Some may say curry is not particularly a part of Japanese cuisine. That is a big misconception. In fact, Japanese curry is gaining a reputation and fame. It was ranked number one as the best traditional dish in the world in 2022 by TasteAltas, a worldwide food platform collating dishes, ingredients, and restaurants. Some Japanese franchised curry restaurants are even expanding their businesses worldwide today.
If you have yet to learn the facts, here is your chance to keep up with the trend. Among other Japanese dishes, the curry grabs the heart of food enthusiasts. With the combination of Wagyu beef and Japanese curry, we see more restaurants and chefs trying to reach a wider audience.
This can give you the idea that you will take great advantage as a Japanese chef if you know how to cook Japanese curry.
What is Wagyu Beef?
First, let us have a brief understanding of Wagyu beef.
Wagyu literally translates to “Japanese cattle” in Japanese. There are four breeds of Wagyu, and over 97% of Wagyu we see is called Japanese Black.
Wagyu beef from other countries, such as Australian and American Wagyu beef, is the offspring of the Wagyu cattle brought overseas and cross-bred with non-Wagyu cattle like Holstein. Although it is no longer legal to export genetic resources of Japanese Wagyu overseas, there was a time when it was permitted.
The unique feature of Japanese Wagyu is its highest level of marbling. Its fat melts at a lower temperature than other cattle’s, producing a rich, umami taste and a buttery flavor. To learn about Wagyu beef, click here for more content.
What is Japanese Curry?
So, how is this dish getting its reputation? We have several kinds of curry worldwide, including Indian, Thai, and Chinese. What differentiates Japanese curry from them? While other curries like the ones mentioned above are rather soupy, Japanese curry has a thick texture. The stand-out feature of the curry produces a rich, creamy taste.
Besides, serving Japanese curry with additional items like pickled vegetables is common. Fukujinzuke is a vegetable condiment commonly used. These vegetables are often daikon radish, lotus roots, and cucumber and are pickled and flavored in soy sauce-based sauce.
The curry comes in different shapes, too. For example, curry over rice is a standard fashion. While other curries are served with rice, Japanese curry is served over rice. There is a bread called kare-pan as well. It is the curry encased in bread dough, and the locals grow up eating it. Noodles are not an exception. Curry udon or curry ramen is one of their favorite ways of enjoying it.
Learn How to Make Japanese Curry with Wagyu Beef
Who can claim they are Japanese chefs if they do not know how to make local dishes? Japanese curry is one of the foods the locals cook and eat at home in their everyday lives. So, learning how to make this dish will give you an advantage as a Japanese chef.
Check out our Wagyu curry course if you want to step up as a Japanese chef. This course is also available with our Grand Membership Plus plan. This is your chance to set yourself apart from other Japanese chefs!
