Japanese Curry Powder

With a rounded and sweet aroma, S&B curry powder is a staple in the Japanese pantry. You can use this versatile spice blend to make Japanese curry dishes like the beloved curry rice (kare rice), and so much more!

Japanese Curry Powder (カレー粉) refers to a commercial blend of various spices for Japanese curry.

What Is Japanese Curry Powder

As the name implies, it refers to a commercial curry spice blend.

Curry was first introduced to Japan during the Meiji era (1868–1912) by the British navy, who brought the curry powder spice mix.

S&B Foods makes the most famous Japanese curry powder. Called Aka Kan (赤缶, literally “Red Tin”), it was first sold by S&B Foods in 1923, and since then, it holds more than 80% of the market share in Japan.

S&B’s curry powder is made of over 30 kinds of roasted, powdered, blended, and aged spices. The main ingredients are turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, pepper, chili, orange peel, and other spices. It does not contain wheat flour, unlike commercial curry roux.

Since red canned curry powder became a staple in the kitchens of homes and restaurants, the flavor of this curry became the foundation for Japanese curry culture.

How to Make Homemade Japanese Curry Powder

To make curry powder, see the recipe below. The ingredients in bold are a must, and the others are optional. This recipe yields roughly 6 Tbsp of curry powder.

For the color

• Turmeric (1 Tbsp) – gives the signature bright yellow color to the curry
• Paprika (1 tsp) – for earthy flavor and a touch of red

For the fragrance

• Allspice (1/2 tsp) – adds a warming fragrance
• Bay leaf (1 leaf)
• Coriander (1 Tbsp) – lends a sweet, nutty, floral citrus aroma
• Cumin (1 Tbsp) – the main fragrance reminding you of curry
• Cloves (1 tsp)
• Fennel (1/2 tsp)
• Nutmeg (1/2 tsp)
• Cardamom (1 tsp)
• Cinnamon (1 tsp)
• Garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
• Fenugreek seeds (2 tsp)
• Orange peel (optional) – S&B Curry Powder includes this

For the spice

• Black pepper (1/2 tsp)
• Cayenne pepper (1/2 tsp) – spicy
• Ginger powder (1/2 tsp)
• Red chili pepper (optional) – spicy, dried, fine powder
• Red pepper (optional) – spicy, roasted, coarse
• White pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. If the spices aren’t already in powder form, toast them, stirring them frequently, over low heat for 1-2 minutes. When you can smell the aroma, transfer them to a spice grinder and grind.
2. Mix all the spices in a medium or large bowl to mix.
3. Transfer the toasted spice powder to a glass jar and let cool completely. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place or freezer for two months.

Note: Salt is not included in the curry powder; therefore, when making the recipe, you must season it with salt.

Make Homemade Curry Roux with Japanese Curry Powder

With Japanese curry powder, you can make homemade Curry Roux from scratch with just five ingredients. Check out this recipe!

How To Use

In addition to using it for Japanese curry, you can make curry seasoning by mixing it with Japanese mayonnaise, as a seasoning for grilled vegetables and meat, or as additional flavoring to dressing.

Where To Buy

You can buy the S&B Curry Powder on Amazon or at most Japanese and Asian grocery stores.

How To Store

Treat it like dried spices and store it in a cool, dark place away from moisture and humidity.

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