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Crispy Japanese Katsu Bowls with Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce Recipe


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4.1 from 21 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Description

Golden crispy breaded pork cutlets served over a bed of steamed rice, topped with a sweet and tangy homemade tonkatsu sauce and fresh shredded cabbage, creating a satisfying and authentic Japanese comfort meal perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.


Ingredients

For the Katsu:

  • 2 pork cutlets
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil), about 1-2 cups

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For Serving:

  • 2 cups cooked white rice (steamed)
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage


Instructions

  1. Season the Pork: Lightly season both sides of the pork cutlets with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor before breading.
  2. Prepare the Breading Stations: Place the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten egg in another, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third dish to set up the breading process.
  3. Bread the Pork Cutlets: Dredge each pork cutlet first in the flour, ensuring a light, even coating. Then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
  4. Fry the Cutlets: Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully fry the breaded pork cutlets, usually 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and maintain crispiness.
  5. Make the Tonkatsu Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth and balanced in flavor.
  6. Assemble the Katsu Bowls: Slice the fried pork cutlets into strips and place them over bowls of steamed cooked rice. Add a generous portion of shredded cabbage to the side and drizzle the homemade tonkatsu sauce evenly over the cutlets for a perfect finish.

Notes

  • Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture that is characteristic of Japanese katsu.
  • Do not overcrowd the frying pan as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy cutlets instead of a crispy crust.
  • Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying; a temperature around 350°F (175°C) is ideal for frying katsu.
  • Leftover tonkatsu sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and used as a dipping sauce or condiment.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Japanese