Chicken Katsu Curry is the ultimate answer if you’re craving a cozy, comforting Japanese dish. It’s warm, rich, and full of flavor — the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re dining at a beloved local eatery in Tokyo. In one of their latest videos, popular YouTube food creators Aaron and Claire show how to recreate this beloved Japanese classic right in your kitchen.
Combining a velvety, savory Japanese curry with a crispy, golden chicken cutlet (katsu), this dish is pure comfort food—and surprisingly easy to make. Aaron’s friendly tone, step-by-step breakdowns, and good dose of humor make the process approachable and enjoyable for cooks of any level.
Japanese Katsu Curry is a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine that combines a few essential components: crispy panko-breaded chicken, smooth Japanese curry, and perfectly steamed rice. It’s hearty, savory, and packed with umami — that deep, rich flavor that makes Japanese food so satisfying.
In their video, Aaron and Claire walk you through every step with clarity and fun. The result? A dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is completely doable for a home cook.
Aaron begins by caramelizing onions, which adds natural sweetness and a rich flavor base. Then come the veggies: carrots and sweet potatoes are sautéed until tender, infusing the curry with heartiness and subtle sweetness.
Next, Aaron simmers everything in water, adding Japanese curry roux blocks — a staple in many Japanese households. These store-bought curry blocks are convenient, flavorful, and take much guesswork out of achieving the right taste.
Finally, to enhance the texture, Aaron blends the curry into a smooth, velvety consistency. The result is a luscious, golden-brown sauce that coats everything perfectly.
“Don’t worry about making curry from scratch,” Aaron says. “The store-bought blocks are more than enough, especially if you’re just getting into Japanese cooking.”
With the curry ready, it’s time for the star of the dish: crispy chicken katsu.
Aaron uses boneless chicken breast, pounding it flat to ensure even cooking and tenderness. The chicken is then coated in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs, lighter and crispier than Western-style breadcrumbs.
He deep-fries the cutlet until it’s golden brown and incredibly crispy — the texture that makes each bite truly satisfying. Aaron emphasizes not skipping the panko breadcrumbs, calling them “the key to that super crunchy, addictive texture.”
This step might seem intimidating if you’ve never deep-fried at home, but Aaron’s calm and cheerful approach makes it surprisingly easy to follow.
Once your curry and katsu are done, it’s time to bring it all together.
Aaron shows how to plate the dish beautifully: a scoop of fluffy white rice, a generous pour of the creamy curry, and slices of the crispy chicken laid neatly over the top. He finishes the plate with a sprinkle of green onions and a few Japanese pickles for added color and brightness.
The final result? A restaurant-quality dish that’s deeply satisfying, bursting with flavor, and perfect for impressing guests — or just treating yourself after a long day.
If Aaron and Claire’s video has you craving even more authentic Japanese flavors, TokyoTreat has you covered. These subscription boxes deliver hand-picked Japanese snacks and treats directly from Japan to your doorstep every month.
TokyoTreat focuses on the bold, fun, and modern side of Japanese snacking. Think: limited-edition KitKats, rare Japanese sodas, potato chips, unique candies, and more.
Each box also includes a beautifully designed cultural guide that shares insights about the snacks and the region they come from. So you’re not just tasting — you’re learning and connecting with Japanese culture in a fun, delicious way.
Whether you’re cooking like Aaron or just relaxing with a sweet treat and cup of tea, TokyoTreat offers a unique way to bring Japan into your everyday routine.
Aaron and Claire’s take on Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry is more than just a recipe — it’s an experience. From the step-by-step cooking to the joyful presentation, it reminds us how food can connect us to places we love (or dream of visiting).
So grab your apron, try out the recipe, and if you’re in the mood to explore more Japanese flavors, let TokyoTreat take your tastebuds on a trip.📺 Watch the full video here: Perfect Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry
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