Tonkatsu

Servings: 2 Total Time: 20 mins Difficulty: Intermediate
A crispy Japanese pork cutlet served with tangy tonkatsu sauce, shredded cabbage, and fluffy rice. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even ramen toppings!
Tonkatsu Recipe pinit View Gallery 3 photos

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.

Tonkatsu Recipe

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.

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

For the Tonkatsu Sauce

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

Did you make this recipe?

Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.

pinit

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I use chicken instead of pork?

Yes! Chicken breasts or thighs make an excellent substitute for a lighter version of Tonkatsu.

Can I bake Tonkatsu instead of frying it?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the breaded pork chops on a greased baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What is the best substitute for panko breadcrumbs?

If you can’t find panko, crushed cornflakes or even plain breadcrumbs will work, but the texture might not be as light and crispy.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *