If you have a craving for something warm, savory, and utterly comforting, this Curry Bread Recipe is exactly the treat you need. Imagine golden, crispy bread pockets filled with a rich, flavorful Japanese-style curry that brings together tender meat, aromatic spices, and a touch of sweetness all wrapped in a delectably soft yet crunchy crust. Whether it’s snack time or you want to impress guests with a homemade Japanese classic, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this Curry Bread Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From tender dough to the aromatic curry filling and crispy breading, these essentials come together into a harmonious culinary experience.
- All-purpose flour for the dough and coating: Provides structure and the perfect base for a soft yet sturdy bread.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for giving the dough a light, fluffy texture.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast while keeping the dough moist and tender.
- Unsalted butter: Softens and enriches the dough, giving it a subtle buttery flavor.
- Eggs: Adds richness and helps with dough binding and coating for frying.
- Vegetable oil for frying and sautéing: Ensures a golden crust and flavors the filling.
- Onion and garlic: The aromatic base that elevates the curry filling with depth and savoriness.
- Ground meat (beef or chicken): Provides protein and a hearty texture to the curry.
- Curry powder, ketchup, and soy sauce: Creates that signature Japanese curry punch — a perfect balance of spice, tang, and umami.
- Flour and water in filling: Used to thicken the curry, keeping it perfectly luscious inside the bread.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Give the fried bread a satisfying crunch that’s crisp without being heavy.
How to Make Curry Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by waking up your yeast in warm milk combined with a touch of sugar; this foamy mix tells you it’s ready to work its magic. Then, bring together your flour, salt, softened butter, and egg. Knead this mixture into a smooth and elastic dough—it takes about 10 minutes of love and elbow grease, but the results are oh so worth it. Once ready, tuck the dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and give it time to rise until it doubles, filling your kitchen with that warm, yeasty aroma.
Step 2: Cook the Curry Filling
While the dough is rising, it’s time to build that curry filling that makes this bread unforgettable. Sauté finely chopped onion and garlic in vegetable oil until they’re soft and fragrant. Add your ground meat and cook until beautifully browned, then stir in curry powder, ketchup, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle in some flour to thicken, then pour in water and let this mixture simmer to a thick, saucy perfection. Cool it completely before using it, so it won’t make the dough soggy later.
Step 3: Shape the Buns
Now the fun begins—punch down your risen dough to release air and divide it into eight even pieces. Flatten each piece into a circle, then generously spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of your cooled curry filling into the center. Carefully seal the edges by pinching them together, shaping each bun into a neat ball or oval with the seam side tucked neatly underneath. This step guarantees that all the curry goodness stays inside during frying.
Step 4: Coat Your Buns
To get that irresistibly crunchy exterior, roll each shaped bun lightly in flour, dip it into a beaten egg bath, and then coat it generously with panko breadcrumbs. This triple-layer technique creates a perfect crispy shell after frying while keeping the soft, flavorful filling inside.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to between 340 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit—the perfect frying temperature for getting a gorgeously golden crust without absorbing too much oil. Fry each bun gently for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are evenly browned and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and serve them warm for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience.
How to Serve Curry Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or a dash of toasted sesame seeds adds a pop of freshness and color that complements the rich curry flavor beautifully. You can also serve with a light drizzle of tonkatsu sauce or Japanese mayonnaise for an extra flavor boost.
Side Dishes
Curry bread shines on its own, but pairing it with a light cabbage slaw, a crisp pickled vegetable salad, or even a simple bowl of miso soup creates a balanced meal. These sides offset the richness of the fried bread and refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your curry bread in half and serve it with a side of dipping sauce for a fun appetizer. Alternatively, arrange them on a wooden board with assorted pickles and fresh greens for a party platter that’s sure to wow guests. You could even create mini sliders by cutting smaller portions for bite-sized snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover curry bread, store the cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep their texture intact. Refrigeration can make them a bit dense, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh whenever possible.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the fully cooked curry bread by wrapping each bun individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or leftover curry bread in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, which restores the crispy crust and warms the filling evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that wonderful crispiness intact.
FAQs
Can I make the curry filling vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap out the ground meat for mashed potatoes combined with peas or lentils to keep the filling hearty and flavorful while making it vegetarian-friendly.
Is it possible to bake the curry bread instead of frying?
Yes, if you prefer a lighter option, bake the coated buns at 375°F for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried ones but still delicious and much lighter.
How spicy is the curry filling?
This Curry Bread Recipe uses mild curry powder balanced by ketchup and soy sauce, so it’s gently spiced but not overwhelming—perfect for all palates. You can always adjust the curry powder amount to suit your heat preference.
Can I prepare the dough and filling in advance?
You can make the curry filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The dough should be prepared fresh for best results, but you can keep the filled and coated buns in the fridge for a short while before frying.
Why use panko breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crunchier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs, which is essential for that signature crisp texture of curry bread.
Final Thoughts
There’s something extraordinarily satisfying about homemade curry bread, and this Curry Bread Recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. Each step, from kneading the dough to frying the golden buns, brings joy and delicious anticipation. I encourage you to try making it soon—once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this impeccable savory treat.
Print
Curry Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 buns
- Category: Snack, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
Curry Bread, also known as Kare Pan, is a classic Japanese fried bread stuffed with a savory and mildly spiced curry filling. This recipe features a soft, fluffy dough encasing a flavorful mixture of ground meat, curry powder, and aromatics, coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a snack or main course, curry bread offers a deliciously satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ½ pound ground beef or ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup water
For Coating and Frying:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- vegetable oil (for deep frying)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, softened butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Make the Filling: While the dough rises, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in curry powder, ketchup, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with flour and stir well, then add water and simmer until thickened. Let cool completely.
- Shape the Buns: Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a circle, place 1–2 tablespoons of cooled curry filling in the center, then pinch and seal the edges to enclose. Shape into balls or ovals, seam side down.
- Coat the Buns: Lightly roll each bun in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry the Buns: Heat oil in a deep pan to 340–350°F. Fry each bun for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Notes
- You can bake these at 375°F for 15–18 minutes if you prefer a lighter version.
- Filling can be made in advance and stored chilled.
- For vegetarian curry bread, replace the meat with mashed potatoes and peas or lentils.
