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    Home » All Recipes » Dinner

    Tofu Katsu Curry

    January 7, 2021 By Melissa Huggins / 14 Comments

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    Ditch the take-out and make your own Tofu Katsu Curry at home! Enjoy the golden crispy tofu surrounded with fragrant and delicious Japanese-style curry sauce. A straightforward and simple dish that's ready in 40 minutes!

    tofu katsu curry in a white bowl with rice on the side. Chop sticks on top of the bowl.
    This recipe is a vegan spin on the classic Japanese Katsu Curry, replacing the meat with tofu. I love serving these tofu cutlets in a bed of steaming rice with the creamy, spiced curry sauce poured on top! It’s a filling and flavorful meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

    Table of Contents

    • What is Katsu Curry?
    • Ingredient Notes and Substitute Ideas
    • What can I serve with Tofu Katsu Curry?
    • Can I make it in advance?
    • Does it freeze well?
    • Tofu Katsu Curry

    What is Katsu Curry?

    The proper Japanese term for this dish is Katsukarē. Katsu means “cutlets” while karē is a Japanese version of curry. It is basically a dish that traditionally includes a meat cutlet (called tonkatsu) served with rice and Japanese curry. It is one of the most popular dishes in Japan, way up there with Ramen and Tempura!

    Japanese curry is a bit different from the Indian curry that we know. This version was introduced by the British during the Meiji era. It is said to have been adapted to British tastes.

    Thus, the curry powder used in Karē contains fewer spices compared to the original Indian curry. So it has a more mellow taste and is less spicy, but rich in umami flavor.  It also has a thicker consistency and is mildly sweet.

    overhead view of katsu curry in a bowl with salad and sauce on the side.

    Ingredient Notes and Substitute Ideas

    • Tofu - You will need extra firm tofu for this recipe, otherwise it will break apart. I prefer to use vacuum-packed tofu because it doesn't have to be pressed and it's ready to go.
    • Curry Powder: Don’t just pick the first curry powder you see on the aisle. Curry powders have different levels of spiciness. Choose from mild to hot depending on your preference.
    • Rice - I prefer jasmine rice, but if you are looking for lighter options, you can also use quinoa or cauliflower rice.

    What can I serve with Tofu Katsu Curry?

    Along with the rice, this recipe goes terrific with a fresh green salad. To garnish, top with chopped spring onions, cilantro leaves, chopped radishes, or julienned carrots. It also pairs nicely with my Vegan Miso Soup.

    Can I make it in advance?

    Yes, you can! Or at least the curry sauce! You want your tofu to be crispy and it’s always better to serve those straight from the pan. Make your curry sauce 3 to 4 days ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can reheat it on the stovetop once you are ready to serve. In case it thickens too much after refrigerating, add some water or broth.

    Does it freeze well?

    I wouldn't recommend freezing the tofu, but you can definitely freeze the curry sauce. Sometimes the coconut milk separates, but I haven't experienced an issue so far. Results can vary depending on the brand you use. I usually use the Native Forest or Sprouts brand.

    Overhead view of rice and curry with salad, sauce and green onions on the side.

    More Tofu Recipes to Enjoy

    • Chipotle Sofritas Recipe
    • Tofu Stir Fry
    • Baked Tofu Nuggets
    • Sesame Crusted Tofu

    I Love To Hear From You

    If you make this Katsu Curry recipe, let me know what you think by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. It would really make my day. You can also follow me on Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @veganhuggs and hashtag #veganhuggs so I don’t miss it

    tofu katsu curry in a white bowl with chopsticks on top.
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    5 from 7 votes

    Tofu Katsu Curry

    Ditch the take-out and make your own Tofu Katsu Curry at home! Enjoy the golden crispy tofu surrounded with fragrant and delicious Japanese-style curry sauce. A straightforward and simple dish that's done in 40 minutes!
    Prep Time20 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time40 mins
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Japanese
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 391kcal
    Author: Melissa Huggins

    Ingredients

    Breaded Tofu

    • 16 ounces extra firm tofu , vacuum-packed if possible (*see note)
    • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • ¼ cup non-dairy milk , unsweetened
    • ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
    • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
    • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (*optional)
    • ½ teaspoon salt , more to taste
    • Fresh ground pepper , to taste
    • Oil for frying (about 2-3 tablespoons)

    Curry Sauce

    • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or preferred cooking oil
    • 1 medium onion , diced
    • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger (sub with frozen, jarred or paste)
    • 3 cloves garlic , minced or crushed
    • 1.5 tablespoons curry powder
    • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 1 ¼ cups vegetable broth , low sodium
    • ½ cup coconut milk , full-fat (canned)
    • 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce, low sodium
    • 1 teaspoon maple syrup (sub with preferred sweetener)
    • ½ teaspoon salt , more to taste

    To Serve (optional)

    • Rice (about 3 cups cooked)
    • Green onion , sliced
    • Cilantro , chopped
    • Fresh salad

    Recommended Equipment

    • Large Pan
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Curry Sauce

    • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add onion and sauté until translucent. About 2-3 minutes.
    • Now add the garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
    • Add curry powder and turmeric powder. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the flour and combine. Cook for 30 seconds to remove a raw flour taste.
    • Pour in the vegetable broth and whisk to combine well and eliminate lumps. Reduce the heat and add the coconut milk, tamari, maple syrup, and salt. Cook for a few minutes until the curry thickens a bit. If it's too thick, thin it out with a splash of broth or water. Taste and adjust flavor if needed.
    • Transfer to a blender and blend on high until smooth. Set aside, but leave the top on to keep warm. Alternatively, you can transfer to a small pot, cover with a lid and place on stove over low heat. Wipe out the large pan to reuse for tofu.

