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Homemade Japanese Curry Roux Recipe

4.7 from 55 reviews

This homemade Japanese curry roux recipe combines a blend of aromatic spices with butter, flour, and honey to create a rich and flavorful base for classic Japanese curry dishes. Perfect for those seeking a natural alternative to store-bought curry blocks, this recipe yields a smooth roux that can be stored for weeks, enhancing your curry with authentic warmth and depth.

Ingredients

Scale

Spices

  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cardamom
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp cloves
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp ginger powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • 1 tsp curry powder

Main Ingredients

  • 150 g butter
  • 150 g plain (all purpose) flour
  • 3 tbsp honey

Instructions

  1. Roast Spices: Warm a non-stick frying pan over low heat and roast all the selected spices together for about 5 minutes until they release a fragrant aroma. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Melt Butter and Add Honey: In the same frying pan, melt the butter over low heat, then stir in the honey to combine.
  3. Add Flour: Gradually add the plain flour to the butter and honey mixture, stirring continuously to blend the ingredients.
  4. Cook Roux Mixture: Continue stirring the mixture for approximately 15 minutes. At first, the mixture will be lumpy but will gradually become smooth and thick.
  5. Incorporate Roasted Spices: Add the roasted spices back into the pan and mix thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
  6. Turn Off Heat: Once everything is well combined and aromatic, turn off the heat.
  7. Prepare Container: Line a container or containers with cling wrap to prevent sticking.
  8. Transfer Roux: Spoon the curry roux into the lined container(s), spreading it evenly.
  9. Score the Roux: Cover the roux with cling wrap and make shallow scores on the surface. This will allow the roux to be easily broken into pieces later.
  10. Chill Roux: Place the container in the fridge overnight to allow the roux to set firmly.
  11. Storage: Store the curry roux in the refrigerator for up to a couple of weeks, or freeze in a ziplock bag for up to a couple of months for longer preservation.

Notes

  • Roasting the spices helps to release their full flavors and deepens the aroma of the curry roux.
  • Stirring the roux continuously while cooking prevents burning and ensures a smooth texture.
  • Scoring the roux before chilling makes it easier to portion out for future use.
  • Store the roux properly either refrigerated or frozen to maintain freshness and flavor longevity.

Keywords: Japanese curry roux, homemade curry roux, curry base, Japanese cuisine, curry sauce, homemade spices