After a long week of takeout and fast food fatigue, I stumbled upon a creative way to rekindle my love for cooking—Japanese Curry Arancini! Picture this: delightful, crispy rice balls filled with creamy mozzarella and infused with the rich, comforting flavors of Japanese curry. They proved to be the perfect antidote to my dinner woes and have since graced my kitchen numerous times.
This recipe combines the elegance of traditional Italian arancini with the heartwarming essence of Japanese curry, making it a unique, crowd-pleasing option for gatherings or an indulgent weeknight treat. As you roll these golden-brown bites, you’ll appreciate the satisfying crunch of panko breadcrumbs and the gooey, melty cheese waiting inside. Not only are they a joy to eat, but they also fill your home with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table.
So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started on crafting these exceptional rice balls that will have your taste buds dancing with delight!
Why is Curry Arancini a Game Changer?
Unique Fusion: This recipe is a delightful blend of Italian and Japanese cuisines, bringing a fresh twist to classic comfort food.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for gatherings, they impress both friends and family with their fashionable presentation and delicious flavors.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can create this mouthwatering dish without culinary expertise.
Versatile: Serve them as appetizers, snacks, or even a main dish, and pair them with various dips like tonkatsu sauce for extra zing.
Fun Cooking Experience: Rolling and frying the arancini adds a fun element to your cooking, making it a perfect activity for family nights.
Curry Arancini Ingredients
For the Risotto
• Low sodium chicken stock – 4 ½ cups, providing a flavorful base for your creamy risotto.
• Japanese curry roux – 2 oz, essential for infusing that signature curry flavor in your rice.
• Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon, adding depth and umami to the dish.
• Mirin – 1 tablespoon, a sweet rice wine that enhances the overall taste.
• Honey – 1 tablespoon, balancing the savory notes with a touch of sweetness.
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons, used for sautéing and adding richness.
• Yellow onion – 1 small, diced finely to bring out its natural sweetness.
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced for a fragrant lift to the risotto.
• Arborio rice – 1 ½ cups, the perfect choice for creamy texture and delicious absorbency.
• Sake – ½ cup, elevating the flavor profile with its unique taste.
For the Filling and Coating
• Mozzarella – 1 block, cut into ½ inch cubes, melting into gooey perfection inside the arancini.
• All-purpose flour – 1 cup, for dredging the rice balls before frying.
• Salt – 1 teaspoon, enhancing the flavors throughout the dish.
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon, adding a hint of spice.
• Eggs – 3 large, whisked to help adhere the breadcrumbs.
• Panko bread crumbs – 2 cups, providing that crucial crunchy exterior.
• Vegetable oil – for frying, ensuring the arancini gets perfectly crisp.
For Serving
• Shredded cabbage – for a fresh crunch alongside your arancini.
• Pickled radish – adding a tangy contrast to the rich flavors.
• Tonkatsu sauce – a savory and sweet dipping sauce to elevate each bite.
• Parsley – chopped for garnish, bringing a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Curry Arancini
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix chicken stock, soy sauce, mirin, and honey until well blended. Bring to a low simmer and stir in the roux until dissolved. Simmer for 10 minutes, then cover to keep warm.
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Sauté Aromatics: In a large deep pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onions turn translucent, about 2 minutes. Toss in Arborio rice and toast for about 1 minute.
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Incorporate Broth: Slowly add the prepared broth to the rice, one cup at a time, stirring every 30 seconds. Allow each addition to be absorbed before adding the next, cooking until creamy and al dente, around 18 minutes.
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Chill Risotto: Spread the freshly cooked risotto on a baking pan. Let it cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to firm up.
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Shape Balls: Once the risotto is chilled, take about 3 tablespoons of it, flatten it into a disk, and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Top with another 2 tablespoons of risotto and mold into a tight ball. Repeat until all rice is used, then chill balls for 15 minutes.
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Heat Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare for Coating: Set up three bowls: one with flour, salt, and pepper; another with whisked eggs; and the last with panko bread crumbs. Roll each rice ball in flour, dredge in egg, and coat with panko, pressing to ensure adherence.
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Fry Arancini: Carefully add 3-4 balls into the hot oil using a spider strainer. Fry, turning them occasionally, until golden brown. Ensure the oil temperature returns to 350°F (175°C) between batches.
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Drain Excess Oil: Use a spider strainer to lift the cooked arancini out of the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the arancini with chopped parsley and serve with shredded cabbage, pickled radish, and tonkatsu sauce for dipping.
Optional: Pair with a side salad for a refreshing balance.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Curry Arancini
Room Temperature: Serve freshly made curry arancini warm, but if left out, they can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours for safe consumption.
Fridge: Store leftover curry arancini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain quality, reheat in an oven for a crispy texture.
Freezer: You can freeze uncooked curry arancini by placing them on a tray, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, fry from frozen.
Reheating: For best results, reheat fried curry arancini in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to ensure they’re heated through while retaining their crispiness.
Make Ahead Options
These Curry Arancini are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the risotto up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps and refrigerating it for at least 3 hours or overnight until it firms up. Once chilled, you can shape the arancini balls and refrigerate them for an additional 15-30 minutes before frying. To maintain their quality, ensure that the arancini are tightly packed and covered to prevent drying out. When ready to serve, simply heat your oil and fry the arancini until golden brown. This way, you’ll have a deliciously crispy treat ready with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
Curry Arancini Variations
Feel free to explore these fun tweaks to make this recipe uniquely yours!
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Vegan Swap: Replace the mozzarella with vegan cheese and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a scrumptious plant-based option. Enjoy all the flavors without the cheese!
