Ah, the search for the perfect side dishes to go with katsu curry can sometimes feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. We’ve all been there, staring at our curry and thinking, “What the heck should I put alongside this?”
We need something that complements that crispy panko goodness without stealing the spotlight.
Things like crunchy salads and tangy pickles can really up our curry game. Talk about a flavor match made in heaven!
Let’s dig into some delicious ideas that go perfectly with katsu curry, so your meal isn’t just a plate of comfort food, but a whole experience that’s satisfying from start to finish.
Top 13 Side Dishes for Katsu Curry
Here’s a list of some delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with Katsu Curry:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Steamed Jasmine Rice | Jasmine rice, water | Fragrant, plain | Easy | 20 mins |
| Japanese Pickled Vegetables | Vegetables, rice vinegar, sugar | Tangy, crunchy | Medium | 30 mins |
| Miso Soup | Miso paste, tofu, seaweed | Umami, salty | Easy | 15 mins |
| Sesame Cucumber Salad | Cucumbers, sesame oil, vinegar | Tangy, nutty | Easy | 10 mins |
| Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings) | Pork or veggies, wrappers, soy sauce | Savory, umami | Medium | 30 mins |
| Edamame with Sea Salt | Edamame, sea salt | Salty, fresh | Easy | 10 mins |
| Seaweed Salad | Seaweed, sesame oil, vinegar | Savory, tangy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Tempura Vegetables | Vegetables, tempura batter, oil | Crispy, savory | Medium | 30 mins |
| Shishito Peppers | Shishito peppers, soy sauce, lemon | Spicy, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Japanese Potato Salad | Potatoes, mayonnaise, cucumber | Creamy, savory | Medium | 25 mins |
| Grilled Tofu with Teriyaki Sauce | Tofu, teriyaki sauce, sesame seeds | Savory, sweet | Medium | 20 mins |
| Spinach Gomaae | Spinach, sesame seeds, soy sauce | Nutty, savory | Easy | 10 mins |
| Daikon Radish Salad | Daikon radish, carrots, ponzu sauce | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
1 – Steamed Jasmine Rice
What’s better than a crunchy side for katsu curry?
Steamed jasmine rice is a classic fave. It’s fluffy and pairs well with the sauce.
We can’t skip the sauce soak-up factor. It just works every time.
Feeling adventurous? Add some toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.
We enjoy reheating it; left over rice is a winner.
Don’t forget the heat! A dash of sriracha goes a long way in enhancing flavors.
It’s simple and versatile, easily becoming a staple on our table.
2 – Japanese Pickled Vegetables (Tsukemono)
What’s the deal with pickled veggies? They’re crunchy, tangy, and the ultimate palate cleanser.
Tsukemono adds zing to our plates. These pickles come in various forms: cucumber, radish, and eggplant, to name a few.
They balance out rich dishes like katsu curry. A little goes a long way, so don’t pile it all on.
Try making it at home for fun! Leave them in brine overnight.
We can customize the flavours. Sweet, sour, or spicy— you choose!
3 – Miso Soup
Miso soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the go-to comfort for Japanese meals.
We get all the umami vibes from the miso paste. The flavor is savory and rich, perfect with katsu curry.
Add cubed tofu or seaweed for a nice textural mix.
Hot tip: A sprinkle of green onions is a must. It brings a fresh kick to every spoonful.
On chilly nights, we can sip it straight from the bowl—no shame in that!
4 – Sesame Cucumber Salad
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Why don’t we just marry cucumbers? They provide the perfect crunch! This salad is refreshing and balances the heaviness of katsu curry.
We toss sliced cucumbers with sesame oil, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Add a splash of rice vinegar for zing. This dish takes no time to whip up. A little goes a long way. It’s that easy!
We often double the recipe. Leftovers go well in the fridge and taste even better the next day!
5 – Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings)
Gyoza are basically little pockets of joy. They’re perfectly crispy on one side and soft on the other.
We can stuff them with all kinds of goodies like pork, veggies, or even shrimp.
Dipping sauce is a must—the sweet soy or spicy vinegar gets us every time.
Cooking can be tricky; pan-frying works best for that golden crust.
Pro tip: freeze extras for a quick snack later. Just steam or fry straight from the freezer.
6 – Edamame with Sea Salt
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Edamame: the perfect snack or side that’s always around to fill our bowls. These little green beans are simple to prepare. We can steam or boil them quickly.
We sprinkle on sea salt and they’re ready to munch. They’re packed with protein and fiber. They keep us satisfied.
A squeeze of lemon juice adds a nice zing. Leftovers are great cold or reheated. Dip them in soy sauce for a flavor boost.
7 – Seaweed Salad
Seaweed salad is like a refreshing ocean breeze on our plates. It’s light and packed with nutrients. We can easily whip it up or grab it pre-made.
The texture is crunchy with a hint of chewiness. Add some sesame seeds for an extra crunch. A drizzle of soy sauce brings it together.
It pairs well with richer dishes. We can use it as a side or snack. Plus, it’s perfect for those days when we want something fresh.
8 – Tempura Vegetables
Tempura vegetables are basically crispy bites of goodness. They add crunch to any meal. We toss whatever veggies we have on hand in a light batter and fry them up.
They pair well with dipping sauces. We prefer a mix of soy sauce and wasabi.
Timing is key; don’t let them sit too long or they’ll lose that crispiness.
Using cold water for the batter makes a difference. It’s a simple tip and it works well. These little delights are a hit at our gatherings.
9 – Shishito Peppers
For those who like a little heat, shishito peppers are the perfect side for katsu curry.
They’re mild and easy to cook. We toss them with some oil and grill or pan-fry until they blister.
A sprinkle of salt makes all the difference.
Careful not to eat the whole plate though; 1 in 10 have a spicy kick!
10 – Japanese Potato Salad
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Is potato salad really a side dish, or is it comfort food in disguise?
This Japanese version steals the show. It’s creamy, often with a hint of tang from the mayo.
We mix in veggies like peas and carrots. It adds colour and crunch.
Texture is key. Make sure to chop everything small for that perfect bite.
Serve it cold for a refreshing contrast to hot katsu curry.
Leftovers keep well, but we rarely have any!
11 – Grilled Tofu with Teriyaki Sauce
Another protein-packed side, grilled tofu with teriyaki sauce is a must-try.
The key is to press out any excess water before grilling. This gives it that perfect firm texture.
We brush on the homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce while it cooks. Or both!
It’s also great for vegetarians or vegans at gatherings.
12 – Spinach Gomaae (Spinach with Sesame Dressing)
Spinach gomaae is our go-to for a crunchy, nutty kick. The sesame dressing really makes it sing.
We use fresh spinach, then toss it in a simple mix of ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, and a hint of sugar.
This dish is quick to whip up. Blanch the spinach and dress it while it’s still warm for maximum flavor.
If we have leftovers, it works great in a sandwich or as a topping for rice. Easy and yummy, right?
13 – Daikon Radish Salad
Daikon radish salad is basically crunchy goodness. It adds a fresh vibe to any meal. We slice up the daikon, toss it with a splash of vinegar, and sprinkle sesame seeds over it.
A little salt brightens all the flavours. It’s super quick to whip up too. Leftovers? They taste better after marinating a bit!
Perfect alongside heavier dishes. This salad is just the right kind of refreshing. We keep it simple, and it never disappoints.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.