Vegan Japanese Curry

Published: January 6, 2025 · Of Nicholas · Updated: January 6, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links.

This vegan Japanese curry is pure comfort food: hot, hearty, and packed with flavor. Tender vegetables like carrots and potatoes simmer in a sweet and savory curry sauce. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for serving over a bowl of steaming rice.

Japanese curry is a little different from other curries you may know and love. It is less spicy and more delicate, with a unique sweetness thanks to the addition of apples.

This vegan version stays true to traditional flavors while keeping things entirely plant-based. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl: warm, filling, and absolutely delicious.

Because you will love this curry

This Japanese vegetable curry is:

• Comforting and tasty: Curry roux creates a thick, flavorful sauce with just the right balance of sweet and savory.
• Loaded with veggies: Carrots, potatoes and onions make this curry hearty and nutritious.
• Simple and fast: With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under an hour.
• Perfectly vegetal: All the classic flavors of Japanese curry without animal products.

Tips for a perfect vegan Japanese curry

Store-bought or homemade curry roux

Japanese curry gets its distinctive flavor and texture from cubes of curry roux. Almost everyone I know uses canned curry roux cubes for this type of curry, because it’s so quick and easy. I recommend this brand in particular – and this particular flavor is also vegan friendly. Now, if you want to make this curry entirely from scratch, I’m also including some instructions below on how to make a homemade curry roux.

Don’t skip the apple

It’s traditional for a reason. The apple is the secret ingredient: it adds a delicate sweetness that balances the savory curry. I like to use Honeycrisp apples, but Fuji or Gala apples will also work.

Serving Ideas

Japanese curry is traditionally served over fluffy white rice. Feel free to substitute brown rice or even quinoa if you prefer.

Make your broth

Store-bought broth is quick and easy and can be used completely here. But if you want something more, try making your own vegetable broth.

Bonus points: Make homemade curry roux

As I mentioned, it is very common to use a canned curry mix for Japanese curry (like this one). However, if you want to make your own from scratch, here’s how I do it!

There are two additional steps to incorporate a homemade curry seasoning. One is to add a simple roux to thicken the curry. And the other is to add your own homemade spice blend. When you get to Step 6 in the recipe instructions, simply add the homemade roux and spice blend instead of the store-bought curry cubes.

Creation of the Roux

In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1 minute. This will create the roux that will thicken your curry.

Add these spices

You will also add the following combination of spices to the curry. Feel free to adapt it to your personal tastes.

• 2 tablespoons curry powder (a mild variety works best for Japanese curry)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a touch of heat)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heating)
• ¼ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste

Variations to try

Add a protein: Add cubes of baked tofu, edamame or chickpeas for even more flavor.

Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.

Extra vegetables: Add mushrooms, zucchini or peppers for more variety.

Complete everything: Garnish with sliced ​​green onions, sesame seeds, or even pickled ginger for added flavor.

Other vegetarian recipes

If you love this vegan-friendly Japanese curry, be sure to check out these other delicious ideas:

Recipe