If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and deeply comforting, Japanese curry is always a good idea. But what if you could make it even easier—without standing over the stove? This rice cooker Japanese curry is a game-changer for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you want a rich, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup. Toss everything into your rice cooker, press a button, and let it do the magic while you prep your rice or relax.
This simplified recipe uses ground beef and common veggies for a wholesome curry that’s ready with almost no effort. Whether you’re new to Japanese curry or a longtime fan, this dish delivers comfort in every bite.
Easy Rice Cooker Japanese Curry
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Prep the Ingredients
Start by preparing your vegetables. Peel and cut the potato into small bite-sized chunks so they cook evenly. Slice the carrot into thin rounds or half-moons. Chop the onion into medium pieces, and dice the tomato. This combination of veggies adds natural sweetness and body to the curry.
-
Layer into the Rice Cooker
Place all the chopped vegetables into the bowl of your rice cooker. Add the ground beef on top—no need to brown it first! Break it up slightly so it cooks through evenly. Pour in 300 ml of water, then add the curry cubes, breaking them into smaller pieces if you'd like them to dissolve faster.
-
Cook
Close the lid and set your rice cooker to the regular white rice setting. That’s it! Let the machine do the work. The steam and heat will gently cook everything together, melding the flavors and thickening the curry sauce.
-
Stir and Finish
When the cooking cycle finishes, open the lid and give everything a good stir. The curry cubes may need a little help to fully dissolve, so stir until the sauce thickens and everything is well mixed. If it looks too thick, you can splash in a bit more water and stir again.
-
Serve and Garnish
Spoon the rich, flavorful curry over a bowl of freshly steamed white rice. Sprinkle with sliced green onion for a pop of color and freshness.
Note
- Curry roux usually comes in boxes of 12 servings, but the number of cubes per box can vary. Some brands divide the box into 6 cubes, while others use 4 larger blocks. Either way, you’ll want to use about 1/4 of the total box for this recipe, which serves about 2–3 people.
- Double it up: This recipe scales well! Just make sure not to overfill your rice cooker, and leave some room for bubbling.
What are brands of Japanese curry?
I think the most famous (or at least the ones I’m familiar with) are S&B and House Foods!