S&B Golden Curry is the block sauce mix most home cooks reach for, and it comes in mild, medium and hot. It dissolves into stock or water to make the sweet, mild curry sauce served over katsu, and one box makes about five servings.
These mixes are sold as a Japanese curry roux, not specifically labelled katsu, since the same sauce is used for Japanese curry generally, and katsu is just breaded chicken served with it.
How the block mix works
The mix comes as a bar of solid roux, divided into cubes. Fry off onion, add water or stock and simmer briefly, then break in the cubes and stir until they melt into a smooth sauce. No extra thickener or curry powder is needed, since the flour and spices are already built into the block.
Choosing a heat level
- Mild is the closest to the sauce served in most UK Japanese restaurants, sweet with gentle warmth.
- Medium hot adds a bit more chilli kick while staying easy to eat.
- Hot is noticeably spicier, worth trying once you know you like the base flavour.
What to check on the label
- Heat level printed on the box, since mild, medium and hot look almost identical otherwise.
- Servings per box, usually five, to work out how many boxes a family meal needs.
- Whether the brand you have is suitable for vegetarians, since some contain meat extract.
Heat levels compared
| Heat level | Flavour | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | Sweet, gentle warmth | Kids, first time trying it |
| Medium hot | Sweet with more chilli | Most home cooks |
| Hot | Noticeably spicier | Anyone who wants a proper kick |
FAQ
Can I use the block mix for other curries?
Yes. The same block makes a general Japanese curry with beef, chicken or vegetables, not just the sauce served over katsu.
How long does the sauce keep once made?
Around three days in the fridge in a sealed container. It also freezes well for up to a month.
Is katsu curry sauce mix the same as curry paste?
No. The block mix already contains flour as a thickener, so it needs only water or stock. A curry paste needs extra thickening and usually more seasoning to balance it.
Compare it with our from scratch katsu curry sauce recipe, or serve it over our chicken katsu.
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- Katsu curry sauce mix. Block form, ready in about 20 minutes.
