Tonkatsu
Crispy, tender tonkatsu features breaded pork cutlets coated in a savory sauce, perfect for a satisfying meal paired with shredded cabbage and rice. Ideal for comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix 1 spoon of sugar into soy sauce and dip the pork cutlet in the mixture.
- Crack the egg and stir well.
- Dip the pork cutlet in the beaten egg, then coat with bread crumbs.
- Let the coated pork sit for 10 minutes to ensure the breading sticks.
- Fry the breaded pork cutlet in boiling vegetable oil until golden and cooked through.
- Slice the cabbage and serve with dressing.
- Serve the fried cutlet with tonkatsu sauce, sliced cabbage, and white rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the pork cutlets in the soy sauce and sugar mixture for a few hours before frying. If you don't have bread crumbs, crushed cornflakes or panko can serve as great substitutes. For a lighter version, you can bake the breaded cutlets instead of frying. Also, make sure the oil is hot enough to achieve that perfect golden crust.
Serving Suggestions
Tonkatsu is traditionally served with shredded cabbage, drizzled with dressing, and accompanied by white rice. You can also add a side of Simple Turnip Greens for a nutritious boost. For a more complete meal, consider pairing it with a bowl of miso soup or pickled vegetables to balance the richness of the fried cutlet.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover tonkatsu should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cutlets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breading soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tonkatsu contains roughly 28 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 903mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of pork for tonkatsu?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute chicken cutlets for pork in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as chicken breast may cook faster than pork. Follow the same breading and frying process for delicious chicken katsu!
What is tonkatsu sauce made of?
Tonkatsu sauce is typically a blend of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and a hint of sugar. You can find it pre-made at Asian grocery stores, or make your own by mixing those ingredients to taste. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the fried cutlet perfectly.
Can I make tonkatsu in advance?
While tonkatsu is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the breaded cutlets in advance and refrigerate them. Just fry them right before serving to maintain their crispiness. Alternatively, you can freeze uncooked breaded cutlets for up to a month and fry them straight from the freezer, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).