Rice Cooker Japanese Curry

If you have protein, vegetables, and curry blocks on hand, you can make a warm, comforting bowl of Japanese curry right in your rice cooker. Just toss everything in, press a button, and let your rice cooker do the work. This rice cooker Japanese curry is such an easy recipe that’s healthy and delicious.

Japanese Curry Origin

Curry was introduced to Japan by the British during the Meiji era. The British Navy adopted Indian curry and began serving it to Japanese sailors as a hearty dish. However, the British version was milder. The Japanese adapted it to their tastes by making a version that was both milder and sweeter. Today, kare is a staple in many Japanese households and schools.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs
• 1 cup potatoes
• 1 cup carrots
• 1 apple
• 2 tomatoes
• 1/2 onion
• 4–5 curry blocks
• 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder
• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce

Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients I used:

Rice Cooker Japanese Curry Instructions

Marinate the chicken thighs with your seasoning of choice. I used salt, pepper, and onion powder.

Let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes.

Roughly chop the potatoes, carrots, apple, and onion.

In a rice cooker, place the chicken thighs on the bottom.

Add the chopped vegetables on top.

Pour in water until it almost covers all the ingredients.

Add the curry blocks.

Add the chicken bouillon powder and soy sauce.

I used a Zojirushi rice cooker; the “white rice” setting was sufficient to cook the curry.

Once done, serve the curry with rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

Rice Cooker Japanese Curry Storage Tips

• Let the curry cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It will keep for up to 3–4 days.
• You can also freeze the curry in a freezer-safe zip-top bag for up to one month.
• Heads up: Potatoes may change texture after freezing and can become grainy.

Cooking Tips

• If you want a deeper flavor, you can sear the chicken thighs on a pan before adding it to the rice cooker.
• Make sure to layer the meat at the bottom so it cooks through and prevents the vegetables from burning.
• Stir gently after the rice cooker finishes cooking.
• You can add a splash of cream or milk to make the curry creamier.

If you enjoyed this rice cooker Japanese curry recipe, you might also like this Japanese curry udon recipe.