Katsu Curry is a delicious family dinner. When it comes to what to serve with katsu curry, there are countless options ranging from traditional rice to fun tempura veggies.
My kids absolutely love katsu curry, whether homemade, store-bought, or their favourite Wagamama dinner.
The creamy sauce has a unique and complex flavour that’s absolutely gorgeous with breaded chicken. We sometimes even make some sauce to serve with chicken nuggets and chips. We like it so much.
For family dinners, the sides are often as important as the main element. It’s the sides and extras that turn a basic meal into a filling and nutritious family favourite. The right side dishes add colour, texture, flavour, and nutrition and can make a huge difference to the meal.
Katsu Curry sauce and breaded chicken have some obvious side options, like rice, but there are many more. Below is a look at what to serve with katsu curry.
Classic Pairs
White Rice
Simple’s boiled white rice is an easy addition to katsu curry, perfect if you are in a rush on a budget.
Steamed Jasmine Rice
Steamed jasmine rice offers a more aromatic option without being complex or difficult to produce. You could even buy a bag of microwavable jasmine rice to serve with your katsu curry.
Pickled Ginger
Pickled ginger is excellent in a small bowl on the table with a katsu curry. Either pickle your own or buy a jar to serve as a side.
Shredded Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing
A simple shredded cabbage salad with sesame dressing is lovely with any Japanese curry.
Recipe: Shredded Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing
This refreshing shredded cabbage salad with sesame dressing is a perfect side dish for any meal. The cabbage’s crispness combined with the sesame dressing’s nutty flavour creates a delightful harmony of tastes and textures. Here’s how to make it with metric measurements.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
500g cabbage (about one small head), thinly shredded
One large carrot, grated
One spring onion, thinly sliced
Two tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
For the Sesame Dressing:
60ml soy sauce
60ml rice vinegar
30ml sesame oil
One tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
One clove of garlic, minced
One teaspoon of grated fresh ginger
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Wash the cabbage thoroughly and remove any tough outer leaves. Cut the cabbage in half, then thinly slice it into shreds. Place the shredded cabbage in a large mixing bowl.
Peel and grate the carrot. Add it to the bowl with the shredded cabbage.
Thinly slice the spring onion and add it to the bowl as well.
2. Make the Sesame Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Salad:
Pour the sesame dressing over the shredded cabbage, carrot, and spring onion in the mixing bowl.
Toss the salad gently until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top of the salad.
4. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a sealed container.
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.
Before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing.
Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish alongside your favourite main course.
Enjoy the crispness of the cabbage, the sweetness of the carrot, and the nutty richness of the sesame dressing in every bite of this delicious salad!
Alternative Sides
Garlic Naan
Naan bread is common with Indian curry but not as popular with Thai, Japanese or Chinese curries.
But garlic naan bread is perfect with anything with lots of sauce to dip it in.
Japanese Potato Salad
A Japanese potato salad is delicious and perfect with a Japanese curry.
Recipe: Japanese Potato Salad
Ingredients:
For the Potato Salad:
800g potatoes (about four medium potatoes), peeled and diced
One large carrot, peeled and diced
1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
1/2 onion, finely chopped
Two hard-boiled eggs, diced
2-3 tablespoons sweet corn kernels (optional)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
150g Japanese mayonnaise (such as Kewpie)
One tablespoon of rice vinegar
One teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon mustard (optional)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Peel the potatoes and cut them into small dice.
Place the diced potatoes in a pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the potatoes are cooking, peel and dice the carrot.
Peel the cucumber, cut it in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds with a spoon. Dice the cucumber.
Finely chop the onion.
If using, dice the hard-boiled eggs.
Drain the cooked potatoes and let them cool slightly.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the Japanese mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sugar, and mustard (if using). Mix well until smooth.
Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
4. Assemble the Potato Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and slightly cooled potatoes.
Add the diced carrot, cucumber, chopped onion, diced hard-boiled eggs, and sweet corn kernels (if using).
Pour the dressing over the ingredients in the bowl.
5. Mix and Season:
Gently mix all the ingredients until well combined, making sure not to mash the potatoes too much.
Taste the potato salad and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the potato salad for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavours to meld together.
Serve the Japanese potato salad chilled as a delicious side dish with grilled meats, seafood or as part of a bento box.
Tempura Vegetables
Tempura vegetables are a delightful Japanese dish where fresh vegetables are lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior.
You could serve tempura veg with chicken, katsu sauce, or even rice instead of chicken.
Kimchi
Kimchi is a Korean dish made from fermented, shredded veg. I love a side of spicy kimchi whenever possible.
But you don’t want too much, so serve in a small pot with rice, vegetables or other sides.
Healthy Options
Quinoa Pilaf
A quinoa pilaf with veggies makes a fantastic, protein-packed alternative to white rice. Try this easy recipe.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes are a great alternative to white potatoes. They’re super healthy and tasty and add lots of colour to your meal.
Mixed Greens Salad with Miso Dressing
A green salad with mixed leaves, spring onions, and cucumber, dressed with store-bought or homemade miso, makes a lovely change from the hot side. It is especially lovely in summer when you might crave something lighter.
Steamed Veggies
Steamed vegetables are a simple, healthy, and colourful side to katsu curry. Serve with rice for a super filling and nutritious dinner.
Vegetable Gyoza
Vegetable gyoza are delicious and perfect to dip in your katsu sauce!
Edamame Beans
If you fancy a vegetable with a difference, edamame beans are perfect! Simply boiled and served with salt and pepper, and maybe some chilli flakes, they have a great texture and taste.
Tenderstem Broccoli
Tenderstem broccoli (boiled or steamed) with white rice is probably my favourite way to serve katsu curry.
Family-Friendly Side Dishes
My kids love many of the sides above, but if you are looking for some family-friendly options, these are ideal.
Crispy Chicken Katsu Nuggets
Instead of big chicken breasts, serve your katsu curry sauce with chicken nuggets or tenders that kids can dip in the sauce.
Vegetable Spring Rolls
Kids love dipping in sauce; it gives them control over how much sauce they get, and if they don’t like it, they can always just enjoy the rest. Vegetable spring rolls are crispy and delicious—an excellent option for older children.
Fruit Platter with Yoghurt Dip
If you are eating with younger children or toddlers, serve a few nuggets and rice with a katsu sauce. Also, offer fresh, juicy fruit and a yoghurt dip and let them pick what they want.
British Sides
Chunky Chips (Fries)
Chips are great with katsu sauce!
Mushy Peas
Mushy peas might seem odd, but why not?
Coleslaw
Crunchy coleslaw is an excellent alternative to kimchi and pickled ginger if you want to add a British touch to your Japanese curry.
Drinks
Japanese Green Tea
If you want to stick to traditional Japanese options, green tea is refreshing and light, perfect with a rich katsu curry.
Sake or Plum Wine
For a traditional Japanese alcoholic option, plum wine compliments spicy curry well.
Sparkling Water with Lemon
Simple sparkling water with a slice of lemon is refreshing and cooling, perfect with a spicy dish like katsu curry.
Milk
If you are eating curry with kids, a cold glass of milk is always a good option.
White Wine
White wine is a good idea for a grown-up curry. It is great with chicken and teams nicely with a creamy curry sauce.
FAQ
What is Katsu Curry?
Katsu Curry is a Japanese dish with breaded meat (or alternative protein) and a carrot-based curry sauce.
Can I make Katsu Curry vegetarian?
You can substitute the meat with tofu, vegetables, or even a meat alternative like seitan or tempeh.
How spicy is Katsu Curry typically?
The spice level can vary depending on personal preference and the recipe. Traditional Japanese Katsu Curry tends to be mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat to suit your taste.
Can I prepare Katsu Curry in advance?
While the curry sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated, it’s best to bread and fry the meat just before serving to maintain its crispiness.
Are there gluten-free options for Katsu Curry?
You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko for the breading, and ensure the curry sauce is made with gluten-free ingredients.
What are some common allergens in Katsu Curry?
Wheat (in the breadcrumbs), soy (in the sauce), and nuts (depending on the recipe) are common allergens in Katsu Curry. Always check the ingredients and adapt the recipe if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
How can I store leftover Katsu Curry?
Leftover Katsu Curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze Katsu Curry?
Yes, you can freeze Katsu Curry for up to 3 months. Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What are some creative ways to use leftover Katsu Curry?
Leftover Katsu Curry can be repurposed into sandwiches, wraps, or even a topping for rice bowls. You can also use it as a filling for stuffed peppers or baked potatoes.
Is Katsu Curry suitable for children?
Yes, Katsu Curry can be enjoyed by children, but you may want to adjust the spice level to suit their taste. You can also serve it with kid-friendly sides like chicken nuggets or vegetable sticks.
Katsu Curry is a dinner that is filled with flavour and texture. Adding simple sides like rice and vegetables is all you need to create a filling family dinner that tastes amazing. But there are plenty of other options if you like experimenting with flavours.
