Introduction
Katsudon is a beloved Japanese dish that combines crispy breaded chicken (or pork) with a savory-sweet egg and onion topping, all served over a steaming bowl of rice. If you love comforting, hearty meals that are easy to make at home, then this is the perfect recipe for you! Katsudon is not only delicious but also an affordable way to bring the flavors of Japan into your kitchen. Plus, it’s a family favorite—kids love the crispy chicken, and adults enjoy the rich umami flavors.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Katsudon, including its origins, how to prepare it, and even some exciting variations to try at home!
What is Katsu?
Before we dive into Katsudon, let’s talk about Katsu—the star of the dish! Katsu refers to a crispy, breaded, and deep-fried cutlet, typically made with chicken or pork. It’s similar to the American chicken schnitzel or Southern fried chicken, but with a Japanese twist. The secret? Panko breadcrumbs, which create an ultra-light and crispy coating.
What is Katsudon?
Now that we know what Katsu is, let’s talk about Katsudon! The name comes from two words: “katsu” (cutlet) and “don” (short for donburi, which means rice bowl). Essentially, it’s a rice bowl topped with a crispy katsu cutlet, simmered in a flavorful broth with onions and eggs. The result? A comforting, slightly sweet, and umami-packed dish that’s both filling and satisfying.
How to Make Chicken Katsudon Recipe
Making Chicken Katsudon at home is easier than you might think! You’ll need basic ingredients like chicken breast, eggs, onions, soy sauce, dashi, and mirin (or alternatives if you want a non-alcoholic version).
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dashi (or chicken broth as a substitute)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin (or 1 tsp sugar + 1 tsp water as an alternative)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Chicken Katsudon Recipe:
- Prepare the Chicken Katsu:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Coat each piece in flour, dip into the beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked (about 4 minutes per side).
- Remove from heat and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Slice into strips.
- Make the Broth:
- In a small pan, heat dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and let them simmer until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Simmer the Katsu:
- Place the sliced chicken katsu into the pan with the onions and broth.
- Pour the lightly beaten eggs over the top and cover with a lid.
- Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the eggs are just set but still slightly runny.
- Serve Over Rice:
- Spoon the chicken, eggs, and broth over a bowl of hot rice.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade Chicken Katsudon!
Variations of Chicken Katsudon
If you love Chicken Katsudon, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are many variations of this dish, each offering a unique twist on the classic recipe. If you’re looking for something spicier, healthier, or with a fusion touch, here are some delicious variations you need to try!
Spicy Katsudon
If you enjoy a little kick in your food, this spicy version of Katsudon is for you! Simply add a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil to the broth for an extra layer of heat. Some people even mix a little gochujang (Korean chili paste) into the sauce for a rich, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor.
Cheese Katsudon
Who doesn’t love cheese? In this cheesy variation, a slice of melty cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) is placed on top of the chicken katsu before adding the egg mixture. The heat from the broth melts the cheese, creating a gooey, creamy texture that makes every bite irresistible. If you’re a fan of cheese-stuffed chicken, this is a must-try!
Vegetarian Katsudon (Plant-Based Alternative)
Want a meat-free version of this dish? Tofu Katsudon is the perfect solution! Instead of chicken, use firm tofu, coat it in panko breadcrumbs, and fry it until crispy. Then, follow the same recipe with the egg and onion broth. For an even healthier twist, try baking or air-frying the tofu instead of deep-frying. This version is just as delicious but lighter and perfect for those looking to cut down on meat.
Oyakodon (Chicken & Egg Bowl)
While not technically a Katsudon variation, Oyakodon is a similar dish that replaces the crispy katsu with tender, simmered chicken pieces. It’s a lighter, quicker alternative, perfect for those nights when you want something comforting yet easy to digest. The name “Oyakodon” translates to “parent and child bowl,” symbolizing the combination of chicken and egg in one dish.
Oyakodon Recipe
Oyakodon (Chicken and Egg Rice) Recipe
| Oyakodon is a classic Japanese rice bowl featuring chicken, onions, and eggs simmered in a sweet and savory sauce. Simple, delicious, and deeply comforting, this one-pan meal is a go-to for busy lifestyles. |
Katsu Curry Don
If you’re a fan of Japanese Katsu Curry, why not combine it with Katsudon? Instead of the usual egg and onion broth, the crispy chicken katsu is served with a thick and fragrant Japanese curry sauce over rice. This version is heartier, richer, and perfect for curry lovers who want a twist on their usual Katsu dishes.
