Japanese Sweet and Spicy Beef Curry Delight
Immerse yourself in a culinary journey with this Japanese Sweet and Spicy Beef Curry Delight. Inspired by home-cooked Japanese curry staples, this dish brings together tender slices of beef and an aromatic blend of garlic, ginger, and onions, all enveloped in a richly spiced curry roux. Perfectly balanced with sweet and spicy notes, this dish is an adaptation from Katsuyo Kobayashi's famed 'The Quick and Easy Japanese Cookbook,' promising a flavorful and comforting dining experience, whether prepared with beef or chicken. Easy to prepare with accessible curry roux found at most Asian markets, this hearty meal is best served with steamed white rice, allowing the robust flavors to shine. Optional garnishes of Japanese red pickles or pickled scallions elevate the dish with an added crunch and a delightful burst of sweet and salty flavor.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
garlic clove
1 (finely chopped)
fresh ginger
1 inch (finely chopped)
carrot
1 (cut into 3/4 inch half rounds)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for frying)
water
5 cups
curry paste (roux)
3.5 ounces (broken into smaller pieces)
beef
11 ounces (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Prepare your ingredients by cutting the onion into bite-sized pieces and the carrot into half-rounds, approximately 3/4 inch (2cm) thick. Finely chop the garlic and fresh ginger.
2
In a medium-sized pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and ginger, and sauté until their fragrance infuses the oil.
3
Introduce the chopped onions and carrots to the pan, continuing to sauté for another minute until the vegetables start to soften slightly.
4
Pour in the water and cover the pan, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
5
Turn off the heat and add the curry roux. Stir the mixture continuously until the curry roux is completely dissolved. To ensure a smooth consistency, you can break the roux into smaller pieces and dissolve them in a separate bowl with a little hot broth before mixing back into the pot.
6
Return the pan to low heat. Add the beef slices one at a time, ensuring even cooking and optimal tenderness. Stir the curry gently, cooking the beef until it is just cooked through and heated.
7
Serve the curry hot over a bed of steamed white rice. Optionally, garnish the dish with Japanese red pickles or pickled scallions, which provide a complementary sweet and salty crunch to the savory curry.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Japanese Sweet and Spicy Beef Curry Delight?
It is a hearty Japanese dish featuring tender beef and vegetables in a rich, sweet, and spicy roux-based sauce, inspired by home-cooked Japanese staples.
What kind of beef should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 11 ounces of thinly sliced beef to ensure optimal tenderness and quick cooking.
Can I make this curry with chicken instead of beef?
Yes, this dish is a versatile adaptation that can be prepared with either beef or chicken.
What are the key aromatics used in this curry?
The primary aromatics are finely chopped garlic and fresh ginger, which are sautéed to infuse the oil with fragrance.
How should I prepare the onion for this dish?
The onion should be cut into bite-sized pieces before being sautéed with the other vegetables.
How thick should the carrots be sliced?
Carrots should be cut into half-rounds approximately 3/4 inch or 2cm thick.
Where can I find Japanese curry roux?
Japanese curry roux is widely available at most Asian markets.
How do I ensure the curry roux dissolves smoothly without lumps?
Turn off the heat before adding the roux and stir continuously. You can also dissolve the roux in a separate bowl with a little hot broth before adding it back to the pot.
When should I add the beef to the curry?
Add the beef slices one at a time at the end of the cooking process over low heat to maintain tenderness.
What is the best way to serve this beef curry?
It is best served hot over a bed of steamed white rice to allow the robust flavors to shine.
What garnishes are recommended for this dish?
Optional garnishes include Japanese red pickles or pickled scallions for a sweet and salty crunch.
How long do the vegetables need to simmer?
The carrots and onions should simmer in water for about 10 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish features a balance of both sweet and spicy notes, characteristic of Japanese curry roux.
What cookbook is this recipe adapted from?
This recipe is adapted from Katsuyo Kobayashi's 'The Quick and Easy Japanese Cookbook'.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What type of oil is best for frying the aromatics?
The recipe specifies using one tablespoon of vegetable oil for sautéing.
How much water is required for the curry base?
You will need 5 cups of water to simmer the vegetables and create the sauce.
How much curry roux is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3.5 ounces of curry paste or roux, broken into smaller pieces.
How much ginger should I use?
Use a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, finely chopped.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: onion, garlic, ginger, carrot, vegetable oil, water, curry roux, and beef.
Can I prepare this in a single pan?
Yes, a medium-sized pan is used for the entire cooking process.
What is the purpose of the garlic in this recipe?
The garlic is finely chopped and sautéed to provide a savory aromatic base for the curry.
Is this considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and is designed for easy preparation.
Should the heat be on when adding the curry roux?
No, the heat should be turned off when adding the roux to ensure it dissolves properly without sticking.
How is the beef cooked to stay tender?
By adding the thin slices one at a time to the finished sauce on low heat, the beef cooks gently and stays tender.
What category of cuisine does this dish belong to?
It is a staple of Asian cuisine, specifically Japanese comfort food.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for one finely chopped garlic clove.
What provides the 'sweet' element mentioned in the title?
The sweetness comes from the specific blend of the Japanese curry roux and the sautéed onions.
What is the first step in preparing this curry?
The first step is to cut the onion into bite-sized pieces and the carrots into half-rounds.
Is it necessary to use fresh ginger?
The recipe specifies fresh ginger for the best aromatic profile and flavor infusion.