If you’ve ever dreamed of a breakfast that’s crispy on the outside, packed with rich, savory curry inside, and an absolute joy to eat, then you are in for a treat with this Curry Bread – An Incredible Ultimate Breakfast Recipe. This delightful Japanese-inspired snack, also known as kare pan, brings together fluffy, tender dough wrapped around a luscious, spiced curry filling and then fried to golden perfection. It’s an incredible blend of textures and flavors that feels comforting and indulgent all at once, making it a perfect morning pick-me-up or any time snack that will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a special role in the magic of Curry Bread – An Incredible Ultimate Breakfast Recipe. Every element is thoughtfully chosen to balance flavor, texture, and color, ensuring every bite delivers that sought-after crispy exterior and warm, savory heart.
- All-purpose flour (2½ cups): The base for a soft and elastic dough that holds all the delicious filling.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons): Just enough to help activate the yeast and add a hint of sweetness to contrast the curry filling.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the dough and filling.
- Active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons or 1 packet): Essential for the dough to rise and achieve that light, airy texture.
- Warm milk (¾ cup at 110°F): Activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
- Egg (1 large): Adds structure and tenderness to the dough.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Gives the dough a delightful softness and subtle richness.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing the filling to develop deep, savory flavors.
- Onion (½ small, finely chopped): Adds natural sweetness and aroma.
- Carrot (½, grated): Brings color and a gentle earthiness to the filling.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Boosts flavor with a warm, fragrant bite.
- Cooked ground beef or chicken (1 cup): The hearty protein at the center of this curry sensation.
- Curry powder (1 tablespoon): Infuses the filling with authentic, comforting spice.
- Ketchup (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle tang and sweetness to balance the spices.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Deepens the umami notes of the filling.
- Mashed potatoes (¼ cup, optional): Helps bind the filling and keeps it creamy and moist.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Perfectly seasons the filling.
- Egg (1, beaten): For egg wash to help the breadcrumbs stick and add a golden hue.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Provide a light, crunchy crust when fried.
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying): Creates that irresistible crispy shell.
How to Make Curry Bread – An Incredible Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by waking up the yeast in warm milk mixed with sugar. After letting it sit until foamy, this bubbling mixture promises a perfectly risen dough. Then, add the flour, egg, salt, and softened butter into the bowl and knead thoroughly until you achieve a soft, elastic dough. Whether by hand or mixer, kneading for 8 to 10 minutes is worth every second. Cover it up and set it aside in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size. This step is crucial as it ensures your curry bread has that soft, airy bite we’re aiming for.
Step 2: Make the Curry Filling
While the dough is rising, heat vegetable oil in a pan and gently sauté the chopped onion, grated carrot, and minced garlic until they’re tender and fragrant. Add your choice of cooked ground beef or chicken, then stir in the curry powder, ketchup, soy sauce, and mashed potatoes if you’re using them. Simmer for a few minutes to blend all those smoky, sweet, and savory tones into one delicious filling. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, then remove from heat and let it cool completely, which will make stuffing the dough much easier.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Dough
Once risen, punch down your dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Flatten each ball into a nice circle, and place a spoonful of the cooled curry filling in the center. Now comes the fun part — carefully pinch the dough edges to seal the filling completely, forming a neat oval or round shape. This sealing ensures absolutely no curry leaks out during frying, keeping every bite neat and packed with flavor.
Step 4: Bread and Fry
Dip each stuffed dough ball into the beaten egg wash, then coat it thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. This crunchy coating is what makes Curry Bread – An Incredible Ultimate Breakfast Recipe so crave-worthy. Heat your oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to around 340 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the breads in batches, turning every 2 to 3 minutes until they reach a gorgeous golden brown and crisp texture. Drain on paper towels and get ready to indulge!
How to Serve Curry Bread – An Incredible Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
Garnishes
This dish practically shines on its own, but if you want to add a little extra flair, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the top for a burst of color and herbaceous brightness. A light dusting of flaky sea salt can enhance the crispy crust as well.
