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Tonkatsu

A deeply satisfying Japanese-style fried pork cutlet, famous for its airy, crunchy panko crust and tender interior.

35 min Easy Japonesa 2 servings
Tonkatsu

The story behind

I’ll never forget the first time I heard that loud 'crunch' when biting into a real Tonkatsu in a tiny Tokyo shop. It’s essentially Japan’s take on a cutlet, but the secret lies in using panko breadcrumbs, which makes it way lighter and crispier than any other fried dish I've tried. It’s pure comfort food for me. I usually serve it with a pile of finely shredded cabbage and some steamed white rice to keep things balanced. For a drink, a crisp Japanese lager or some cold barley tea is the way to go. It’s the perfect lunch for a lazy Sunday when you’re craving something fried but still want that high-end restaurant feel.

Instructions

  1. 1
    Lightly pound the pork so it's even, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. 2
    Coat each piece in flour, dip it into the beaten egg, and then press firmly into the panko until fully covered.
  3. 3
    Heat the oil in a deep pan and fry the pork until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through.
  4. 4
    Let the cutlets rest on a paper towel for a minute to keep them crisp, then slice them into strips.
  5. 5
    Plate it up with the fresh cabbage salad and drizzle that savory tonkatsu sauce right over the meat.

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