Description
Curry Bread, or Kare Pan, is a beloved Japanese snack featuring a soft, fluffy dough filled with a savory curry meat filling, coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection. This stuffed bread combines the rich flavors of mildly spiced curry with a crunchy exterior, making it a delightful treat perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 small carrot (finely diced)
- ½ pound ground beef or ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon flour (to thicken)
For Frying and Coating:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add the egg, flour, and salt. Mix until a rough dough forms, then knead in the softened butter. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and carrot until soft. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in curry powder, ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then sprinkle in the flour and cook until thickened. Let cool completely before using.
- Shape the bread: Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a circle. Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of filling into the center, then pinch the edges to seal like a bun. Flatten slightly into an oval shape. Place seam-side down on a tray, cover, and let rise for 15–20 minutes.
- Coat and fry: Heat oil in a deep pan to 340–350°F. Dredge each bun in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat in panko breadcrumbs. Fry 2–3 buns at a time for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Notes
- You can bake these at 375°F for 18–20 minutes as a healthier option, brushing with oil before baking.
- The filling can be made ahead and chilled for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack, Bread
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
