Crispy Cozy Japanese Curry Croquettes Korokke

Crispy Japanese Curry Croquette Korokke A Taste of Tokyo

By Lucas KimSeptember 19, 2025Updated: November 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Crispy & Cozy Japanese Curry Croquettes (Korokke)

Ever get that craving for something utterly comforting? Well, let me introduce you to Japanese curry croquette , also known as Korokke ! Trust me, this is comfort food at its finest.

These delicious, golden brown orbs of joy are basically a creamy, savory hug in every bite. The secret? A perfectly seasoned curried potato filling encased in a shatteringly crisp, golden crust.

What's the Deal with Korokke?

Korokke, a delicious example of Japanese comfort food , is originally from Europe, which is pretty neat. Now they are a staple in Japan.

They are often found as Japanese street food recipes , and are made with fried potato croquettes. It takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes from start to finish, with a prep time of 30 minutes, but most of it will be chilling.

This Croquette Recipe makes about 12 croquettes.

Why You'll Absolutely Love These

One of the best things about Korokke is that they're proper filling! The potatoes give you a good dose of energy, and they're perfect for a cozy night in or even as a cheeky snack.

Think of them as grown-up potato smiles. They're also just such a crowd pleaser.

Let's Talk Ingredients

Time to gather your bits and bobs for this awesome Japanese snack. It does call for some common, easy-to-find items like russet potatoes, beef mince, onions, and panko breadcrumbs.

But don’t worry, nothing too fancy! Let’s get the show on the road.

Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks with what you'll need. We're making Japanese curry croquettes ! Honestly, don't let the name scare you.

It is a croquette recipe . This Japanese snack recipe is super satisfying. It's Japanese comfort food at its finest. And I promise it is easier than you think.

Main Ingredients for these Japanese Savory Snacks

Here’s the breakdown for these fried potato croquettes . This cream croquette recipe will blow your mind.

Potatoes: 1 lb (450g) Russet, peeled and cubed. Look for firm potatoes, free of sprouts. You want good quality for a creamy center.
Vegetable Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Any neutral oil will do.
Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped (about 1 cup/150g). Yellow onions are my go-to!
Ground Beef: ½ lb (225g) . You can also use pork.
All-Purpose Flour: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
Japanese Curry Roux: 2 tbsp (30ml) . Golden Curry (mild) is perfect for beginners.
Beef Broth: ½ cup (120ml) . This adds depth of flavour to your curry korokke .
Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
Flour: ½ cup (60g) .
Eggs: 2 large , beaten.
Panko Breadcrumbs: 2 cups (about 100g) .
Vegetable Oil: 4-6 cups . For deep frying.

Seasoning is Key!

Spice combinations make all the difference. I love soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Trust me, they create umami heaven in this korokke recipe .

You can add a dash of cayenne. It will offer a kick. If you are missing Worcestershire, use extra soy!

Equipment Time for this Japanese street food recipes

You don't need anything fancy. A basic kitchen will be fine!

Large Pot: For boiling the potatoes.
Large Skillet: To make the curry filling.
Potato Masher: Get those potatoes smooth.
Shallow Dishes: For the breading station.
Deep Fry Thermometer: A must have for accurate temps!
Slotted Spoon: For removing fried potato croquettes .
Wire Rack: To drain excess oil after frying.

Don’t have a deep fry thermometer? Honestly, you can eyeball it. I have done this before! Drop a tiny piece of bread in the oil.

If it browns in about 20 seconds, you’re good to go at 350° F ( 175° C) . Just be careful!

Cooking Up Comfort: Japanese Curry Croquette Magic

Honestly, who doesn't love something crispy and deep fried? I'm talking about japanese curry croquette , or Korokke as the cool kids call it.

I was reading that Korokke is one of the most popular Japanese savory snacks alongside karaage! This isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary hug from Japan.

Think golden brown goodness with a creamy, curried potato surprise inside. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. Let's dive into this delicious croquette recipe adventure!

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first: Get organized. Peel and cube 1 lb of Russet potatoes. Chop one medium onion. Get out ½ lb of ground beef (or pork, you do you!).

Measure out your spices and curry roux. This is the essential mise en place , trust me, it will make cooking smooth sailing! To save time, prep the potatoes earlier.

Remember, safety first! Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby when deep frying.

Croquette Creation: step-by-step

Ready to get your hands dirty? This Japanese croquette recipe is easy as pie!

