Name: Japanese Pork Curry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Pork Shoulder, cubed (Can substitute with chicken thighs or tofu.); 2 medium Onions, chopped (Yellow onions preferred.); 2 medium Carrots, chopped (Substitute with bell peppers if desired.); 2 medium Potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or Russets recommended.); 2 tablespoons Curry Powder (Use mild or spicy based on preference.); 4 cups Chicken Broth (Homemade or store-bought works well.); 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Use low-sodium or tamari for gluten-free.); 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (Can substitute with sesame oil for added flavor.); to taste Salt (Pinch, adjust to taste.); to taste Pepper (Pinch, adjust to taste.)

This Japanese Pork Curry comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the veggies to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ dish to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends (carrots, anyone?). Trust me, it’s one of those versatile recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket!

Ingredient Breakdown

Pork Shoulder
Onions
Carrots
Potatoes
Curry Powder
Chicken Broth
Soy Sauce
Vegetable Oil
Salt and Pepper

Let’s Get Cooking!

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in those chopped onions, sautéing them until they turn translucent and make your kitchen smell OH so good, about 5 minutes.
Brown the Pork: Toss in the cubed pork when those onions are beautifully golden. Cook until the pork is browned on all sides, this will take about 6-8 minutes. You want to sear them well to lock in all that juicy flavor.
Get Colorful: Stir in the carrots and potatoes, then sprinkle in two tablespoons of curry powder. Stirring frequently, let this mixture cook for a minute or two until it’s all fragrant and evocative of a cozy evening.
Add Broth and Soy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, and bring it all to a boil. So, lift that lid and let it simmer for a quick minute until you see bubbling action!
Let it Simmer: After it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer away for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender, and the veggies have soaked up all those delicious flavors.
Season and Serve: Finally, season with a couple of pinches of salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over a steaming bowl of rice to soak up all that thick, luscious, curry sauce.

And voilà! You’ve whipped up a delicious journey to Japan, straight from your kitchen!

My Go-To Recipe

I genuinely can’t say enough about this Japanese Pork Curry, it’s my go-to recipe when I need a meal that’s quick yet feels indulgent. Cooking it always feels like a warm hug, especially on chilly nights! I’m a real sucker for the way all those flavors meld together, and the best part is that you can use whatever you’ve got on hand in your fridge. This dish is true comfort food and guaranteed to bring smiles to your table!

If you loved this Japanese Pork Curry, be sure to check out my Pork Bone Broth Ramen, my Steamed Japanese Pork Buns, or my Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This Japanese Pork Curry comes together quick under 40 minutes, folks! Just a single pot means you can focus on kitchen dance breaks instead of scrubbing pots!

One Pot Wonder

With minimal cleanup required (seriously, one pot!), you won’t be spending your evening cleaning, just enjoying this delicious meal alongside your family.

Customizable

The secret to a delicious curry is how customizable it is! Swap out pork for chicken, toss in any seasonal veggies, or adjust the spices based on what your taste buds are craving. It’s all about making this dish work for you!

Comfort Food

Every bite is loaded with tons of flavor and embraces that cozy vibe we all crave, this is the kind of food that feels like a warm blanket for your soul.

How to Serve This Japanese Pork Curry

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delightful curry over a bed of fluffy white rice (or brown rice if you wanna be extra healthy!). You could also pair it with some crusty bread or steamed dumplings for a heartier meal!

Storage

This fantastic dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to five days, so feel free to double the batch! Who doesn’t love leftovers?

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply warm it through on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a little splash of broth if the mixture thickens too much.

Freezer Friendly

Yep, you can freeze this too! Pop it into an airtight container and store it for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above!

I hope you find genuine joy in making (and devouring) this Japanese Pork Curry! It really is a dish that keeps giving, love, flavor, and happiness with every bite! Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!