Healthy Japanese Keema Curry (No Roux, Miso & Koji)
- 16 hours ago
- 2 min read
A Gut-Friendly, Additive-Free Take on Classic Japanese Curry
CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS RECIPE |
Japanese curry is one of the most loved comfort foods—but it’s not always the healthiest.
Growing up in Japan, I remember my mom making curry often. But she always made sure we had salad, fruit, or milk alongside it, because curry alone wasn’t nutritionally balanced.
This recipe is my upgraded version.
By using miso, soy sauce koji, and homemade dashi, I created a curry that is:
Rich in umami
Packed with nutrients
Completely additive-free
RECIPE OVERVIEW |
Prep Time: 15 minutes (or overnight for cold brew)
Cook Time: 50 - 60 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Serving Size: 4 servings
Equipment Needed: Deep pan or pot, steamer
Difficulty Level: Medium
Suitable For: Dairy-free, gluten-free
NUTRITION AND GUT HEALTH BENEFITS |
Fermented seasonings support gut health
High protein from meat or plant-based alternatives
Fiber-rich vegetables support digestion
Spices provide anti-inflammatory benefits
INGREDIENTS |
1 clove garlic
1 tbsp ginger
1 onion• ½ carrot
~4 cocktail tomatoes
400 g ground pork and/or beef
½ tsp salt & pepper
2 tbsp curry powder 👉 Curry powder used: https://amzn.to/42dxwZ1
200 ml dashi
2 tbsp miso
1 tbsp soy sauce koji or 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp mirin
120-140g Cooked Rice
(optional) Toppings (okra, eggplant, kabocha, poached egg)
INSTRUCTIONS |
Sauté garlic & ginger
Cook onion until golden
Add vegetables + meat
Add curry powder
Add dashi + miso + koji + mirin
Simmer until thickened
Serve with rice & vegetables
RECIPE NOTES
Simmer slowly for deeper flavor
Adjust spice level with curry powder
Use any vegetables you have
Can be frozen up to 4 weeks
SHOPPING TIPS |
S&B CURRY SPICES FROM JAPAN:
If you’re looking for a cleaner, more traditional curry flavor, I highly recommend S&B Curry Powder Oriental. I often use it for my keema curry—it’s gluten-free, free from additives, and made with a blend of natural spices only. Unlike curry roux, it lets you control the ingredients while still delivering that deep, comforting Japanese curry aroma. It’s a simple swap that makes your curry lighter, cleaner, and much more gut-friendly.
ORGANIC MISO PASTE FROM JAPAN:
This is one of the best quality miso options widely available in the U.S. market.
The ingredient list is exactly how miso should be:
Rice koji
Soybeans
Salt
Water
Nothing else.
It is:
Made in Japan
Gluten-free
Simple and traditional
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Serve with:
Brown rice or wild rice
Steamed vegetables
Soft poached egg
FINAL THOUGHTS |
This recipe shows that comfort food can also be nourishing.
By using traditional Japanese ingredients and fermentation, you can transform a classic dish into something that truly supports your health—without sacrificing flavor 💛
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