Curry Bread Recipe
Curry Bread is the ultimate savory treat—a pillowy, golden bread roll brimming with a warmly spiced curry filling, all wrapped in a crisp layer of panko breadcrumbs. Imagine biting through a crunchy exterior into soft, fluffy bread, and finally reaching a comforting core of richly flavored beef or chicken curry with peas and hearty veggies. Whether you know it by its Japanese name “kare pan” or simply as a magical snack, Curry Bread is pure joy in every bite. It’s a recipe that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat, and there’s nothing quite like pulling a tray of these beauties fresh from your own oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to unforgettable Curry Bread lies in bringing together simple, wholesome ingredients and letting them shine. Each component, from the bread dough to the aromatic curry filling, plays a special role in building both flavor and texture.
- Active dry yeast: This is essential for getting that irresistibly fluffy and soft bread—make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- Warm milk (110°F): Adds tenderness and a subtle richness to the dough—warm (not hot) milk helps activate the yeast.
- Sugar: Just the right amount to feed the yeast and balance the dough’s flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: The classic base for bread that gives Curry Bread its satisfying structure.
- Salt: Don’t skip it—it subtly elevates everything, enhancing both the bread and the filling.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Lends a gentle richness and helps keep the dough tender.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and adds color, making for that tasty golden finish.
- Vegetable oil: The hero that sautés the veggies and helps everything meld together in the curry filling.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Provides aromatic sweetness as the base of your savory filling.
- Medium potato (diced): Adds heartiness and soaks up all the wonderful spices.
- Small carrot (diced): Brings gentle sweetness, color, and bite to the mix.
- Frozen peas: Quick, convenient, and bright—they pop with color and freshness in each bite.
- Ground beef or ground chicken: The savory engine of your filling—use whichever you love!
- Curry powder: The very soul of Curry Bread’s warm flavor—choose your favorite blend for the best aroma.
- Garam masala: Adds a deep, rounded spice complexity that sets the filling apart.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and balances out the spice with a touch of saltiness.
- Black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and enhances all the other spices.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are the key to that signature crispy coat.
- Vegetable oil for frying: If you’re going for ultra-crispy Curry Bread, you’ll want plenty of this.
How to Make Curry Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by dissolving your yeast and sugar in warm milk—this simple act awakens the yeast, which will in turn give your bread that cloud-like lift. After the mixture becomes foamy, gather your flour and salt in a bowl, then add the buttery richness and egg along with the yeast mixture. Mix everything until a soft dough forms, then knead it by hand or with a mixer until it feels smooth and elastic. This is the moment when patience pays off, so spend a solid 8–10 minutes to develop the dough’s structure. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until puffy and doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Curry Filling
While your dough is on its magical rise, get started on that show-stopping filling. Heat your vegetable oil in a skillet, then toss in chopped onion, potato, and carrot. Sauté them gently until everything is just soft, breathing in that savory aroma wafting from the pan. Next, add your ground meat, breaking it up as it cooks until it’s browned and crumbly. Stir in the curry powder, garam masala, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper, letting all the spices bloom and coat every morsel. Fold in the peas at the end for a burst of sweetness and color, then take your skillet off the heat and let the filling cool to room temperature—it should be thick and scoopable.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Dough
With your dough risen and ready, punch it down to release extra air, and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small circle—it should fit nicely in your palm. Place a hearty spoonful of the delicious curry filling in the center, being generous but careful not to overfill. Pinch and seal the dough tightly around the filling, making sure there are no gaps or weak spots. This is where Curry Bread transforms from a simple roll into something truly special!
Step 4: Coat the Bread
Now comes the fun part: the panko coating that sets Curry Bread apart. Dip each filled dough ball carefully in beaten egg, making sure it’s well covered so the crumbs stick. Then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to get an even, generous coating all over. This step is key to achieving that signature crunch when baked or fried.
Step 5: Bake or Fry
Arrange your coated Curry Bread buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re golden brown and perfectly crisp. If you’re feeling adventurous (or simply crave extra crunch!), you can fry them instead: heat vegetable oil to 350°F and fry each bread for 2 to 3 minutes until beautifully browned. Transfer to a rack to cool slightly before serving—though there’s no shame in enjoying one straight from the tray!
