the dish. - Seaweed Salad
This salad is light yet flavorful, providing a nice umami touch that pairs well with curry bread. - Fruit Platter
A selection of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and freshness after enjoying savory curry treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating the perfect Curry Bread can be a bit tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making this delightful dish.
- Bold measurement errors: Accurately measuring your ingredients is crucial. Use a kitchen scale for precise amounts, especially for flour and liquids.
- Bold neglecting the dough’s rest time: Allowing the dough to rest helps it rise properly. Skipping this step can result in dense bread that lacks texture.
- Bold using the wrong oil for frying: Choosing an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil, is essential for frying. Avoid oils that burn easily, as they can affect flavor and texture.
- Bold overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy curry bread. Fry in batches for even cooking.
- Bold skipping the cooling process: Let your curry bread cool on a wire rack after frying. This prevents steam from making the bread soggy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover curry bread in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
Freezing Curry Bread
- Place cooled curry bread in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Curry Bread
- Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
- Bold Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds, but be aware that this may soften the crust.
- Bold Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Curry Bread that might help you along your cooking journey.
What is Curry Bread?
Curry Bread, also known as Kare Pan, is a Japanese deep-fried bread filled with delicious savory curry.
Can I use other meats in my Curry Bread?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with chicken or turkey, depending on your preference.
How do I make vegetarian Curry Bread?
For a vegetarian version of Curry Bread, simply replace meat with cooked vegetables or plant-based proteins.
What dipping sauces pair well with Curry Bread?
Curry Bread pairs nicely with soy sauce or spicy mayo for an extra flavor kick!
How can I customize my Curry Bread filling?
Feel free to add different vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Sweet potatoes or peas make great additions!
Final Thoughts
Curry Bread is not only delicious but also versatile. Its crispy exterior and flavorful filling make it an excellent snack or appetizer. Feel free to customize it with different fillings and spices to suit your taste buds—your creativity is the limit!
Curry Bread
Experience the delight of homemade Curry Bread! This crispy Japanese treat offers rich flavors—try this recipe today!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 buns 1x
- Category: Snack/Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
- 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 frying
- 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
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups panko/breadcrumbs
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine bread flour, cake flour, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Mix both mixtures into a dough and knead until smooth.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes or until doubled in size.
- For the filling, heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent; add diced carrot and potatoes and cook until softened. Stir in ground beef until cooked through; add soy sauce, ketchup, curry roux, and water to simmer until thickened.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into pieces. Flatten each piece and place curry filling in the center before sealing tightly.
- Prepare a coating station with beaten egg and breadcrumbs. Dip each bun in the egg first then coat with breadcrumbs. Fry in hot oil until golden brown on all sides.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm with dipping sauces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun (80g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