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Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of Sriracha to the risotto for a spicier version. This twist will have your taste buds tingling with excitement!
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Herbed Delight: Stir in fresh herbs like basil or cilantro into the risotto before forming the balls for a burst of freshness. The aroma will wrap around you, making cooking joyous!
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Nutty Texture: Mix in a handful of toasted chopped nuts such as pistachios or almonds for added crunch and flavor complexity. This unexpected twist will surprise your guests at gatherings.
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Savory Mushrooms: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms into the risotto for additional richness and depth. Their earthy flavor complements the curry beautifully, making each bite an adventure!
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Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese to change the flavor profile completely. The gooeyness will still be delightful, with a unique twist that keeps things interesting.
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Cauliflower Rice: Try using cauliflower rice instead of Arborio for a lower-carb alternative. You’ll enjoy that same satisfying texture in a healthier form.
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Fruit Infusion: For a surprising sweet-savory balance, add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots to the risotto. They offer a delightful counterpoint to the savory curry notes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Curry Arancini
- Cold Risotto for Shaping: Ensure your risotto is well-chilled before shaping the balls. This helps them hold their form and prevents them from falling apart during frying.
- Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying the arancini. Frying in small batches ensures even cooking and that the oil maintains the perfect temperature for a crisp outside.
- Check Oil Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to keep the oil at 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the balls will absorb excess oil; too hot, and they’ll brown too quickly without cooking through.
- Sticky Hands: Keep your hands damp while shaping and rolling the rice balls. This prevents the risotto from sticking and makes handling easier.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize your Curry Arancini with different cheese or added vegetables for a delightful twist that suits your taste preferences.
What to Serve with Curry Arancini?
Looking to create a delightful feast around those golden, crispy bites? Let’s explore some perfect pairings that will elevate your meal!
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Creamy Coleslaw: A fresh, crunchy coleslaw contrasts beautifully with the richness of the arancini, offering a refreshing touch.
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Sweet Pickled Vegetables: The tangy sweetness of pickled veggies adds a zesty contrast, perfectly balancing the savory flavors of the curry.
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Spicy Dipping Sauces: Try a zesty sriracha mayo or a garlic aioli; they add glee and a kick to each cheesy bite, making every mouthful more exciting.
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Garlic Fried Rice: A savory accompaniment supporting the flavors of your arancini while adding a hearty touch to the plate.
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Crisp Green Salad: A light salad with citrus dressing brings brightness and freshness, perfect for cutting through the richness of the cheese-filled balls.
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Chilled Sake: For a lovely pairing, serve with chilled sake, enhancing the flavors of the Japanese curry with each sip, making your dining experience effortlessly sophisticated.
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Chocolate Mochi: For dessert, finish on a sweet note with delectable chocolate mochi; they provide a satisfying chewiness and a touch of sweetness after the savory course.
Japanese Curry Arancini Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right Japanese curry roux?
Absolutely! For the best results, look for a roux that matches your taste preference. Brands like S&B and House sell various spice levels, ranging from mild to hot. I often go for the medium spice level to appeal to a broader audience. Check for freshness by looking at the expiration date on the packaging.
What’s the best way to store leftover curry arancini?
Store any leftover curry arancini in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get that delightful crispiness back.
Can I freeze uncooked curry arancini?
Yes, you can! After shaping the rice balls, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to fry, do so directly from frozen; just keep a close eye on them to ensure they cook all the way through!
What if my risotto is too soft or sticky to shape into balls?
If your risotto ends up too soft, don’t worry! Spread it onto a baking pan and place it in the fridge for an extra 30 minutes to firm up. If it’s still too sticky, incorporate a little more flour into the mixture before shaping the balls. Remember, the cold risotto helps the balls maintain their shape.
Are curry arancini safe for people with gluten allergies?
For those with gluten sensitivities, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Always double-check ingredient labels, particularly for the soy sauce and curry roux, as they may contain gluten.
Can pets eat curry arancini?
While curry arancini may be tempting, it’s best not to share them with pets. Ingredients like garlic, onion, and certain spices can be harmful to animals. It’s always wise to stick to pet-safe treats for your furry friends!
Irresistible Curry Arancini for Flavor-Packed Comfort
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix chicken stock, soy sauce, mirin, and honey until well blended. Bring to a low simmer and stir in the roux until dissolved. Simmer for 10 minutes, then cover to keep warm.
- In a large deep pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onions turn translucent, about 2 minutes. Toss in Arborio rice and toast for about 1 minute.
- Slowly add the prepared broth to the rice, one cup at a time, stirring every 30 seconds. Allow each addition to be absorbed before adding the next, cooking until creamy and al dente, around 18 minutes.
- Spread the freshly cooked risotto on a baking pan. Let it cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to firm up.
- Once the risotto is chilled, take about 3 tablespoons of it, flatten it into a disk, and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Top with another 2 tablespoons of risotto and mold into a tight ball. Repeat until all rice is used, then chill balls for 15 minutes.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, salt, and pepper; another with whisked eggs; and the last with panko bread crumbs. Roll each rice ball in flour, dredge in egg, and coat with panko, pressing to ensure adherence.
- Carefully add 3-4 balls into the hot oil using a spider strainer. Fry, turning them occasionally, until golden brown. Ensure the oil temperature returns to 350°F (175°C) between batches.
- Use a spider strainer to lift the cooked arancini out of the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.
- Sprinkle the arancini with chopped parsley and serve with shredded cabbage, pickled radish, and tonkatsu sauce for dipping.