How to Serve Curry Bread
Garnishes
Curry Bread is delicious all on its own, but a few clever garnishes add flair and freshness. Try sprinkling them with chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and herbal brightness. If you love a little heat, a dusting of Japanese shichimi togarashi or a drizzle of sriracha mayo gives each bite another layer of flavor. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a hit of tangy zip that contrasts beautifully with the savory filling.
Side Dishes
To round out your Curry Bread experience, serve it alongside a crisp Asian slaw, pickled vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad tossed with sesame oil and rice vinegar. These refreshing sides cut through the richness of the bread and provide tasty contrast. For a more substantial meal, pair Curry Bread with a bowl of miso soup, a fresh green salad, or even a creamy potato salad for a fun East-meets-West twist.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving Curry Bread at a party or gathering, get playful with your presentation! Arrange them in a big basket lined with a kitchen towel or colorful napkin, or serve them cupcake-style in individual parchment wrappers. For a Japanese-style café vibe, pop them on a wooden board with small ramekins of sauce for dipping. You can also skewer little mini Curry Breads on cocktail sticks for the cutest pass-around snack ever.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Curry Bread (it’s rare, but possible), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to one day, or in the refrigerator for up to three days. The bread will soften slightly but will still be delicious.
Freezing
For longer storage, Curry Bread freezes beautifully. Once cooled, wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Place them in a zipper bag or airtight container, and keep in the freezer for up to two months. When the curry craving hits, simply pull out as many as you need.
Reheating
To revive that crispy outer shell, reheat Curry Bread in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes straight from the fridge, or 15–20 minutes from frozen. If you’re in a hurry, a quick microwave zap works, too, but the bread will be softer rather than crunchy. For the crispiest results, always finish with a few minutes in the oven!
FAQs
Can I make Curry Bread with different fillings?
Absolutely! While the classic version uses beef or chicken with root veggies and peas, you can get creative—try a vegetarian version with mushrooms and lentils, or swap in leftover curry from the night before. The dough is wonderfully versatile.
What’s the best way to seal the bread so the filling doesn’t leak?
Make sure you press the dough edges together firmly and pinch well after enclosing the filling. If the dough is sticky, dust your fingers lightly with flour. Double-check that there are no small holes, and always place the seam side down on the baking sheet or in the hot oil.
How do I know when my dough is kneaded enough?
The dough should feel smooth, elastic, and slightly springy when pressed. If you gently pull it, it should stretch without tearing easily. On average, this takes about 8–10 minutes of kneading by hand. If using a stand mixer, watch for the dough to clear the bowl and form a cohesive ball.
Can I bake and freeze Curry Bread in advance for entertaining?
Definitely! Curry Bread is perfect for making ahead. Simply let them cool after baking, then freeze as directed. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them in the oven until hot and crispy—guests will never know they weren’t freshly made.
Is there a gluten-free option for Curry Bread?
You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends for the bread dough and use gluten-free panko for the coating. The process is the same, but you might need to add a touch more liquid or a binder like xanthan gum, depending on your flour choice. Results may vary, but it’s worth the try for a gluten-free treat!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting, satisfying, and downright fun about making and enjoying Curry Bread at home. Each roll is a little bundle of joy that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Give this recipe a try, and it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen, too.
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Curry Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 curry breads 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Curry Bread is a delightful Japanese-inspired snack featuring a soft, fluffy bread filled with a savory curry mixture. These golden-brown treats are perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a unique addition to your party spread.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
Curry Filling:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 medium potato (diced)
- 1 small carrot (diced)
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ pound ground beef or ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Make the dough: Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm milk. Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Add butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Knead until a soft dough forms. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Prepare the curry filling: Sauté onion, potato, carrot. Add meat, spices, and peas. Cook until fragrant. Let cool.
- Assemble the curry bread: Divide dough, fill with curry mixture, seal, dip in egg, coat with breadcrumbs. Bake until golden brown.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, fry the curry bread in hot oil at 350°F for 2–3 minutes instead of baking.
- Curry bread is best served warm and can be reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking (or frying)
- Cuisine: Japanese-Style
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bread
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
