Ultimate Gluten-Free Katsu Curry Recipe

Becky avatarPublished by | Last updated 19th October, 2024
⏲️Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
🙏Rating:

This gluten-free Katsu Curry is a Japanese curry that is packed with flavour, a mouth-watering crispy fried chicken with a delicious coconut and curry sauce.

Are you craving a bit of Japanese-inspired comfort food? Well, you’re in for a treat with this gluten-free Katsu Curry recipe.

It’s a delightful twist on the classic Japanese dish that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Think crispy fried chicken paired with a creamy, mildly spiced curry sauce.

It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavours that’ll transport you straight to Tokyo – all from the comfort of your gluten-free kitchen!

A succulent crispy fried chicken with a creamy coconut and mild curry sauce. You can always spice it up if you are partial to a bit of spice!

I serve this yummy curry with sticky Jasmine rice.

gluten-free katsu curry

What you’ll love about this recipe

  • It’s 100% gluten-free so you can indulge without worry
  • The crispy, breaded chicken is simply irresistible
  • The curry sauce is mild but can be easily spiced up for heat lovers
  • It’s a great way to enjoy a restaurant favourite at home
  • Pairs perfectly with sticky Jasmine rice for a complete meal

gluten-free katsu curry on plate

Ingredients

Chicken: You’ll need 2 large chicken breasts, cut into small strips. This forms the base of your Katsu.

Breading: Grab 3 slices of gluten-free bread to make breadcrumbs and 5 tablespoons of gluten-free plain flour. These will give your chicken that irresistible crunch.

Egg: One egg is needed for the breading process.

Oil: You’ll use 50ml of oil for frying, plus 2 tablespoons of garlic oil (or rapeseed oil with half a teaspoon of garlic).

Vegetables: Two carrots, thinly sliced, add a lovely sweetness to the curry sauce.

Curry sauce: For the sauce, you’ll need 1.5 tablespoons of gluten-free plain flour, 3 tablespoons of mild curry powder, 4 tablespoons of gluten-free soy sauce, 500ml of gluten-free chicken stock, 2 fresh bay leaves, and 1 tablespoon of garam masala.

Garnish: Two spring onions, chopped, for a fresh finish.

Rice: Sticky Jasmine rice completes the dish.

Instructions

Start by preparing your chicken. Cut the breasts into smaller strips. This will help them cook evenly and make them easier to eat.

Set up your breading station. On three separate plates, place beaten egg, gluten-free flour, and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken strip first in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. Make sure they’re fully coated.

Time to fry! Heat your oil in a frying pan and cook the breaded chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until golden. Then transfer them to a baking tray and pop in the oven for 10-12 minutes to cook through.

While the chicken’s baking, let’s make the curry sauce. Cut your carrots into batons and fry them for 4 minutes. Add the gluten-free flour and mild curry powder, coating the carrots well.

Pour in the chicken stock, soy sauce, and add the bay leaves. Mix well to dissolve the flour. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes. The sauce will thicken, but you can add more boiling water if needed. Stir occasionally.

Once the sauce is cooked and thickened, stir in the garam masala. Remove the bay leaves, and you’re ready to serve!

What to serve with Gluten-Free Katsu Curry

This gluten-free Katsu Curry is best served with sticky Jasmine rice. The mild, fragrant rice perfectly complements the crispy chicken and flavourful curry sauce. Spoon the curry sauce over the chicken and rice, then sprinkle with chopped spring onions for a pop of colour and freshness.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also serve it with a side of gluten-free pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad for added crunch and tang. And don’t forget, if you like your curry with a bit more kick, feel free to add some extra chilli or hot sauce to spice things up!

Remember, the key to a great Katsu Curry is the contrast between the crispy chicken and the smooth, flavourful sauce. So make sure to serve it immediately while the chicken is still hot and crunchy. Enjoy your homemade gluten-free Japanese feast!

breaded chicken

A quick photo of the breaded batter frying on the chicken.

cooking carrots

Fry the carrots after cutting them into thin batons.

cooking katsu curry sauce

Simmering the Katsu sauce.

Gluten-free Katsu curry recipe

Are you ready to try my gluten-free Katsu curry recipe? Then let’s get started:

gluten-free katsu curry

Ultimate Gluten-Free Katsu Curry

Avatar for BeckyBecky Terrell
This gluten-free Katsu Curry is a classic Japanese curry that is packed with flavour. A mouth-watering crispy fried chicken with a delicious coconut and mild curry sauce.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 2 Servings
Calories 1474 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Chopping Board
  • 1 Frying pan
  • 1 Baking tray
  • 3 Plates

