What To Serve With Japanese Curry: 12 Best Sides
A Japanese curry typically has a thick, slightly sweet sauce, and is the ultimate in comfort food. Whether you’re choosing the extremely popular katsu curry or you’re getting a little more experimental, you can be sure that this is a dish that the whole family will adore.
Of course though, you can’t serve a curry all on its own!
The right selection of sides and accompaniments really make a meal.
Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered.
Here are 12 tasty ideas for what to serve with Japanese curry…
1. Rice
Rice is the most obvious choice when it comes to what to serve with Japanese curry, and you could argue that it’s an essential rather than a choice!
It’s oh so good for soaking up all that fragrant, delicious curry sauce, and you can go plain or get a little more imaginative if you like.
Coconut rice is a great choice, or you might want to stir through a selection of your favourite chopped veggies, such as peppers and spring onion.
2. A fried egg
A fried egg is often served with curry in Japanese restaurants, and it’s a simple but satisfying choice.
The runny egg is perfect for dipping bite sized chunks of breaded chicken or pork, and it’ll take just a matter of minutes to prepare.
3. Udon noodles
Udon noodles are thick and chewy in texture, and they’re made from what flour, water, and salt.
They’re regularly seen on menus featuring Japanese cuisine, and though you can pick them up in most supermarkets, I really enjoy making this homemade Udon noodles recipe.
You don’t need any fancy equipment, and you’ll be using your feet instead of your hands to roll out the dough. Yes, you read that right!
Making this recipe is super fun, and it’s an experience that you’ll definitely remember.
4. Spinach ohitashi
Spinach ohitashi is a traditional Japanese side dish, and simply put it’s a spinach salad served in a savoury broth.
It’s packed full of umami flavour, as well as tons of essential vitamins and minerals.
Preparing your own takes hardly any time at all. Check out this delectable spinach ohitashi recipe.
5. Salad
A crisp green salad is easy to prepare, and adds a vibrant splash of colour to your plate.
Keep it simple by selecting your favourite leaves, such as frisée, spinach, and rocket.
A light, lemony based dressing will add some extra zing.
6. Eggplant dengaku
Eggplant dengaku is made by slicing the purple vegetable, gently broiling, then brushing with a sweet miso glaze.
As a side note here, eggplant actually makes for a delicious base for a Japanese curry in its own right. Instead of the more traditional chicken or pork, bread slices of eggplant, bake or shallow fry, and drizzle with a rich katsu sauce.
Perfect for if you’re cooking for vegetarians, or if you’re just looking for more variety in your diet.
7. Japanese pickles
Japanese pickles are often known as tsukemono.
Tsukemono can consist of all kinds of vegetables and even some fruits, including Japanese radish, cabbage, carrot, cucumber, ginger, and plums.
They’re crunchy and satisfying, and they work really well when served in a side bowl alongside your Japanese curry.
Once you’ve tried these, you’ll want to have them again and again. They’re a great option to serve as a nibble or appetiser with cold beers.
8. Tempura battered vegetables
Vegetable tempura makes a wonderfully satisfying side dish for a Japanese curry.
They take a little extra preparation that some of the options listed here, but they’re well worth the effort if you’re having a dinner party or you’re celebrating a special occasion.
9. Goma-ae Japanese greens
To make this side dish for Japanese curry, you toss spinach and green beans with a dressing of soy, miso, and mirin, and then garnish with sesame seeds.
This accompaniment is a good option when you want some healthy and wholesome, and you’ll be rewarded with a light and satisfying crunch.
10. Shredded cabbage and carrot with miso dressing
A feast that features a Japanese curry is often a celebration of different textures.
You get to enjoy that silky curry sauce, the fluffy white rice, crunchy pickles, and tender morsels of chicken.
Add a little more to the party by whipping up a quick and crunchy cabbage and carrot salad with a sweet miso dressing.
This one is excellent for using up any leftover veggies you might have.
11. Crusty bread
This might not be the most traditional option, but it’s definitely absolutely delicious!
For a spin on your usual favourite, slice up your breaded chicken, place inside a fresh and fluffy baguette, and pour over your curry sauce.
This is a fantastic option for lunch with friends, or just when you’re in the mood for a more informal dinner.
12. French fries
Again, not the most authentic option, but it makes for a beautifully satisfying meal nonetheless when you’re not sure what to serve with Japanese curry.
Dipping the fries in the curry sauce will feel like such a treat!
What do you think of these ideas for what to serve with Japanese curry?
Have you tried these side dishes?
If so, which are your favourites?
Oh and before you go, don’t forget to check out my katsu curry recipe. It’s a regular fixture on my weekly meal plans, and it’s always a huge hit with guests and family alike!