Katsu Curry Recipe
Chicken Katsu Curry
Chicken Katsu Curry is one of the best Japanese comfort food: golden, crunchy fried chicken paired with a flavorful curry sauce loaded with veggies. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
Low-Carb Katsudon (Keto-Friendly Recipe)
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, don’t worry! You can still enjoy it by making a few simple swaps. Instead of using panko breadcrumbs, coat the chicken in crushed pork rinds or almond flour before frying. Replace the rice with cauliflower rice to make it even more keto-friendly. This way, you can still enjoy the crunchy, flavorful goodness of Katsudon while sticking to your diet.
Seafood Katsudon (For Seafood Lovers)
For a seafood twist, try making Ebi Katsudon (Shrimp Katsudon) or Salmon Katsudon! Instead of chicken, use breaded and fried shrimp or salmon as the base. The crispy seafood pairs beautifully with the savory-sweet egg sauce, creating a dish that’s both light and flavorful. It’s a great option if you want to add more seafood to your diet without sacrificing flavor!
Related Recipes
Chicken Katsu Curry
Chicken Katsu Curry is one of the best Japanese comfort food: golden, crunchy fried chicken paired with a flavorful curry sauce loaded with veggies. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
Katsu Sando Recipe (Japanese sandwich)
This Japanese Katsu Sando recipe is easy to follow and delivers authentic flavors. Crunchy pork cutlets, tonkatsu sauce, and soft milk bread make this a sandwich you won’t forget!
Crispy Chicken Karaage: Fried Chicken Recipe
This easy chicken karaage recipe features succulent thigh meat marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, sake, garlic, and ginger, then coated in crispy potato starch and deep-fried for the perfect crunch. Serve it with rice, a squeeze of lemon, and Japanese mayo!
Oyakodon (Chicken and Egg Rice) Recipe
| Oyakodon is a classic Japanese rice bowl featuring chicken, onions, and eggs simmered in a sweet and savory sauce. Simple, delicious, and deeply comforting, this one-pan meal is a go-to for busy lifestyles. |
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a Japanese rice bowl dish made with crispy breaded chicken or pork (katsu), simmered in a savory-sweet sauce with onions and eggs, then served over a bowl of steamed rice. It’s a popular comfort food in Japan, loved for its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
While both dishes feature crispy katsu (breaded cutlet), Katsudon is served with an egg and onion sauce, whereas Katsu Curry is served with a thick, flavorful Japanese curry sauce over rice.
The best rice for Katsudon is short-grain Japanese rice, as it has a slightly sticky texture that absorbs the flavors of the sauce perfectly. Sushi rice or Calrose rice are great alternatives.
Yes! While dashi (Japanese soup stock) adds authentic umami flavor, you can substitute it with chicken broth or a mix of soy sauce and water for a similar taste.
It is a hearty, balanced meal with protein, carbs, and fats, but it can be high in calories due to the fried katsu. To make it healthier, try baking or air-frying the chicken and serving it with brown rice or cauliflower rice.
There are many delicious variations of Katsudon, including:
– Spicy Katsudon – Add chili oil or gochujang.
– Cheese Katsudon – Melt cheese over the katsu.
– Tofu Katsudon – A vegetarian option using crispy tofu.
– Katsu Curry Don – Served with Japanese curry instead of eggs.
– Low-Carb Katsudon – Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs and serve with cauliflower rice.
Katsudon originated in Japan and became popular as a quick, satisfying meal served in restaurants and home kitchens. It’s also associated with good luck, as “katsu” sounds like the Japanese word for “win.”
Yes! You can make a healthier version by baking or air-frying the katsu instead of deep-frying. Coat the chicken with panko breadcrumbs, spray it with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until golden and crispy.
It is often enjoyed on its own, but you can serve it with:
– Miso soup for a traditional touch.
– Japanese pickles (tsukemono) for extra flavor.
– A side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
