
Easy, homemade Japanese curry powder that’s perfect for Japanese curry, fried rice, noodles, soups, stews and more!

Happy Monday, friends! This week is going to be all about Japanese curry. We’re kickin’ it off with a Japanese curry powder recipe because a) I know it can be difficult to find it in stores and b) to make our own homemade curry and curry roux.
What is Japanese Curry Powder
Japanese curry powder is a spice blend made up of mild spices and herbs. While primarily used to make curry, it can also be used in soups, stews, noodles and anything you want to add a mild, subtly sweet curry flare to.
Japanese curry powder vs. Indian curry powder
The main difference between Japanese curry powder and Indian curry powder is the level of spiciness. When curry powder was first imported into Japan, they altered it to their taste, making it sweeter and less spicy. In fact, if you ever purchase ‘hot’ curry roux, you’ll find its actually still quite mild.

Whats in Japanese curry powder
Depending on the brand, different curry powders contain different ingredients with different ratios. I based my recipe off of the most popular brand: S&B.
The must-haves:
- turmeric
- coriander
- cumin
- fenugreek
- ground black pepper
- ground cinnamon
- ginger
- garlic powder
- nutmeg
- fennel
- cardamom
- cloves
- bay leaf
To make it better:
- star anise
- allspice
- thyme
- sage
- cayenne
What spice do I add to Japanese curry roux to make it spicier?
Japanese curry is meant to be mild. Even the commercially bought ones that are labeled hot are not very spicy. Two spices that can bump up the heat without changing the flavour are cayenne and black pepper. A little cayenne pepper goes a long way so be sure to add just a pinch at a time.

Why toast spices?
Toasting spices intensifies their flavours by breaking down their essential oils and then releasing their aromatics in a different form. It also adds layers of warming, toasty notes and a complexity of flavours.
To toast spices, add them to a pan over low heat stirring every few seconds to ensure they don’t burn. Continue until they start to release a strong fragrant smell. Remove from the pan immediently once the aromatics intensifies and be careful not to burn it.
Storing tips
The best way to keep curry powder is in an air tight container in a cool dry place away from heat or sunlight. It can last for months, but it will lose its strong aromatic flavours over time. Since it’s easy to make, I suggest using it within 2 months.

What can I use Japanese curry powder for?
- Japanese Kabocha Pumpkin Curry
- Japanese Curry Fried Rice
- Homemade Japanese Curry ‘Roux’ Cubes (Vegan + No Butter) – coming soon!
- Authentic Japanese Curry (From Scratch) – coming soon!
If you recreate this Japanese Curry Powder recipe let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment and rating below or by tagging me on Instagram @Okonomikitchen, I love seeing all of your tasty recreations!
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Japanese Curry Powder Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 7 tbsp 1x
Description
Easy, homemade Japanese curry spice that’s perfect for Japanese curry, roux, fried rice, noodles, soups, stews and more!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp turmeric powder
- 3 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp ground fenugreek
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground fennel
- 1 tsp ground star anise
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp ground all spice
- 1/2 tsp ground thyme
- 1/2 tsp ground sage
- 1/2 tsp cayenne
Instructions
- Add all the spices to a cast iron skillet or pan over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Once fragrant, remove from the stove and out of the pan immediently.
- Let the spices cool and then store in a spice jar.
Notes
- Helpful Equipment: spice jars
- Nutritional Information Disclaimer: Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated on an online tool (Cronometer).
- Category: spices
- Method: mixing
- Cuisine: vegan, gluten free, japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 20
- Sugar: 0.2
- Sodium: 3.3
- Fat: 0.9
- Saturated Fat: 0.1
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3.5
- Protein: 0.9
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: japanese curry powder, japanese curry
SAVE IT FOR LATER! ↓

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I must have been tired when I made this, because once I was done I realized I didn’t triple the recipe and I was so sad I had only made such a small amount! Will be making another very soon seeing as I’m already almost out 😅
★★★★★
Thanks so much for this blend idea! I had just purchased my first can of the S&B spice blend before reading this… but I plan on comparing that vs. your blend soon for fun. I am just now starting to try making Japanese curry at home, it’s so warming and delish, and a perfect way to serve tons of vegetables to picky eaters. 😝
Let me know what you think!! 🙂
Turned out great! I’m still pretty new to cooking so I was wondering if you had any suggestions for turning this into a curry roux. Thanks!