Tonkatsu Easy Recipe

Say hello to Tonkatsu, Japan’s famous breaded pork cutlet. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a whole experience. Think juicy pork coated in ultra-crispy Japanese breadcrumbs, paired with a tangy, umami-packed tonkatsu sauce. If you’re new to Japanese cooking or a seasoned home chef, mastering how to make Tonkatsu at home is an absolute must.

Originating in the late 19th century, Tonkatsu emerged as a Japanese twist on Western-style breaded meats. Over time, it became a culinary staple, loved by kids, adults, and anyone with a taste for crispy perfection. Pair it with shredded cabbage, a squeeze of lemon, and a bowl of fluffy white rice for the best comfort meal. Oh, and don’t forget that signature sauce, which is so good you might just be tempted to drizzle it on everything else in your fridge.

What makes this dish special? It’s all about the layers. The pork is tender, the crust is crunchy, and the sauce brings that sweet-savory balance we all crave. Plus, it’s super versatile! Want to level it up? Toss it on top of a steaming bowl of ramen, and voilà—you’ve got Tonkatsu Ramen. Or serve it as a sandwich (Katsu Sando, anyone?) for a quick, crowd-pleasing lunch.

In this easy-to-follow Tonkatsu recipe, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of making perfectly crispy cutlets, including tips for frying, breading, and creating a flawless homemade sauce. Spoiler alert: It’s simpler than you think, and the results will have you feeling like a pro chef.

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Tonkatsu

Cooking Method: Frying, Sauteing Cuisine: Asian, Japanese Courses: Dinner, Lunch Recipe Keys: D Delicious Healthy Non Vegetarian Quick Meals Tasty

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 20 mins

Servings: 2

Description

This easy Tonkatsu recipe delivers golden, crispy pork cutlets paired with a rich, tangy homemade tonkatsu sauce. A true Japanese classic!

For the Tonkatsu

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 pieces boneless pork chops

• ¹⁄₂ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)

• salt and pepper

• vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Tonkatsu Sauce

• ¹⁄₂ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 tsp karashi mustard (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork

   Flatten the pork chops to an even thickness (approx. 1 cm). Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
   Use a meat mallet for best results.

2. Coat the Pork

   Dredge the pork chops in flour, dip them into the beaten eggs, and coat them thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs to stick well.

3. Heat the Oil

   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches 175°C (350°F).

4. Fry the Pork

   Fry the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
   Fry in batches if necessary.

5. Make the Tonkatsu Sauce

   In a small bowl, mix ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, mirin, and mustard (if using). Stir until smooth.
   Adjust sweetness to taste.

6. Serve and Enjoy

   Slice the pork chops into strips. Serve with shredded cabbage, lemon wedges, white rice, and tonkatsu sauce.
   

Keywords: How to make tonkatsu sauce, tonkatsu recipe, how to make tonkatsu, tonkatsu ramen, Japanese tonkatsu, crispy pork cutlet, tonkatsu sauce