Boil the potatoes until tender. Mash until smooth.
Sauté onion and ground beef in a skillet.
Add 1 tbsp of flour, then ½ cup of beef broth, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce. Stir in 2 tbsp curry roux. Simmer until thick.
Mix the curry beef with the mashed potatoes.
Chill the mixture for at least 1 hour.
Shape into oval croquettes.
Bread each croquette: flour, then egg, then 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs.
Fry in 350° F ( 175° C) oil until golden brown, about 2- 3 minutes per side.

Pro Tips and Tricks

Want to take your curry korokke game to the next level? Chill the potato mixture well it prevents a meltdown during frying.

Don't overcrowd the frying pot. Keep that oil temperature consistent. A super common mistake is not chilling the mixture long enough.

It needs to be solid enough to hold its shape. To make-ahead, bread the croquettes and freeze them before frying.

They are one of the most loved Japanese street food recipes along with okonomiyaki and takoyaki.

And that's it! You've conquered the japanese curry croquette ! Serve these crispy treats with Tonkatsu sauce or Kewpie mayo.

They're fantastic as a snack or a side dish. Enjoy this taste of Japanese comfort food ! Now that you know how to make this cream croquette recipe , maybe you want to try other Japanese snack recipes or simply experiment a little!

Recipe Notes: Making Your Japanese Curry Croquette Dreams a Reality

Alright, so you're ready to tackle these Japanese Curry Croquettes , eh? They're proper tasty, a bit like a posh, deep fried jacket potato.

Honestly, these fried potato croquettes are worth the effort, I promise. Let's dive into some notes to help you nail this Croquette Recipe .

Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions

Want to make these Curry Korokke look as good as they taste? I always love serving these Japanese savory snacks with a dollop of Kewpie mayo .

You know, that extra rich Japanese mayonnaise? So good! Some shredded cabbage with a light vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and cuts through the richness.

Tonkatsu sauce is another classic choice, proper savory and sweet! Also, don't forget a side of Gari ! It's really good for cleaning your palate.

Storing Your Japanese Snack Recipes

Got leftovers? No worries! These cream croquette recipe wonders will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they are in a sealed container, right? For longer storage, you can freeze them before frying.

Lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month.

Reheat them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

Remix Time: Variations on the Theme

Fancy switching things up? Go veggie! Swap the ground beef for finely chopped mushrooms or lentils. You could use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Want a spicy kick? Chuck in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling. You know, a bit of heat.

Also, if you don’t have panko, normal breadcrumbs work alright too.

Nutrition: The Basics

Each Japanese Curry Croquette is about 250 calories . They also have about 10g of protein, 15g of fat , and 20g of carbohydrates .

They aren’t exactly a health food, but everything in moderation, right? These Japanese comfort food treats are a great source of energy.

You can check the label of ingredients for more accurate numbers!

You know, making Korokke recipe might seem a bit daunting at first. Especially for beginners. But trust me, once you get the hang of it, you'll be whipping up these Japanese street food recipes like a pro.

Don't be afraid to experiment and have some fun. Happy cooking, luv!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to stop my japanese curry croquette from falling apart while frying?

Ah, the dreaded croquette crumble! The secret is chilling the potato and curry mixture thoroughly at least an hour in the fridge, or even overnight. This firms it up, making it much easier to handle. Also, be gentle when breading and make sure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F/175°C).

Too cool, and they'll absorb oil and fall apart; too hot, and they'll burn before they're heated through.

Can I make japanese curry croquette ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the entire croquette (formed and breaded) and keep them in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours before frying. You can also freeze the un-fried breaded croquettes.

Lay them flat on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Fry them straight from frozen, but you might need to add a minute or two to the cooking time.

What can I substitute for Japanese curry roux in these japanese curry croquettes?

If you can't find Japanese curry roux (like Golden Curry), don't despair! You can create a substitute using a mix of curry powder, flour, and broth. Sauté the flour with a little butter until it turns golden, then stir in curry powder, turmeric, and a pinch of cumin.

Gradually add broth until you achieve a thick, gravy like consistency. Adjust the spices to your liking a little taste test never hurt anyone!

Are there any variations on the filling for Japanese Curry Croquettes (Korokke)?

Definitely! Japanese Curry Croquettes are super versatile. For a vegetarian version, try using finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, or even crumbled tofu in place of the ground beef. You could also add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn to the filling.

And if you're feeling adventurous, a little grated cheese in the potato mixture adds a lovely richness - cheddar or gruyere work particularly well.

How do I store leftover Japanese Curry Croquettes, and how long will they last?

Leftover Japanese Curry Croquettes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, the best way is to bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a quicker (and equally crispy) result.