Yaki Curry - Japanese Baked Curry
Simple yet So Flavorful Baked Rice Dish
When we visited Japan in 2022, we went on a road trip in Kyushu. The final destination in the Kyusyu after driving all the way around the island, was Mojiko. It's a small port town in Kita Kyushu city. And the Yaki Curry is well known there.
Yaki Curry is a baked rice dish that is made by layering rice and curry in a gratin pan, topping it with cheese and an egg, and then baking it in the oven until the cheese is melted and the egg is cooked to your preference. The dish is then served hot, and you use a spoon to mix the half-cooked egg and melting cheese all together with the savory curry.
RECIPE
Servings: 1 medium ramekin or small gratin pan
Time: 15 min
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked rice
2/3 cup Japanese curry
1 pc egg
mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC) and grease a medium ramekin or small gratin pan to prevent sticking.
Take the prepared ramekin or pan and add the cooked rice, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Carefully pour the Japanese curry over the rice, ensuring it spreads evenly and covers the rice entirely.
Crack the egg directly into the middle of the curry.
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top.
Place the ramekin or pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 7-8 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned while the egg is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Adjust the baking time if needed, as every oven varies slightly.
Once the Yaki Curry is perfectly baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few moments.
Historical Influences from Mojiko: Mojiko is a charming port town with a rich history of trade and cultural exchange. Situated in the northern part of Kyushu, Mojiko was once a bustling hub for international commerce, connecting Japan with other Asian countries. It is within this vibrant cultural melting pot that Yaki Curry found its roots and flourished.
Yaki Curry's origins can be traced back to the 19th century when British traders introduced Indian curry to Japan. This exotic and aromatic spice blend captivated the taste buds of Japanese locals, and chefs across the country began experimenting with curry, infusing it with their own unique flavors and techniques.
It was in Mojiko, a gateway to the world, that the distinctive Yaki Curry emerged. A local café transformed leftover curry into a culinary masterpiece. They ingeniously realized that by combining the remaining curry with rice and cheese in a gratin pan. The result was an incredibly delicious dish that captivated everyone who tasted it.
