Description
Japanese Curry Bread Buns (Kare Pan) are golden, crispy buns stuffed with a hearty, flavorful Japanese curry. These vegan buns are crunchy on the outside and tender inside, making them the perfect snack, party food, or meal-prep staple.
Ingredients
Dough (Dry):
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1 cup (155g) bread flour
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1/4 cup (40g) all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp (9g) corn starch
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1 tsp salt
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1 tbsp sugar
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1 tsp instant dry yeast
Dough (Wet):
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1/2 cup (120ml) warm soy milk
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1 tbsp (15ml) neutral oil (sunflower, canola, or vegetable)
Curry Filling:
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1 1/2 cups (about 360g) cooled Japanese curry
Japanese Curry:
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2 cups (about 300g) diced potatoes
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1 cup (130g) diced carrots
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1 onion, diced
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1 bell pepper, diced
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2 cups (480ml) water
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70–80g vegan Japanese curry cubes
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Neutral oil for cooking
Egg Wash + Coating:
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2 tbsp (30ml) soy milk + 1/2 tbsp (4g) corn starch
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1/2 to 3/4 cup (30–45g) Japanese or panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
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Prepare the Curry:
Sauté onions in oil until soft. Add potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir in water and curry cubes. Simmer, stirring every 5 minutes until thickened. Let it chill (preferably overnight). -
Make the Dough:
Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Gradually add warm soy milk and oil. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled. -
Shape the Buns:
Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Flatten into 4–4.5 inch rounds, thin edges slightly, then add 1–1.5 tbsp cooled curry filling. Pinch edges together and seal tightly. -
Coat the Buns:
Brush each bun with soy milk wash and roll in panko breadcrumbs. -
Cook:
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Frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry until golden brown.
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Baking: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until crisp and golden.
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Notes
Cool the curry before filling; it thickens and won’t leak.
Seal edges tightly to prevent bursting.
Panko gives the most authentic crispy crunch.
Oil must be hot enough (350°F) to avoid greasy buns.
Customize with peas, mushrooms, or extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack / Bread
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese