What to Serve with Katsu Curry? 15 Best Side Dishes

You know those days when you’re just craving something cozy and comforting? Let’s talk about katsu curry!

This dish takes crispy fried chicken or pork and douses it in a rich, savory sauce that’s got us writing home about it.

We’ve all been there, staring at that sad little plate of rice, wondering what to add to make this meal sing. Lucky for us, we have a list of side dishes that totally fit the bill!

From fresh salads to steamed veggies, we’ve got some rockstar pairings. Grab your forks, and let’s get this flavorful feast going!

Top 15 Side Dishes for Katsu Curry

Here are 15 of our favorite side dishes to serve with katsu curry:

These side dishes complement the rich, flavorful profile of Katsu Curry, adding a variety of textures and tastes to enhance the meal.

1 – Steamed Jasmine Rice

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Jasmine Rice

How to cook jasmine rice – use just 1 1/4 cups of water for 1 cup rice. Most recipes get this totally wrong – jasmine is softer than most white rice.

Check out this recipe

Steamed jasmine rice is a classic that deserves the spotlight. It’s fluffy, fragrant, and the perfect base for any dish.

We love how it soaks up all the flavours from sauces and toppings. Plus, it’s super easy to make!

Just rinse it, steam it, and you’re golden.

We find it pairs great with dishes like katsu curry or stir-fried veggies. It’s versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.

Throw in some herbs or spices for a twist. We guarantee it’ll brighten up your meal.

2 – Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono)

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Tsukemono – Shiozuke (Salt Pickling) 塩漬け

Shiozuke is the simplest Japanese pickle (tsukemono) to make. All you need is salt, water, and fresh seasonal vegetables. Easy and delicious!

Check out this recipe

Japanese pickles (tsukemono) are like a little zing on your plate. They bring crunch to anything you serve.

These pickles range in flavours from sweet to tangy. They’re a great palate cleanser.

We enjoy them alongside savory dishes like katsu curry. They balance rich flavours perfectly. Tsukemono is a must-try for anyone.

Feel free to mix different types on your plate. It spices up the meal and makes it colorful.

3 – Miso Soup

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15-Minute Miso Soup with Greens and Tofu

Sushi – I think it’s one of my love languages. Sticky rice, spicy salmon, fresh vegetables, fiery wasabi, and salty soy sauce. And don’t even get me

Check out this recipe

Miso soup is a cozy little bowl of goodness. It’s warm, salty, and super simple.

We get a nice umami hit from the miso paste. It’s like a hug in a bowl.

Add tofu and seaweed for some extra texture. We love how versatile it is.

You can throw in whatever leftover veggies you have on hand.

This soup pairs well with just about anything, especially if you’re feeling under the weather. It’s the ultimate comfort food.

4 – Cabbage Slaw

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Quick Cabbage Slaw

This quick, simple slaw is a staple in my house. Perfect when you need something acidic to balance a savory dish. Everyone loves this, including my toddler only for her I leave out the red onion. It’s also low-carb, vegetarian, gluten-free and whole30 compliant.

Check out this recipe

Cabbage slaw is a crunchy little side dish that can jazz up any meal. It’s refreshing and super simple to whip up.

We love tossing in different veggies for color. Carrots and radishes add a nice pop. The crunchiness pairs well with katsu curry.

Don’t forget the dressing! A tangy vinaigrette or creamy mayo does wonders. We make it just ahead so the flavors mingle.

Perfect for potlucks or weeknight dinners. Also, it keeps in the fridge for days. No excuses, slaw it up!

5 – Tonkotsu Ramen

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Tonkotsu Ramen

This tonkotsu ramen recipe boasts a rich, long-simmered broth. The Japanese-style chashu pork is cooked with mirin, sake, shoyu, rice wine vinegar, and aromatics including garlic, ginger, and scallions. Soft-boiled eggs add to the richness of the bowl, while pickled mushrooms brighten the flavors.

Check out this recipe

For us, tonkotsu ramen is a go-to when craving something warm and creamy. The rich, porky broth just hits differently.

We always load it up with toppings. Chashu, soft-boiled eggs, and scallions are essentials.

It’s all about that noodle slurp. Fresh noodles give the best texture.

A splash of chili oil adds nice heat.

Pair it with a side of gyoza for an awesome meal combo. Trust us, you’ll want more!

6 – Edamame with Sea Salt

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Edamame with sesame and sea salt | Recipe | Kitchen Stories

These easy and classic edamame are served with flaky sea salt, sesame oil and seeds, and are the perfect appetizer or snack.

Check out this recipe

Edamame is a real winner in the snack department. They’re tasty little green nuggets we can munch on anytime. A sprinkle of sea salt makes them pop with flavor.

We love how easy they are to prepare. Just steam or boil, and they’re good to go. Perfect for a quick bite or as a side.

You can even jazz them up with spices. Garlic powder or chili flakes add a fun twist. They work wonders in salads, too!

7 – Yakitori Chicken Skewers

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Yakitori (Grilled Chicken Skewers) Recipe

Yakitori is Japanese skewered and grilled chicken that can use approximately 30 different chicken parts, from momo, or chicken thigh, to nankotsu, or chicken cartilage This recipe calls for marinating chicken thighs, gizzards and livers in a savory-sweet sauce of ginger, sake, mirin, soy sauce, garlic and a touch of brown sugar, grilling or broiling, then scattering with chopped scallions Serve it alongside something fresh and green, like a cucumber salad, and a pile of rice.

Check out this recipe

Yakitori chicken skewers are a simple, yet mouthwatering addition to any plate. The juicy grilled chicken makes for a great protein fix.

We love the smoky flavor that grilling brings. Go for thighs to keep it tender, or use breast meat for a leaner option.

Marinating the chicken beforehand adds extra yum. Soy sauce, sake, and a touch of sugar work wonders together.

Serve them hot off the grill with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These skewers always steal the show at gatherings.

8 – Spicy Kimchi

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Traditional napa cabbage kimchi (Tongbaechu-kimchi: 통배추김치)

My classic, spicy, traditional whole leaf napa cabbage kimchi recipe that I’ve been using for years and years. Spicy, fermented, and delicious.

Check out this recipe

Spicy kimchi brings a serious kick to the table. It’s tangy, crunchy, and firey all at once.

We love how it adds flavor to rice, wraps, or even eggs. The fermented goodness gives it a zing like nothing else.

With various veggies, you can find your personal fave—napa cabbage, radishes, and cucumbers work great.

Pair it with a cooling sauce or serve it straight up. It’s perfect for a light snack or as a meal booster.

9 – Tempura Vegetables

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Vegetable Tempura 野菜の天ぷら

Learn my best tips for crispy homemade Vegetable Tempura with Japanese sweet potato, kabocha squash, lotus root, mushrooms, and shiso leaves.

Check out this recipe

Tempura vegetables are a fun way to enjoy your greens. Time to get crunchy and crispy! We love how this dish gives veggies an exciting makeover.

These beauties are coated in a light batter and fried until golden. They bring a nice contrast to our meals. Zucchini, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes work well.

Pro tip: keep the oil hot for that perfect crunch. Skip the heavy batter. Simple is best! We often dip them in soy sauce or ponzu for a little zing.

10 – Seaweed Salad

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Seaweed Salad Recipe – Food.com

Seaweed has amazing properties! Sea vegetables are virtually fat-free, low calorie and are one of the richest sources of minerals in the vegetable kin

Check out this recipe

Seaweed salad is a crunchy treat we can’t resist. It’s fresh, vibrant, and has a nice ocean vibe.

We love how it’s packed with nutrients. Seaweed is like a supergreen star. Plus, it’s low in calories and totally guilt-free.

Drizzle on some sesame oil for a flavor boost. We sometimes sprinkle sesame seeds for extra crunch. A touch of soy sauce rounds it out nicely.

Pair it with katsu curry; they balance each other well. It’s a simple and tasty side dish that hits the spot.

11 – Gyoza (Dumplings)

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Japanese GYOZA (Dumplings)

A traditional, authentic Japanese Gyoza recipe! Learn how to make these Japanese dumplings / potstickers, including a video showing how to wrap them.

Check out this recipe

Gyoza are like little pockets of joy. They’re filled with flavour and perfect for munching.

We love how crispy the edges get when pan-fried. A touch of soy sauce on the side brings it all together.

These dumplings are super versatile. We can fill them with anything from pork to veggies.

Making them is fun; we often gather friends for a gyoza party. Don’t forget to experiment with dipping sauces.

12 – Pickled Daikon Radish

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Pickled Daikon

This quick pickled daikon is great as an appetizer, side dish, or on banh mi sandwiches. We based it on a Cantonese restaurant recipe!

Check out this recipe

Pickled daikon radish is a crunchy surprise on our plates. It’s tangy and adds a fresh pop to any dish.

These radishes soak up flavors well. They pair great with sushi or as a vibrant side.

We love how quick they are to whip up at home. They add color and a nice crunch too.

A splash of vinegar is key to that zesty taste. Mix it with sugar for a nice balance.

13 – Japanese Potato Salad

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Japanese Potato Salad (Video) ポテトサラダ

A home-cooked classic for over 100 years, Japanese Potato Salad features colorful fresh vegetables, a creamy texture, and a rounded flavor.

Check out this recipe

Japanese potato salad is a creamy, dreamy plate of goodness. It’s a fun twist on the classic we all love.

We whip it up with mashed potatoes, crunchy veggies, and a bit of mayo. Each bite is loaded with yum.

Adding a splash of vinegar keeps it bright and tangy. Hard-boiled eggs take it to the next level.

We also mix in anything we have lying around. It’s flexible like that. Perfect for potlucks or just as a side.

14 – Teriyaki Brussels Sprouts

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Teriyaki Brussels Sprouts

Teriyaki Brussels Sprouts combines crispy roasted Brussels Sprouts with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. This delicious side dish pairs well with a wide variety of main dishes and is impressive too!

Check out this recipe

Teriyaki Brussels sprouts are a fun, crunchy side dish we can’t get enough of. These little green gems soak up teriyaki sauce and get all caramelized.

They’re easy to whip up on a busy night. Got some leftover sprouts? Toss them in the oven.

We enjoy adding sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. A drizzle of sriracha gives them extra flair.

Perfect with rice or alongside grilled meats. These sprouts know how to bring the flavor!

15 – Crispy Rice Cakes

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Rice Cakes Recipe

Crispy rice has a revered place in many cultures These rice cakes, which work well as a side dish to a piece of grilled meat or fish, offer the delicious crunch of Korean nurunji or Middle eastern hkaka, with some of the herbed cheesy goodness of Italian arancini The basic recipe can be used to accommodate vegetables other than zucchini and herbs other than mint, or can be made without either for a more simple backdrop for a fried egg or a simple snack for a child.

Check out this recipe

These little snacks are totally addictive. They’re light and crunchy—perfect for munching anytime.

We love them topped with anything from avocado to nut butter.

Storage is a breeze; just keep them sealed and they’ll stay fresh.

Thinking of a fun topping? Hummus or smoked salmon works wonders.

They make a fantastic base for quick appetizers. Use them for a mini pizza vibe or even desserts.

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