Cozy Miso-Infused Slow Cooker Japanese Curry

Japanese curry is the epitome of home-style comfort cooking in Japan, blending sweet, savory, and rich spices into one hearty dish. And with a slow cooker, it becomes almost effortless. Our Cozy Miso-Infused Slow Cooker Japanese Curry takes tradition up a notch by adding a gentle splash of miso to enhance umami depth. Perfect for busy weekday meals or lazy Sunday dinners, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken thighs or tofu, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 small apple, grated (for natural sweetness)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 heaping tablespoon miso paste
• 1 box Japanese curry roux (about 7 oz/200 g)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly sauté the chicken (or tofu) just until browned on the outside—this step locks in juices and flavor. Transfer the meat (or tofu) to the slow cooker.

Add the onions, carrots, potatoes, and grated apple into the cooker. Pour in the broth, then whisk the miso paste into the liquid until it dissolves. Next, break the curry roux into smaller blocks and drop them in so they’ll melt slowly as everything cooks.

Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Stir once or twice if you can, but don’t worry if you can’t get to it. The potatoes will soften, the meat (or tofu) will become tender, and the curry sauce will thicken beautifully.

When everything is fork-tender, taste the curry and season it with a touch more salt and pepper if needed. Serve piping hot over steamed rice or ladled onto noodles for an extra-filling meal.

A quick tip: if you’d like a thinner consistency, splash in a bit more broth. If you prefer a thicker sauce, switch the slow cooker to high, leave the lid ajar, and let it simmer until it reaches your chosen consistency.

This Cozy Miso-Infused Slow Cooker Japanese Curry is a wonderful balance of sweet, savory, and comforting flavors that pleases almost everyone. It’s especially great if you’re looking for a one-pot dish with minimal prep and maximum payoff. For those mindful of ingredients, use low-sodium broth and adjust seasoning as needed.

You can easily swap chicken for beef or tofu—feel free to get creative with vegetables, too (mushrooms and bell peppers also work well). No matter how you enjoy it, this dish wraps you in a warm hug of flavor, perfect for a peaceful evening or a busy day when you crave something effortlessly satisfying.