Making your own curry powder blend is like crafting magic in your kitchen. It’s a fun and rewarding activity—perfect for a cozy afternoon at home. Today, we’re diving into an all-purpose Japanese-style curry powder inspired by the iconic S&B Curry Powder, a beloved pantry staple for its versatility and bold flavor.
Whether you’re preparing Japanese curry, Malaysian mee goreng, or even Australian curried sausages, this homemade blend will elevate your dish. Let’s get started!
What Does S&B Curry Powder Smell and Taste Like?
S&B Curry Powder has a warm, complex aroma that combines earthy, spicy, and slightly sweet notes. When you open the tin, the fragrance is inviting and balanced, with the rich scent of turmeric and cumin taking the lead, followed by a hint of cinnamon and cloves that add depth and sweetness. There’s also a subtle citrusy brightness, likely from dried orange peel, and a faint herbal undertone from thyme and sage.
On the palate, S&B Curry Powder delivers a harmonious blend of flavors. It has a mild heat that gently warms rather than overwhelms, complemented by the earthy richness of turmeric and the savory depth of cumin and coriander. The sweetness from cinnamon and nutmeg rounds it out, while the citrusy and herbal notes provide a refreshing lift. It’s versatile and balanced, making it an ideal addition to a variety of dishes without dominating the other flavors.
Ingredients Required for S&B Curry Powder Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this S&B Curry Powder
Ground Spices:
- 6 tsp turmeric powder (20 g)
- 4 tsp ground coriander (12 g)
- 3 tsp ground cumin (14 g)
- 1 tsp black pepper (2 g)
- 1 tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper (3 g)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (4 g)
- 1 tsp fennel seeds (5 g)
- 1 tsp ground ginger (3 g)
- ½ tsp ground cloves (2 g)
- ½ tsp nutmeg (2 g)
Whole Spices & Herbs:
- 1 star anise (2 g) or 1 tsp ground anise powder
- 1 cardamom pod (2 g) or ½ tsp ground cardamom
- 1 bay leaf (2 g)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (2 g)
- ½ tsp dried sage (2 g)
Other:
- 2 tsp dried orange peel (10 g)
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Mortar and pestle or spice grinder
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk, fork, or chopsticks
- Medium saucepan or frying pan
- Airtight storage container
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
How to Make S&B Curry Powder?
Simply follow the steps given below to make your S&B Curry Powder at home
1. Prepare the Ingredients
If using whole spices, grind them in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. Begin with the larger spices (e.g., star anise, bay leaf, cardamom), grinding them to a fine powder. Set these aside.
For the dried orange peel, zest an orange and dry it at a low temperature (50°C/120°F) in the oven until it crumbles when pressed. This will take about 20–60 minutes.
2. Mix the Spice Blend
Combine all the spices—ground and freshly ground—in a small bowl. Use a whisk, fork, or chopsticks to mix until evenly combined.
3. Toast the Curry Powder
Heat a medium saucepan or frying pan over the lowest heat setting. Add the spice blend and dry-toast for 1–2 minutes. Stir constantly to avoid burning, as the spices can become bitter if overheated.
Alternatively, you can add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil (like canola or rice bran oil) and gently fry the spices for about 3 minutes until fragrant. If the spices start to smoke, remove them from the heat immediately.
4. Cool and Store
Transfer the toasted spice blend to a bowl and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, store your homemade S&B-style curry powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark pantry.
Some Pairing Ideas for Your S&B Curry Powder
Here are 10 fantastic pairing ideas for your homemade S&B-style curry powder:
1. Japanese Curry Rice (Kare Raisu): Use your curry powder as the base for a hearty Japanese-style curry served over steamed rice with carrots, potatoes, and onions.
2. Curry Udon: Infuse the powder into a rich, savory broth to create a comforting bowl of curry udon noodles.
3. Curry Fried Rice: Stir-fry leftover rice with vegetables, protein of your choice, and a sprinkle of curry powder for a quick and flavorful meal.
4. Malaysian Mee Goreng: Add depth to this spicy stir-fried noodle dish by incorporating your curry powder into the sauce.
5. Curried Lentil Soup: Enhance the earthy flavor of red lentils with a generous pinch of curry powder for a warming, protein-packed soup.
6. Curried Deviled Eggs: Mix a touch of curry powder into the filling of deviled eggs for an unexpected, flavorful twist.
7. Vietnamese Chicken Curry (Ca Ri Ga): Use your blend in this aromatic dish featuring chicken, coconut milk, and root vegetables.
8. Curry Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables with olive oil, curry powder, and a pinch of salt, then roast for a golden, flavorful side dish.
9. Curried Sausages: Transform Australian curried sausages into a nostalgic meal by simmering the sausages in a sauce flavored with your curry powder.
10. Spiced Popcorn: Sprinkle your curry powder over freshly popped popcorn for a unique and addictive snack.
These pairings showcase the versatility of your homemade S&B curry powder, allowing you to enjoy its rich, balanced flavor across a wide variety of dishes.
Some Tips on This S&B Curry Powder Recipe
Here are 10 tips to perfect your homemade S&B-style curry powder recipe:
1. Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices have a more vibrant and intense flavor than pre-ground ones, so opt for whole spices whenever possible.
2. Dry the Orange Peel Properly: Ensure the orange peel is completely dry before grinding to prevent moisture from spoiling your curry powder.
3. Grind Spices Gradually: If using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder, grind larger spices like star anise and bay leaf first, then gradually add smaller ones for a fine, even texture.
4. Adjust the Heat: Customize the spiciness by altering the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
5. Toast with Care: When toasting the curry powder, keep the heat low and stir constantly to avoid burning the spices, which can make the blend bitter.
6. Let Flavors Meld: Allow the finished curry powder to rest for a few days in a sealed container. This helps the flavors blend and develop depth.
7. Store Properly: Keep your curry powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor and aroma for up to six months.
8. Experiment with Substitutions: If you’re missing an ingredient, try substitutes like Korean chili flakes for chili powder or fresh zest for dried orange peel.
9. Scale Up for Future Use: Double or triple the recipe and store it so you always have this versatile blend ready for your next dish.
10. Pair with Different Cuisines: Use the curry powder in a variety of dishes—from Japanese curries to Southeast Asian noodle dishes or even spiced soups and roasted vegetables.
How to Store S&B Curry Powder Properly
Store your homemade S&B curry powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, like a pantry, to preserve its flavor for up to six months. If you’ve toasted it with oil, refrigerate it to extend shelf life. To reheat the powder for cooking, lightly dry-toast it in a pan for 1–2 minutes to refresh its aroma.
S&B Curry Powder Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 tsp turmeric powder 20 g
- 4 tsp ground coriander 12 g
- 3 tsp ground cumin 14 g
- 1 tsp black pepper 2 g
- 1 tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper 3 g
- 1 tsp cinnamon 4 g
- 1 tsp fennel seeds 5 g
- 1 tsp ground ginger 3 g
- ½ tsp ground cloves 2 g
- ½ tsp nutmeg 2 g
Instructions
- If using whole spices, grind them in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. Begin with the larger spices (e.g., star anise, bay leaf, cardamom), grinding them to a fine powder. Set these aside.
- Combine all the spices—ground and freshly ground—in a small bowl. Use a whisk, fork, or chopsticks to mix until evenly combined.
- Heat a medium saucepan or frying pan over the lowest heat setting. Add the spice blend and dry-toast for 1–2 minutes. Stir constantly to avoid burning, as the spices can become bitter if overheated. Alternatively, you can add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil (like canola or rice bran oil) and gently fry the spices for about 3 minutes until fragrant. If the spices start to smoke, remove them from the heat immediately.
- Transfer the toasted spice blend to a bowl and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, store your homemade S&B-style curry powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark pantry.
Notes
Common Queries on This S&B Curry Powder Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the S&B Curry Powder Recipe that people often ask.
1. What spices are in S&B curry?
S&B curry powder typically contains spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and dried orange peel. It’s a flavorful blend of savory, sweet, and aromatic spices.
2. What is the ratio of S&B golden curry to water?
For S&B Golden Curry, the usual ratio is 1 block of curry paste to 2 cups of water. However, the ratio can vary depending on the desired thickness of the sauce.
3. What is Korean curry powder made of?
Korean curry powder is similar to traditional curry powders but often includes a sweeter, milder flavor profile. It typically contains turmeric, coriander, cumin, garlic, ginger, and sometimes additional ingredients like cinnamon, chili flakes, and even dried apple for a subtle sweetness.
4. Can I adjust the spiciness of this curry powder?
Yes! You can make the curry powder spicier by adding more chili powder, cayenne, or even Korean chili flakes. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili and pepper.
5. Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground spices for whole spices if that’s what you have on hand. If dried orange peel is unavailable, you can use fresh zest or skip it altogether.
6. How long does homemade curry powder last?
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, homemade curry powder can last up to six months. For the freshest flavor, it’s best used within a few months.
7. Can I use this curry powder in other cuisines?
Yes, this curry powder is versatile! It can be used in Japanese curry, Malaysian dishes like mee goreng, Vietnamese curries, and even Western-style curries like curried sausages.
8. Do I need to toast the curry powder?
Toasting the curry powder enhances its flavors and brings out the aromatic oils in the spices. While optional, it’s highly recommended for a richer, more complex flavor.
9. Can I use a coffee grinder to grind the spices?
Yes, you can use a coffee grinder to grind whole spices. Just be sure to clean it thoroughly before grinding your next batch of coffee to avoid flavor contamination.
10. Is there a vegetarian version of S&B curry powder?
Yes, this curry powder is naturally vegetarian! It’s made from a variety of plant-based spices, making it perfect for vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.
Additionally, You can also like and, follow us on Pinterest, and Reddit for more updates. Your thoughts and engagement are greatly appreciated!