Why You’ll Love this Sweet Japanese Pork Curry
If you’re craving a comforting meal that hits all the right notes, this Sweet Japanese Pork Curry is about to become your new favorite.
The combination of tender pork chunks and perfectly cooked vegetables creates a hearty base that satisfies on the deepest level.
What makes this curry special? The secret chocolate addition. Yes, chocolate! Those Hershey kisses melt in, creating a velvety richness you won’t find in ordinary curry.
Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable – need it thicker? Cook it longer. Want it milder? Just adjust the curry ratio.
Served over steaming rice, it’s pure comfort in a bowl.
What Ingredients are in Sweet Japanese Pork Curry?
This sweet Japanese pork curry is a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and rich flavors that come together in one comforting dish. The ingredient list might surprise you with its simplicity, but don’t be fooled—these humble components work together to create something truly special. What really sets this curry apart is the unexpected addition of chocolate, which adds a velvety depth that perfectly balances the spices in the curry roux.
- 3-4 boneless pork chops, cubed
- 3-4 baking potatoes, cubed
- 1 large onion, cut into big slices
- 1-2 carrots, sliced thick
- 2 boxes (8⅞ ounce each) Japanese curry roux, mild
- 5 Hershey chocolate kisses
- Water (enough to cover ingredients)
- Rice for serving
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters but doesn’t need to be fancy. Look for pork chops with a bit of marbling for the best texture and flavor. As for the Japanese curry roux, you’ll find this in boxes at Asian grocery stores or in the international aisle of well-stocked supermarkets—S&B Golden Curry is a common brand that works perfectly. Can’t find Hershey’s kisses? Any milk chocolate will do the trick, though the kisses melt at just the right rate for this recipe. And while russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy quality that helps thicken the curry, Yukon golds can work in a pinch.
How to Make this Sweet Japanese Pork Curry
Making this curry couldn’t be simpler, though the flavor would suggest hours of complex cooking. Start by preparing all your ingredients—cube those 3-4 boneless pork chops into bite-sized pieces, cut 3-4 baking potatoes into chunks (not too small or they’ll disintegrate), slice 1 large onion into generous pieces, and cut 1-2 carrots into thick rounds.
All these chunky vegetables give the curry a hearty texture that’s absolutely divine against the silky sauce. A high-end electric pressure cooker can help you achieve perfect texture every time while maintaining the rich flavors of your ingredients.
Place all your prepared ingredients in a large pot and add enough water to cover everything. This might seem like a lot of water, but don’t worry—the magic happens during the reduction.
Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately start skimming off any foam or fat that rises to the surface. This step is essential for a clean-tasting curry without any greasy film.
Once the potatoes are fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes of gentle boiling), break the 2 boxes of Japanese curry roux into chunks and add them to the pot. Here’s where constant attention pays off—keep stirring to help those curry blocks dissolve completely into the broth.
The real secret weapon comes next: drop in those 5 Hershey chocolate kisses and continue stirring until they’re fully melted. The chocolate works some kind of alchemy with the curry spices, creating a depth that’s honestly addictive.
You’ll notice the curry gradually thickening; when it reaches your preferred consistency (I like mine just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon), it’s ready to ladle generously over steaming white rice.
For a quicker and more efficient cooking process, consider using an Indian pressure cooker which can reduce cooking time while preserving the rich flavors of this curry.
Sweet Japanese Pork Curry Substitutions and Variations
While you’ve got the basic recipe down, let’s talk about ways to customize this curry to your own taste or pantry limitations.
Don’t have pork? Chicken thighs or beef chunks work beautifully, just adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Vegetarians can swap in firm tofu or chickpeas for protein.
The vegetables are flexible too.
Try adding bell peppers, green peas, or mushrooms for variety.
Can’t find Japanese curry blocks? In a pinch, curry powder mixed with flour, garam masala, and a touch of sugar creates a similar effect.
For sweetness beyond chocolate, honey or pear puree offers interesting alternatives.
Some cooks even add a splash of apple juice!
What to Serve with Sweet Japanese Pork Curry
When it comes to serving Sweet Japanese Pork Curry, what accompaniments will take your meal from good to unforgettable?
I always recommend steamed short-grain Japanese rice as the traditional foundation. That pillowy bed of rice soaks up the rich curry sauce perfectly.
For a revitalizing contrast, try quick-pickled vegetables like cucumber or daikon—their tangy crunch cuts through the curry’s sweetness. A soft-boiled egg on top? Divine. The runny yolk adds another layer of richness.
Don’t forget a side of fukujinzuke (sweet pickled vegetables) for an authentic touch. Trust me, these little extras transform your homemade curry into a complete Japanese comfort food experience.
Final Thoughts
After preparing this Sweet Japanese Pork Curry recipe countless times, I’ve come to appreciate how it brings together simplicity and complexity in one comforting dish.
The secret chocolate addition transforms ordinary curry into something magical, adding depth without overwhelming sweetness.
What I love most? The versatility. You can adjust the thickness to your preference, swap vegetables based on what’s in your fridge, or even try chicken instead of pork.
This curry connects us to Japanese comfort food traditions while being accessible for home cooks.
Unlike the intense heat from Szechuan dried chilies found in traditional Chinese dishes like Kung Pao chicken, this curry offers a milder flavor profile perfect for family meals.
For those concerned about healthy eating, this recipe can be as nutritious as organic turkey meatloaf when you choose quality ingredients and add plenty of vegetables.
Give it a try on your next cozy night in—your taste buds will thank you.