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 Large chicken breasts (cut into small strips)
  • 3 Slices Gluten-free bread (to make crumbs)
  • 5 tbsp Gluten-free plain flour
  • 50 ml Oil
  • 1 Egg
  • 2 tbsp Garlic oil (I used rapeseed oil with half a teaspoon of garlic)
  • 2 Carrots (thinly sliced)
  • 1.5 tbsp Gluten-free plain flour
  • 3 tbsp Mild curry powder
  • 4 tbsp Gluten free soy sauce
  • 500 ml Gluten-free chicken stock
  • 2 Fresh Bay leaves (dry is ok too)
  • 1 tbsp Garam masala
  • 2 Spring onions (chopped)
  • Sticky Jasmine rice

Instructions
 

  • Cut the chicken breasts into smaller strips.
  • On three plates put the beaten egg, gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • First, dip the chicken into the flour, then the egg and finally the breadcrumbs. Repeat this with all of the chicken breasts fully coating them.
  • Next in a heated frying pan fry the coated chicken for around 3 minutes on each side until they are just golden.
  • Then remove from the frying pan and put onto a baking tray and bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes to cook through.
  • Next cut - up the carrots. I like to cut them into batons.
  • Fry them for 4 minutes, then add the gluten-free flour and mild curry powder.
  • Coat all the carrots with the flour then add the chicken stock, soy sauce and bay leaves. Mix them well to dissolve the flour. Bring to the boil then simmer for 20 minutes. It will make a thick sauce, you can add more boiling water if it becomes too thick. Stir occotionally.
  • Once cooked through and thicker add the Garma Masala powder and mix in well. Remove the bay leaves and serve with the jasmine rice and spring onions.

Nutrition

Calories: 1474kcalCarbohydrates: 81gProtein: 100gFat: 82gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 21gMonounsaturated Fat: 42gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 259mgSodium: 62043mgPotassium: 2102mgFiber: 6gSugar: 48gVitamin A: 10597IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 574mgIron: 8mg
Keyword Curry
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Gluten-Free Katsu Curry Recipe Tips

Here are some useful tips for making a delicious gluten-free katsu curry.

Ingredients to Watch

Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce contains wheat, so use a gluten-free alternative like tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs made from gluten-free bread or pre-packaged options.
Flour: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free plain flour or cornflour for coating the chicken and thickening the sauce.
Curry Powder: Ensure the curry powder is labeled gluten-free, as some blends may contain hidden gluten.

Preparing the Chicken

Flatten the chicken breasts for even cooking. Slice them into strips or butterfly them as needed.
Set up a breading station with separate bowls for gluten-free flour, beaten egg, and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Coat the chicken in this order: flour → egg → breadcrumbs.
Fry the breaded chicken in oil until golden and crispy, then finish cooking in the oven if necessary to ensure thorough doneness.

Making the Curry Sauce

Use a mild curry powder, but adjust spice levels by adding cayenne pepper or chili if you prefer more heat.
For sweetness, consider adding honey or apple juice to balance the flavors of the curry sauce.
Thicken the sauce with gluten-free flour or cornflour mixed with water to avoid lumps.
Use a high-quality gluten-free chicken stock to enhance flavor without excess saltiness.

Additional Tips

Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring crispiness.
If preparing ahead, make the sauce in advance and reheat it gently while keeping the chicken crispy by reheating it in an oven rather than a microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Gluten-Free Katsu Curry Vegan?

Yes, you can make gluten-free katsu curry vegan by substituting chicken with extra-firm tofu or vegetables like aubergine, sweet potato, and butternut squash. Use plant-based milk and ensure all ingredients are free from animal products.

How Do I Prevent Cross-Contamination?

To prevent cross-contamination, ensure all utensils and surfaces are clean and free from gluten.

Use separate cooking equipment if possible. Check all ingredients for gluten-free certification and avoid products with ‘may contain’ warnings for gluten.

What Are the Best Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs to Use?

You can use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or make your own by crushing gluten-free bread or cornflakes. Ensure they are certified gluten-free to avoid contamination.

Can I Use Any Type of Curry Powder?

Not all curry powders are gluten-free. Always check the ingredients to ensure the curry powder you use is gluten-free. Some brands may contain gluten due to cross-contamination or added ingredients.

How Do I Achieve the Right Consistency for the Curry Sauce?

To achieve the right consistency, mix gluten-free flour or cornflour with a small amount of water to create a paste before adding it to the sauce. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth texture.

Can I Prepare Gluten-Free Katsu Curry Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the curry sauce ahead of time and reheat it when needed. For the chicken, it’s best to fry it just before serving to maintain crispiness, but you can prepare the breading mixture in advance.


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Becky Terrell ✍️

Becky avatarHi, I am Becky. I am a passionate recipe maker and having been a coeliac (celiac) for 30+ years I focus on gluten-free recipes. My blog is my online cookbook of gluten-free tasty recipes. You can follow me on X: @beckygwg
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Comments

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  • Avatar for Anna Rose
    Anna Rose replied on April 10, 2025:

    5 stars
    I’ve been craving this for ages and this recipe nailed it—the crispy chicken with that creamy curry sauce is just spot on.


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