Side Dishes
Pair your curry bread with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Pickled vegetables, such as Japanese pickled ginger or cucumber, also complement the spiced filling beautifully and add a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the curry bread in half diagonally and serve it on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like spicy mayo or a sweet chili sauce. You can even stack two for a loaded sandwich style bite — the possibilities are as exciting as the flavors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The crispiness may soften a bit, but the flavors remain delicious, making them perfect for a quick snack or breakfast the next day.
Freezing
Curry Bread freezes wonderfully after frying. Simply arrange cooled breads in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight to keep the filling intact and the dough tender.
Reheating
For reheating, the oven or an air fryer works best to bring back that fantastic crisp crust. Heat at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I bake the curry bread instead of frying it?
Absolutely! Baking is a great alternative if you want a lighter version. Brush the stuffed dough with an egg wash and bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. While it won’t be quite as crispy as frying, it’s still delicious and satisfying.
Can I use vegetarian fillings for this recipe?
Yes! Swap the ground meat for cooked lentils, chickpeas, or a mix of sautéed vegetables and mushrooms. Just be sure to season well to capture all the amazing curry flavors.
Is it okay to prepare the curry filling in advance?
Definitely. Making the filling a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and bring it to room temperature before stuffing the dough for easier handling.
What type of curry powder works best?
A mild or medium curry powder is ideal to avoid overpowering the dish. Feel free to adjust based on your heat preference, but the classic Japanese-style curry powder gives the authentic taste we love in this recipe.
Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?
Certainly! A bread machine can handle the kneading and rising for you. Just add the ingredients in the order recommended by your machine’s manufacturer and use the dough cycle. When done, proceed with shaping and filling as directed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Curry Bread – An Incredible Ultimate Breakfast Recipe that makes it impossible to resist. This recipe invites you to experience a little bit of Japan’s culinary charm right in your own kitchen, wrapped in warm dough and bursting with flavorful curry. Whether you’re serving it fresh for breakfast or as a hearty snack, it’s sure to become a beloved staple that friends and family will keep asking for. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into making your own golden, crispy curry bread today — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Curry Bread – An Incredible Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour rise)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 curry breads
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
Curry Bread, or Kare Pan, is a delicious Japanese breakfast and snack featuring soft bread dough filled with a savory curry and meat mixture, then deep-fried to a crispy golden perfection. This recipe combines a fluffy, mildly sweet dough with a rich, flavorful curry filling, resulting in an irresistible treat that’s perfect warm and crispy.
Ingredients
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 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For the curry filling:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ small onion (finely chopped)
- ½ carrot (grated)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 cup cooked ground beef or chicken
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ¼ cup mashed potatoes (optional, for binding)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For frying:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active. Add the all-purpose flour, egg, salt, and softened butter, then knead the ingredients into a soft, elastic dough. This process takes about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes using a mixer with a dough hook. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Make the curry filling: While the dough is rising, heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion, grated carrot, and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. Add the cooked ground beef or chicken, curry powder, ketchup, soy sauce, and mashed potatoes if using. Stir and cook for another 2–3 minutes to blend flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely to prevent leaking during frying.
- Shape and fill the bread: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and flatten each piece into a circle with your hands or rolling pin. Place a spoonful of the cooled curry filling in the center of each dough circle. Carefully pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside, forming an oval or round stuffed bread shape.
- Coat the bread: Dip each filled dough ball into the beaten egg to create an egg wash coating. Then roll it in panko breadcrumbs, making sure the bread is fully coated for maximum crispiness when fried.
- Fry the curry bread: Preheat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy, deep pot to 340–350°F (170–175°C). Fry the coated curry breads in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Enjoy the curry bread warm as a delightful breakfast or flavorful snack that combines crispy bread with savory curry filling.
Notes
- You can bake the curry bread instead of frying it by brushing the dough with egg wash and baking at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Curry bread freezes well after frying; reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Ensure the curry filling is fully cooled before sealing to prevent dough sogginess and leaking during frying.
- Use a thermometer to maintain correct oil temperature for perfectly crispy bread without greasiness.
