Curry Bun (Kare-Pan)
A curry bun (often called kare-pan in Japan) is a delicious Japanese bakery item — basically a soft bread roll filled with savory Japanese curry and then coated in breadcrumbs before being deep-fried (crispy style) or sometimes baked.Here’s what makes it special:The filling: Usually a rich, slightly sweet Japanese curry with onions, carrots, potatoes, and sometimes minced meat or beef.The bread: Soft, fluffy dough made from wheat flour — not unlike doughnuts or milk bread.The coating: Rolled in panko breadcrumbs to give it that crisp outer layer when fried.Bite into one, and you get a mix of crunchy outside + warm, spicy-sweet curry inside. They’re super popular at Japanese bakeries, convenience stores, and festivals — a perfect comfort snack.
Click below the individual ingredient link to shop on Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
For the Curry Filling
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ small onion finely chopped
- ½ small carrot finely diced
- ½ small potato finely diced
- 100 g minced beef or chicken (about 3.5 oz)
- 1 tsp curry powder
- ½ block Japanese curry roux (or about 2 tbsp curry paste)
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp soy sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dough
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour or bread flour, (200gl)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk or water
For Coating
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for deep-frying (or a baking option below)
Instructions
Make the Curry Filling
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add minced meat, cook until browned.
- Stir in carrots and potatoes.
- Add curry powder, water, and curry roux. Simmer until thick—like a paste.
- Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Cool completely before filling (you can chill it for faster handling).
Make the Dough
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add warm milk and mix until it comes together.
- Knead in the butter until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes).
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
Shape the Buns
- Punch down dough, divide into 4 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a circle (about 4–5 inches).
- Place about 2 tablespoons of curry filling in the center.
- Pinch edges to seal, forming an oval shape. Make sure seams are sealed well!
- Let rest for 15 minutes, seam side down.
Coat and Fry
- Roll each bun gently in beaten egg, then coat with panko.
- Heat oil to 170°C (340°F).
- Fry 2 at a time for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Baked Option: Brush buns lightly with oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 15–18 minutes, until golden.
Serving SuggestionsEnjoy warm! Curry buns pair beautifully with iced green tea or a light soup on the side. They’re great for picnics, lunchboxes, or as a cozy snack.
Disclaimer
Some parts of recipe maybe AI-generated. Recipe pictures are examples of recipe and represent no affiliation with photographer.
Nutrition
Calories: 461kcal (23%)Carbohydrates: 64g (21%)Protein: 17g (34%)Fat: 15g (23%)Saturated Fat: 7g (44%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 79mg (26%)Sodium: 545mg (24%)Potassium: 401mg (11%)Fiber: 4g (17%)Sugar: 7g (8%)Vitamin A: 1376IU (28%)Vitamin C: 5mg (6%)Calcium: 114mg (11%)Iron: 4mg (22%)
Disclaimer
Nutritional information for this recipe is an approximation and is not to be construed as medical advice.
Promotions Kitchenware
Map RecipeDiscover more from MenuCulture
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.