Authentic Tonkatsu Recipe (Crispy & Juicy)

pork loin

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken is leaner, while pork shoulder is less expensive.

panko breadcrumbs

🥗Healthier: whole wheat breadcrumbs

💰Cheaper: regular breadcrumbs

Whole wheat offers more fiber, while regular breadcrumbs are often more affordable.

tonkatsu sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade sauce with ketchup and Worcestershire

💰Cheaper: soy sauce and sugar

Homemade options can be healthier and cheaper.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier, while canola is often less expensive.

Start by making the tonkatsu sauce in a small jug or bowl by adding 2 tablespoons of worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, and a pinch of light brown sugar. Mix together and set aside.

Prepare the pork by making cuts in the fatty part to prevent curling and make it more tender.

Season each side of the pork with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Wrap the pork in plastic wrap and use a rolling pin to pound it until it's about 2 centimeters thick (just under 1 inch).

Set up a coating station with whisked egg, flour, and panko breadcrumbs. Add 1 tablespoon of whole milk and 1 teaspoon of oil to the egg mixture to thin it out and enhance flavor.

Coat the pork starting with a thin layer of flour, dusting off any excess to ensure even coating.

Dip the floured pork into the egg mixture, ensuring it's well coated.

Coat the pork in panko breadcrumbs, pressing down firmly to ensure they adhere well. Use soft panko breadcrumbs made from fresh bread for a thicker and crispier coating.

Preheat oil to 170 degrees Celsius (about 340 degrees Fahrenheit) for frying.

Deep fry the pork for about 4 minutes on each side, turning halfway through, for a total of 8 minutes. Fry one piece at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Transfer the fried tonkatsu to a wire rack to allow excess oil to drip off.

Cut the tonkatsu into strips about 1 centimeter (half an inch) thick for easy eating with chopsticks.

Serve the tonkatsu with shredded cabbage, rice, miso soup, and drizzle the homemade sauce over the top.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens