korokke

Korokke are a popular Japanese croquette dish consisting of a creamy filling of mashed potatoes mixed with ground meat and onions, shaped into patties or cylinders, and coated with flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs before being deep-fried until crisp and golden. They are typically served hot with tonkatsu sauce, and may be accompanied by shredded cabbage, lemon wedges, or mayonnaise. Korokke are a common item in bento boxes and casual eateries across Japan.

The dish originated in Japan in the early 20th century as part of yōshoku, or Western-influenced, cuisine. The name korokke derives from the French croquette, transmitted through Dutch or English influence. Traditional fillings center on potato-based mixtures with ground pork or beef and chopped onions; some versions use béchamel or curry-flavored fillings, known as kare-korokke.

Variations include seafood-filled versions such as kani-korokke (crab) or ebi-korokke (shrimp), and regional takes that substitute sweet potato or taro for the potato base. Curry korokke uses a curry-flavored mashed-potato filling. In modern Japan, korokke are widely available as fresh-made items in eateries and as frozen products sold in supermarkets and convenience stores, reflecting their status as a versatile and affordable staple of Japanese casual cuisine.