If you have a craving for something crispy on the outside with a wonderfully savory surprise inside, this Curry Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with fragrant spices, tender ground meat, and a rich, flavorful filling wrapped in pillowy dough, these golden fried buns make for an irresistible snack or meal. Each bite delivers a harmony of textures and tastes, making it one of my all-time favorites to whip up when I want to impress friends or just treat myself to something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Curry Bread Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each plays a crucial role—from creating that soft, chewy dough to the hearty, spiced filling, and the crispy coating that gives the bread its satisfying crunch.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that forms the soft and elastic dough you’ll love.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the spices and help the yeast activate.
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast: For that perfect rise and light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the dough’s ingredients.
- 1/2 cup warm milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough.
- 1 large egg: Enriches the dough and helps bind everything together.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Gives a wonderful richness and softness to the bread.
- 1 tablespoon oil (for greasing): Keeps your dough from sticking while it rises.
- Oil for frying: Essential for achieving that signature golden, crispy crust.
- For the filling: Oil, onion, garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, turmeric, salt, pepper, ground meat, flour, water, and frozen peas—each adding depth, spice, and comforting heartiness.
- For coating: 1 beaten egg and 1 cup panko breadcrumbs create the irresistible crispy exterior.
How to Make Curry Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Curry Filling
Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a small pan over medium heat. Sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger for a few minutes until they are soft and aromatic. Adding curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper next will awaken a beautiful fragrance—let these toast for 30 seconds to bring out their full flavor. Next, brown your choice of ground meat thoroughly, stirring to ensure even cooking. Sprinkle in the flour to help thicken the filling, then gently add water and cook until the mixture reaches a hearty consistency. Finally, stir in frozen peas, then remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely before assembling the bread.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Slowly add the warm milk and egg, then knead in the softened butter. You’ll want to work this dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic—this is key to achieving that soft yet sturdy texture that holds the filling well. Cover your bowl with greased plastic wrap or a damp cloth and leave it in a warm place for about an hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Dough
Once risen, punch down the dough gently and divide it into six equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a circle large enough to hold about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cooled curry filling. Carefully spoon the filling onto the center of each dough circle, then pinch the edges tightly to seal the filling inside, shaping each into a neat oval. This step takes a bit of care to ensure you don’t lose any filling while frying.
Step 4: Coat and Fry
Prepare your coating station by beating an egg in one dish and placing panko breadcrumbs in another. Dip each sealed dough ball in the beaten egg, then roll it generously in the breadcrumbs for that perfect crunchy coat. Heat oil in a deep pan to between 340 and 350°F (170–180°C), and fry the curry breads in batches of two or three. Fry each side for about 2 to 3 minutes, until they’re beautifully golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them warm until ready to serve.
How to Serve Curry Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or finely sliced green onions on top just before serving can add a bright and fresh contrast to the rich, savory curry bread. For a little tang, a dollop of pickled ginger or a side of Japanese pickles works amazingly well.
Side Dishes
Curry bread pairs wonderfully with a light salad or steamed veggies to balance the indulgence. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside miso soup or a simple bowl of rice to keep things comforting and filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can elevate this snack into a show-stopping treat. Try slicing the curry bread in half diagonally and serving it in a basket lined with colorful napkins. You can even serve mini versions as party appetizers or alongside a dipping sauce like a sweet chili mayo to tantalize your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover curry breads, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The crust will soften a bit but the flavors will still be fantastic.
Freezing
Curry bread freezes beautifully if you want to keep some for later. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to one month without losing their wonderful flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, the best method is to pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps restore a bit of that crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for the curry filling?
Absolutely! Beef, chicken, or pork all work well. You can also experiment with plant-based ground meat substitutes if you prefer a vegetarian twist.
Is there a way to make curry bread without frying?
Yes! For a lighter version, bake the stuffed bread in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown instead of frying.
How spicy is the curry filling?
The filling is mildly spiced with curry powder and turmeric, making it flavorful but not overwhelmingly hot. You can always adjust the seasoning to suit your spice preference.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely. Making the filling ahead of time and chilling it makes shaping the dough much easier and speeds up the process when you’re assembling your curry bread.
What kind of oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, for frying to achieve the perfect crispy and golden crust without imparting extra flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making this Curry Bread Recipe from scratch—watching simple ingredients transform into comforting, flavorful bites is pure joy. Whether you’re sharing these with loved ones or savoring one fresh from the pan yourself, they have a way of bringing warmth and satisfaction to any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious crunch and savory filling that keeps everyone coming back for more!
Print
Curry Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 curry breads
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
Curry Bread, or Kare Pan, is a beloved Japanese snack featuring a savory, spiced curry filling encased in soft bread dough, coated with crispy panko breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until golden brown. This recipe combines a flavorful ground meat curry with a tender yeast dough, resulting in a delicious fried bun that’s perfect for snacking or a light meal.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon oil (for greasing)
- Oil for frying
Filling
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 small onion (diced)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup ground meat (beef, chicken, or pork)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup frozen peas
Coating
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Stir in curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper and cook for 30 seconds to release flavors. Add ground meat and cook until browned throughout. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon flour and stir well. Slowly add 1/4 cup water, cooking until the mixture thickens into a curry consistency. Stir in frozen peas and remove from heat. Allow the filling to cool completely before use.
- Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon instant yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add 1/2 cup warm milk and 1 large egg, mixing to form a rough dough. Knead in 2 tablespoons softened butter, continuing to knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Curry Breads: Punch down the risen dough and divide into 6 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a circle. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cooled curry filling into the center of each circle. Carefully pinch the edges to seal and shape each filled dough ball into an oval bun.
- Coat the Buns: Dip each shaped bun into the beaten egg to coat evenly, then roll in 1 cup panko breadcrumbs to cover completely for a crispy exterior.
- Fry the Curry Breads: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 340-350°F (170-180°C). Fry 2 to 3 buns at a time for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Allow the curry breads to cool slightly and serve warm for the best taste and texture. Enjoy your Japanese-style fried curry buns!
Notes
- You can bake the curry breads at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes instead of frying for a lighter version.
- The curry filling can be prepared ahead of time and chilled to make shaping the buns easier and prevent dough from getting soggy.
- Ground meat options include beef, chicken, or pork, depending on preference.
- Ensure the filling is fully cooled before filling the dough to prevent dough from becoming sticky or difficult to seal.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an authentic crispy texture on the outside.
