The kare raisu It is one of the most popular and comforting homemade dishes in modern Japanese cuisine. Its origin dates back to the Meiji period, when Japan adopted Western culinary elements—especially from the United Kingdom, which had adapted Indian curry to its own style. Over time, kare raisu evolved into a unique recipe deeply rooted in everyday Japanese culture.
This dish features a thick and smooth sauce made with spices, combined with meat (like chicken, pork, or beef), potatoes, carrots, and onions. It's served over Japanese white rice, making a complete and flavorful meal that's loved by both kids and adults. It's such a common part of everyday life that it's served in schools, military bases, restaurants, and homes alike.
Kare Raisu Recipe
Discover how to make the classic Kare Raisu, one of the most popular and comforting dishes in Japanese cuisine. This recipe combines tender meat, vegetables, and a thick, mild curry sauce, served over traditional white rice. Perfect for enjoying with family and ideal for any day of the week.
4
Portions15
minute40
minute750
kcal55
minuteIngredients:
500 g of meat (chicken, pork, or beef, cut into cubes)
2 medium potatoes (peeled and cut into large cubes)
2 carrots (cut into thick slices)
1 large onion (thinly sliced)
3 cups of water (approximately)
- For the curry
1 pack of Japanese curry roux cubes (such as Golden Curry, Vermont Curry, Java Curry, etc.)
– Available at Asian stores or Amazon1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Side dish
4 servings of Japanese white rice (short-grain or sushi rice type)
Instructions
- Sauté the ingredients
- Heat the oil in a large pot.
- Add the meat and sear on all sides until browned.
- Add the onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the potatoes and carrots. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes.
- Cook with water
- Pour the water until it covers the ingredients.
- Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, and reduce to medium heat.
- Cook covered for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the curry
- Turn off the heat. Add the curry cubes and stir until they dissolve.
- Turn the heat back on low and cook for another 10–15 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking.
- The curry will thicken into a thick sauce.
- Serve the rice on one side of the plate and the curry on the other, Japanese style.
- You can garnish with red pickles (fukujinzuke) or boiled egg if you like.
Tips
- If you want a sweeter touch, you can grate half an apple and add it when you add the curry.
- For a deeper flavor, you can also add a teaspoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
Nutritional information
- Calories 750kcal
- Carbohydrates 85g
- Protein 25g
- Fat 22g
- Saturated fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fiber 5g
- Sugar 6g
What makes kare raisu especially appealing is its versatility: it can easily be adapted to each family's taste, with additional ingredients like grated apple, Worcestershire sauce, or even spicy touches. It's also a great way to incorporate vegetables and proteins into one simple and delicious dish.
Although its preparation is relatively easy, kare raisu carries an emotional weight in many Japanese families, as it is considered a “mom’s dish” that evokes childhood memories and a sense of home. Today, it remains a symbol of Japanese home cooking, loved for its comforting flavor, practicality, and history.
Health Benefits of Kare Raisu
The Kare Raisu (kare raisu) is much more than a comforting and tasty dish: it can also offer various health benefits when prepared in a balanced and homemade way. Its combination of proteins, carbohydrates, vegetables, and spices makes it a complete option, ideal for those seeking a nutritious diet without sacrificing flavor.
One of the main benefits of Japanese curry lies in its content of fiber-rich vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, which support digestion, help regulate intestinal transit, and provide essential vitamins like A and C. Additionally, by incorporating lean sources of protein such as chicken, this dish contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass and promotes a feeling of fullness that can help control appetite.
Curry itself, made with a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, ginger, and coriander, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that has been studied for its potential to reduce chronic inflammation, improve brain function, and even strengthen the immune system.
On the other hand, if prepared with brown rice instead of white, Japanese curry can become an even more nutritious meal, as it increases the intake of fiber, minerals, and B-complex vitamins. This version improves glycemic control and cardiovascular health.
Although some commercial versions of Japanese curry may be high in sodium or saturated fats, choosing a homemade preparation allows you to control the quality and quantity of the ingredients, resulting in a healthier dish.
In summary, Japanese curry with rice is an example of how traditional cuisine can combine flavor, culture, and nutrition in a single dish. When prepared with care and balance, it not only nourishes the body but also supports overall well-being.
Kare raisu is not just a recipe, but a reflection of how Japan has skillfully adapted foreign ingredients and made them an essential part of its culinary identity. Preparing it at home is a simple way to enjoy a dish full of history, flavor, and warmth. Whether shared at a family meal or as a comforting option on a cold day, this Japanese classic proves that simplicity can be deeply delicious. Give it a try and discover why it’s a favorite in millions of Japanese homes.
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