Can I use stew meat instead of chuck roast?

You can, but I do not recommend it. Stew meat is often a mix of leaner cuts that can stay tough even after simmering. Chuck roast has more marbling, which breaks down into tender, flavorful bites.

Can I make this Japanese beef curry in the Instant Pot?

Yes. Follow the instructions for your specific pressure cooker model, but generally, you can sear the beef and sauté the onions in the pot, add the water, and pressure-cook the beef for about 20 to 30 minutes until tender. Then, release the pressure, add the vegetables and curry roux, and simmer until the vegetables are cooked through and the sauce is thickened.

What is the best curry roux for Japanese curry?

I like Golden Curry because it is well-balanced, but Vermont Curry is also popular for its sweeter flavor. You can also mix brands to customize the taste.

What are some other vegetables I can add?

You can add mushrooms, broccoli, celery, or frozen peas. Add these during the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking so they soften without turning mushy.

Easy Japanese Beef Curry (Simple Homemade Comfort Food)

Name: Easy Japanese Beef Curry (Simple Homemade Comfort Food)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 lb beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes; Salt and pepper, to season; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce (you can also grate an apple); 1 large potato, peeled and cut into chunks; 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks; 4 cups water (or beef stock for more depth); 4 blocks Japanese curry roux (about 3.8–4 oz total; I like Golden, Vermont is a little sweeter); 1 to 2 teaspoons oyster sauce (Start with 1 teaspoon and if you need more seasoning, add more); 2 teaspoons ketchup

Easy Japanese Beef Curry (Simple Homemade Comfort Food)

Close-up of Japanese beef curry with vegetables and fluffy rice garnished with scallions.

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

Easy Japanese beef curry with caramelized onions, applesauce, and curry roux. A cozy comfort food recipe to enjoy at home!

Author: George
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
Salt and pepper, to season
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce (you can also grate an apple)
1 large potato, peeled and cut into chunks
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
4 cups water (or beef stock for more depth)
4 blocks Japanese curry roux (about 3.8–4 oz total; I like Golden, Vermont is a little sweeter)
1 to 2 teaspoons oyster sauce (Start with 1 teaspoon and if you need more seasoning, add more)
2 teaspoons ketchup

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a pot. Season beef with salt and pepper, then sear in batches if necessary until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Caramelize the onions: Add butter and onions to the same pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until soft and golden.
Add applesauce and simmer: Stir in applesauce, then return the beef to the pot with water. Bring to a boil, skim foam if you like, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer until beef is tender, about 45 to 60 minutes.
Add vegetables: Stir in potato and carrots. Simmer until just tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Finish with roux and seasonings: Stir in curry roux until dissolved. Add oyster sauce and ketchup. Simmer gently until the curry thickens and becomes glossy.
Serve: Ladle curry over rice. Japanese or Korean short-grain rice is traditional, but any cooked rice works. It is also delicious over udon noodles. Garnish with green onion.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water if needed.
Leftovers: Try curry udon, curry toast, or serve with katsu cutlets.
Be sure to also check out the Tips & Troubleshooting section above for consistency adjustments and flavor boosts.

Find it online: https://www.myeclecticbites.com/japanese-beef-curry/