Craving the cozy, umami-rich magic of Japanese curry in your meal prep? Look no further!
Dive into our snappy guide where we unravel the secrets of crafting, storing, and relishing Japanese curry all week long.
Get the inside scoop on picking the best ingredients and perfecting the art of this comfort classic. Learn how to transform your meal prep into a Japanese culinary adventure!
What Is Japanese Curry?
Before we dive into the meal prep process, let’s take a moment to understand what Japanese curry is. Unlike Indian or Thai curries, Japanese curry has a thicker consistency and a slightly sweet flavor.
It typically includes a mix of onions, carrots, potatoes, and meat, all simmered in a rich and flavorful sauce. The sauce itself is made with a blend of curry powder, flour, and oil, creating a smooth and velvety texture.
What Ingredients Do You Need?
When it comes to meal prep Japanese curry, choosing the right ingredients is key. For your base, you’ll need onions, carrots, and potatoes. These vegetables hold up well during the cooking and reheating process, making them perfect for meal prep.
For protein, you can use chicken, beef, or tofu, depending on your dietary preferences. Additionally, you’ll need Japanese curry roux blocks or homemade curry roux paste, which can be found at most Asian grocery stores.
Meal Prep Equipment Needed
To make the meal prep process as smooth as possible, it’s helpful to have the right equipment on hand. A large pot or Dutch oven will be essential for cooking the curry in bulk.
You’ll also need a good set of knives for chopping vegetables and meat, as well as some storage containers for portioning out your meals.
Preparing Your Ingredients
Once you have all your ingredients gathered, it’s time to start prepping. Begin by chopping your onions, carrots, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
If you’re using meat or tofu, cut it into similar-sized pieces as well. Having everything chopped and ready to go will make the cooking process much easier.
Cooking Your Japanese Curry
Now that your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to start cooking.
- In your large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium heat.
- Add your onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent.
- Then add your carrots and potatoes, cooking them for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Once your vegetables are ready, add your protein of choice to the pot.
- Cook everything together until the meat is browned or the tofu is heated through.
- Next comes the most important part – adding the curry roux. Whether you’re using store-bought roux blocks or homemade paste, simply add it to the pot along with water or broth.
- Stir everything together until the roux has dissolved and the sauce has thickened.
Portioning Out Your Meals
Now that your Japanese curry is ready to go, it’s time to portion it out into individual meals. Using your storage containers, divide the curry evenly among them.
If you’re planning on serving rice with your curry throughout the week, you can also portion out rice into separate containers.
Storing Your Meals
With your meals portioned out, it’s important to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh throughout the week. Make sure your containers have tight-fitting lids to prevent any air from getting in. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or freeze them for longer-term storage.
Reheating Your Japanese Curry
When it’s time to enjoy your prepped Japanese curry throughout the week, reheating it is a breeze. Simply transfer a portion of curry (and rice if applicable) into a microwave-safe dish and heat it until it’s warmed through. Heating it on a stovetop over low heat will also work well.
Customizing Your Curry
One of the best things about meal-prepping Japanese curry is that you can easily customize each meal according to individual preferences as toppings such as pickled ginger, furikake, toasted sesame seeds, pickled red radish, shredded nori (seaweed) can be added after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of protein in Japanese curry?
Yes, you can use chicken, beef, or tofu, depending on your dietary preferences.
How long can I store my prepped Japanese curry?
You can store it in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or freeze it for longer-term storage.
Do I need to add water or broth to the curry roux?
Yes, adding water or broth to the curry roux will help create the sauce and achieve the desired consistency.
Can I reheat the curry and rice together?
Absolutely! Reheating them together in a microwave-safe dish is a quick and easy way to enjoy your meal.
Where can I find Japanese curry roux blocks?
You can find them at most Asian grocery stores or online if unavailable locally.
Can I add extra vegetables to my Japanese curry?
Absolutely! Feel free to add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or sweet potatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
What type of rice goes best with Japanese curry?
Japanese short-grain rice is traditionally served with Japanese curry, but you can use any variety you prefer.
Can I add spice to my Japanese curry?
If you prefer a spicier curry, you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to customize the heat level to your preference.
How do I prevent freezer burn when storing my prepped meals?
Make sure your storage containers have tight-fitting lids and remove as much air as possible before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
Can I freeze the rice along with the curry for meal prep?
Absolutely! Portion out the rice along with the curry into separate containers before freezing for easy reheating later on.
Creative Culinary Adventures Await!
Now that you have all the knowledge you need to successfully meal prep delicious Japanese curry, it’s time to get started! Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors as you embark on this culinary adventure.
Whether you’re a seasoned meal prep pro or just getting started, Japanese curry is sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
