Japanese Curry Korokke (Croquettes)

Japanese Curry Korokke (コロッケ) are crispy, deep-fried potato patties filled with a flavorful mix of mashed potatoes and Japanese curry – comfort food at its finest.

The word “korokke” comes from the French “croquette”, but the Japanese version has taken on a life of its own, often featuring a creamy, fluffy interior and a golden panko-crusted shell. You can find them all over Japan: in bento boxes, at supermarkets, convenience stores like 7-Eleven, and korokke specialty shops.

Korokke is best eaten with katsu sauce on the side! Katsu sauce is a thick, sweet-savory condiment similar to Worcestershire sauce but milder and slightly fruity. The sauce adds a tangy depth that perfectly complements the crispy exterior and soft, savory filling of the korokke – just a drizzle takes it to the next level. In this recipe, I’ll include a homemade version as well as a link to a store-bought one for convenience.

Growing up, my mom would make korokke often, though she usually kept it simple with just mashed potatoes, seasoned lightly and coated in panko before frying – no curry, just the classic version, which is still incredibly delicious.

That nostalgic, plain potato korokke reminds me of home, but I love adding Japanese curry to the mix for an extra punch of flavor. The curry version combines that comforting potato base with the rich, savory-sweet taste of Japanese curry roux, creating a filling that’s both cozy and crave-worthy. It’s the kind of dish that instantly brings warmth, whether served as a snack, part of a meal, or tucked into a sandwich.

My curry korokke also includes ground beef and sautéed onions, but there are so many delicious variations out there! You can mix in vegetables like peas, corn, carrots, or even mushrooms. As for the protein, while ground beef is classic, you can also use ground pork, chicken, or even bacon to switch things up. It’s a super flexible recipe that you can easily tailor to what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.

Main Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Curry Korokke:

• Russet Potatoes: Provides the essential base of korokke.
  
• Ground Beef: Adds protein and heartiness to the filling, making each bite more satisfying.
  
• Yellow Onion: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
  
• Curry Powder: This is a must for this dish! Infuses the filling with warm, aromatic spice and gives the korokke their signature Japanese curry flavor.
  
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds tangy, umami-rich complexity and enhances the meaty flavor of the filling.
  
• Egg: Binds the coating and helps the panko stick; also keeps the coating light and crispy when fried.
  
• Flour: The first layer of the coating that helps the egg adhere and creates a barrier for crispier frying.
  
• Panko: Japanese breadcrumbs that give korokke their signature crunchy exterior.

Do I Have to Fry My Korokke?

For traditional korokke, the patties are coated in flour, dipped in egg, and rolled in panko before being deep-fried in hot oil until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Frying gives them that classic crunch and even color. Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) so the korokke cook through without absorbing too much oil.

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can also air fry the korokke. While air frying is not as traditional and might not produce the same deeply golden, evenly crisped crust as deep frying, it’s a great lower-oil option that still yields a satisfying crunch. Just make sure you give them a light spray of oil before cooking. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and heated through.

Can I Store Korokke As Leftovers?

Air frying is also a great method for reheating leftovers. Store cooked korokke in the fridge, and when ready to eat, air fry for about 5–7 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to re-crisp the exterior while keeping the inside warm and tender.

If you try out this recipe, please make sure to leave a rating and review! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this dish. Feel free to also share on social media and tag me if you do!

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