Tonkatsu, also known as Japanese Pork Cutlet, is a mouthwatering dish that you can enjoy anytime. Compressed with delightful and rich tastes, it’s no wonder why it has easily become a delectable dish not just in Japan but also around the globe. At the heart of this dish is a succulent pork cutlet encased in a crispy golden breading, served with a distinct savory-sweet sauce.
Don’t get held back if you haven’t tried making Tonkatsu at home, trust this recipe and you’ll be gifted with a remarkable dish you’d crave for more often. For a filling meal, you can serve this with steamed white rice and shredded cabbage, both are the traditional accompaniments for Tonkatsu.
Ingredients:
For the best result, we recommend that you use this set of ingredients:
• 4 pork loin steaks
• Salt and pepper
• Round 1/2 cup flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Tonkatsu sauce for serving (available in Asian stores, or you can make your own)
• Steamed rice and shredded cabbage for serving
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create this delightful dish:
1. First, tenderize your pork steaks by pounding them lightly with a meat mallet. They should be thin but not too skinny.
2. Season each piece on both sides with salt and pepper for a tasty base.
3. Dredge each pork steak in the flour, shake off the excess, then dunk in the beaten eggs, then coat with the Panko breadcrumbs.
4. In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the pork steak and fry until each side is golden brown. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Drain the fried pork on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Slice the Tonkatsu into bite-sized pieces, but not all the way through. Keep the base intact for easier handling.
7. Serve your Tonkatsu with steamed rice and shredded cabbage on the side. Don’t forget the Tonkatsu sauce for a perfect finish!
This Tonkatsu recipe will serve 4 people and takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. What makes it enjoyable is the crispy exterior with a juicy interior, not forgetting the savory-sweet sauce.
Try preparing your own Tonkatsu at home, and you might be surprised at how simple and delicious it can be!