    Breaded Tofu

    • Cut the pressed tofu into 4-5 even slices, then prepare a breading station with three bowls big enough to fit the tofu. In the first bowl, add the flour. Then the second bowl, add the milk. In the final bowl, combine the bread crumbs with granulated garlic, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper.
    • Place one slice of tofu in flour and coat on all sides. Now dunk in the milk, and finally into the bread crumbs to coat all sides. Press the slice gently to ensure it's coated well.
    • Heat a frying pan on medium heat for a few minutes. When fully heated, add the oil and wait until it shimmers. Now add the breaded tofu to the pan and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Flip with a sturdy spatula. Give it time to fully brown before flipping or it may stick.
    • Transfer the tofu to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

    To Serve

    • Slice the tofu diagonally and place it on a bed of rice. Pour the curry sauce over top or on the side. Garnish with spring onion and cilantro leaves. Serve with salad greens. Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    Tofu: I prefer to use vacuum-packed tofu because it doesn't have to be pressed and it's ready to go. I've found various brands at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Walmart, Sprouts, and Target. 
    If you can't find vacuum-packed tofu, you can use water-packed tofu, but you'll need to press it first. To do this, wrap a block of tofu in a few paper towels and place it on a rimmed plate. Add a cast-iron skillet on top (or something equally heavy) and let it drain for 20-30 minutes. Pat dry to remove excess moisture on the surface. You can also use a Tofu Press to make it even easier.
    Additional Serving Ideas: lime wedges, sriracha, toasted sesame seeds, crushed red pepper.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 391kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 328mg | Potassium: 407mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 88IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Follow me @veganhuggs and mention #veganhuggs!

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    About Melissa

    I’m Melissa Huggins – the creator of Vegan Huggs. I started this blog to share delicious vegan recipes that everyone will love. Yep, that includes carnivores, too! Read more...

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Ashlee

      June 13, 2022 at 7:33 pm

      5 stars
      This is the BEST vegan dish I have made since I stopped eating meat about a year ago!! I’ve been struggling so much to find tofu dishes I like (I’ve always been a picky eater!) and this is the first dish I’ve tried that both my husband and I absolutely LOVED. We both agreed that this would be a new dish in our regular meal rotation. Thank you so much for sharing this delicious recipe! I can’t wait to try more of your recipes.

      Reply
      • Melissa Huggins

        June 14, 2022 at 10:15 am

        This made my day Ashlee! I am super happy to hear that you both loved this recipe as much as we do. 🙂 I have quite a line-up of tofu recipes that I hope you can try too.

        Reply
    2. Michelle

      February 05, 2022 at 7:19 pm

      Loved it! Took some time to make it all (I made the salad as well) but it was 100% worth it.

      Reply
      • Melissa Huggins

        February 08, 2022 at 8:11 am

        Thanks for trying this out Michelle! Glad you loved it. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Ellie

      January 10, 2022 at 11:50 am

      5 stars
      Mafe this for my mother and I today and it is genuinely incredible. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Melissa Huggins

        January 11, 2022 at 9:44 am

        Glad to hear that you and your mom loved this recipe, Ellie! 🙂 Thanks for trying it out.

        Reply
    4. Margaret Davis

      February 04, 2021 at 10:26 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is so good it made my son and fiancé request I make it more (and they are meat eaters)! They absolutely loved this recipe, It is now my “Meatless Monday” go to. I have frozen the sauce as it makes a lot and this is wonderful to have “prepped” for busy schedules. I top it with sprouted mung beans and it is absolutely fabulous!. The tofu is crunchy and satisfying!

      Reply
      • Support @ Vegan Huggs

        February 05, 2021 at 10:58 am

        Hi Margaret! We are so thrilled to hear how much you all loved the recipe! Thanks so much for trying it out 😀

        Reply
    5. Bruce Standen

      January 13, 2021 at 6:34 pm

      This was delicious. My vegan son loved it, my fussy eater daughter loved it and my Japanese wife loved it. Me too. Love curries and this goes into the favorites. Thank you very much.

      Reply
      • Support @ Vegan Huggs

        January 15, 2021 at 8:24 am

        Hi Bruce! We're so happy to hear that this recipe made the whole family happy 😀 Thanks so much for giving it a try!

        Reply
    6. Mary

      January 10, 2021 at 6:52 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe was delicious! It will definitely be among our regular dinner recipes from now on. Thanks so much for this!!

      Reply
      • Support @ Vegan Huggs

        January 15, 2021 at 8:28 am

        Hi Mary! We're so pleased to hear that you'll be making this recipe again! Thank you for giving it a try 🙂

        Reply
    7. Bruce Standen

      January 10, 2021 at 3:04 am

      5 stars
      My son,a vegan, rated the meal a hard 5. It was awesome...my fussy eater daughter even liked it. My life always likes it when I cook and as a Japanese national she thought it was oishii....delicious in Japanese. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Support @ Vegan Huggs

        January 15, 2021 at 8:30 am

        Hi Bruce! We're so happy that you all loved it! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

        Reply

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