Japanese-style croquettes, or korokke, are a beloved comfort food found in homes and street stalls across Japan.
These crispy, golden-fried patties are filled with a savoury mixture of mashed potatoes and minced beef, seasoned with classic Japanese ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, and a touch of curry powder. Their crunchy panko coating gives way to a soft, flavourful interior, making them an irresistible snack or side dish. Often served with tonkatsu sauce and a side of shredded cabbage, korokke is a delightful fusion of Japanese flavours and Western-style croquettes.
This recipe offers an easy way to create these delicious croquettes at home. By combining tender mashed potatoes with browned beef and aromatic seasonings, then breading and frying them to perfection, you’ll have a dish that’s satisfying for both the stomach and the soul. Whether you serve them as a main course or alongside other Japanese dishes, these korokke are sure to impress with their crispy exterior and comforting, umami-rich filling.
Ingredients
- 500 gram minced beef
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 3 medium potatoes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional, for a deeper umami flavour)
- 1 teaspoon katsu curry powder (or 1 block Japanese curry roux)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- oil for frying
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- tonkatsu sauce (optional, for serving)
- Kewpie mayo (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Prepair the Potatoes
- Skin, dice, boil and roughly mash the potatoes.
Cook the Beef
- Sauté the chopped onion in a pan until soft and translucent, then add the minced beef and cook until browned.
- Season with soy sauce, mirin, and katsu curry powder. You can also add miso paste for extra richness.
- Combine the beef mixture with the mashed potatoes, mixing well.
Cool and Shape
- Let the mixture cool, then shape it into balls or patties.
- Freeze them for about 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
Prepair for Frying
- Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Roll each croquette in flour, dip in egg, and coat with panko.
Deep Fry
- Heat oil to 180°C (350°F).
- Fry the croquettes in batches until golden and crispy.
Serve
- Serve your Japanese-style croquettes with tonkatsu or teriyaki sauce and Kewpie Japaneese Myonnaise. Adding shredded cabbage on the side provides a traditional Japanese touch.
Nutritional Information
- Per serving
- Energy: 240 kcal / 1003 kJ
- Fat: 12 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Carbs: 22 g
