Growing up, my mom would make me and my family Japanese Curry at least once a week. It was a staple, and it’s often even better the next day as leftovers.
Rice cooker meals are great for anyone because they offer convenience, simplicity, and versatility. A rice cooker allows you to prepare a complete meal with minimal effort and clean-up, making it an ideal option for busy individuals or those who may not have much experience in the kitchen.
The process is straightforward: you simply add your ingredients, set the cooker, and let it handle the cooking, freeing you up to do other things. This Japanese Curry made in a rice cooker is a set-it-and-forget-it meal: easy, quick, and efficient!
Rice cookers are versatile, capable of preparing not just rice, but also a variety of grains, proteins, and vegetables, all in one pot. This makes them a great tool for creating balanced, nutritious meals without the need for multiple pots and pans.
Additionally, because rice cookers are designed to cook evenly and prevent burning, they offer a level of reliability that can take the stress out of meal preparation. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a meal prep option, or an easy way to experiment with new recipes, rice cooker meals are an accessible and efficient choice for anyone.
Recommended Rice Cookers
Do I need to have a fancy rice cooker to make this meal?
This is a question I am asked all the time. The answer is NO!
Just like anything, generally, the higher the quality, the better. But you can make my rice cooker meals in a cheap rice cooker!
Click on the photos of each of the respective the rice cookers to be taken to my rice cooker recommendations! I have the Tiger 5.5 cup rice cooker pictured. It can make over 10 servings of rice at a time.
While short-grain white rice is the most traditional, you can also experiment with other types of rice.
Key Features to Look For in a Rice Cooker:
Steaming Basket or Tray: Allows you to steam vegetables or cook other ingredients while the rice cooks.
Multiple Cooking Functions: Ensure it has settings for steaming, slow cooking, and possibly even baking.
Non-Stick Inner Pot: Makes cleaning easier and prevents sticking.
Timer and Keep Warm Function: Useful for planning meals ahead of time and keeping them warm until you’re ready to eat.
What Type of Rice to Use
Choosing the right type of rice can be confusing, especially with so many varieties available. From long-grain basmati to aromatic jasmine rice, each type has its own texture and flavor. In Japanese cooking, however, Japanese short-grain or medium-grain rice is almost always the go-to choice.
Short-grain rice, often labeled as sushi rice, is particularly prized for its soft and chewy texture, which pairs beautifully with traditional Japanese dishes.
Medium-grain rice is a great alternative if short-grain isn’t available (I actually almost always use medium-grain myself because it’s generally cheaper where I live!). Both are ideal for recipes like this one, where the rice’s stickiness helps meld the flavors into every bite.
Japanese Curry in a Rice Cooker
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
Japanese curry made in a rice cooker is an easy and hearty meal where tender vegetables, chunks of meat, and curry roux are cooked together and served on top of a bed of rice, creating a flavorful, comforting dish all in one pot.
Ingredients
- 6–8 servings rice, cooked (I recommend Japanese short-grain or medium grain for the most authentic Japanese experience!)
- 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, uncooked
- 1 large tomato or 6 cherry tomatoes
- 1 potato, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 6-8 oz. Japanese curry roux
- 5 1/4 cup chicken broth (substitute for water – add more or less depending on your desired level of thickness)
Instructions
- To your rice cooker, add all of your ingredients and turn on your rice cooker, cooking for as long as you normally would cook rice.
- When it’s done cooking, stir the curry to ensure the curry roux is thoroughly mixed in.
- Serve the curry on top of a bed of rice and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8
Kyrié is a half-Japanese food content creator and avid home cook who specializes in Asian cuisine, with a focus on Japanese. She loves developing recipes and sharing approachable yet authentic meals. When she’s not in the kitchen, she’s helping her husband Jeff tend to their garden, or on some artistic venture.