Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly quick to make? Look no further than this Japanese-inspired pork curry! This recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for both beginner cooks and seasoned home chefs seeking a delicious and satisfying healthy meal. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 apple, peeled and grated (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
- 1 large potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 large carrot, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup Japanese curry roux (available at most Asian grocery stores)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (for extra heat)
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Pork
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork cubes and brown them on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to your curry. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of the curry's flavor profile.
Step 3: Adding the Vegetables and Liquid
Stir in the grated apple, cubed potatoes, and carrots. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to slightly soften. Pour in the water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Simmering the Curry
Return the browned pork to the pot. Add the soy sauce and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Step 5: Incorporating the Curry Roux
Break the Japanese curry roux into pieces and add it to the pot. Stir continuously until the roux is completely melted and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips for the Best Pork Curry:
- For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of vegetable oil and butter for sautéing.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when browning the pork. Work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Adjust the amount of green chilies according to your spice preference.
- If you don't have Japanese curry roux, you can experiment with other curry pastes, but the flavor will be different.
- Serve your pork curry hot with steamed rice.
Variations:
- Chicken Curry: Substitute the pork with 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Vegetable Curry: Omit the pork and add other vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers.
- Spicy Curry: Add more green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This Japanese pork curry recipe is a fantastic example of a quick dinner idea that's both delicious and healthy. It’s a testament to how simple, yet satisfying, homemade cooking can be. Enjoy this easy recipe, and don't hesitate to share your culinary creations!