Pork Tonkatsu is a beloved Japanese dish consisting of a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet. It’s typically made using pork loin or tenderloin, which is coated in flour, dipped in beaten eggs, and then covered with panko breadcrumbs to create a crispy outer layer. This dish is known for its golden, crunchy texture and juicy interior. It’s commonly served sliced and accompanied by steamed rice, shredded cabbage, and a thick, sweet tonkatsu sauce. Sometimes, it’s also served with a side of miso soup and pickles.
Ingredients
- 4 pork loin or tenderloin cutlets (about 1/2 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
- Tonkatsu sauce (available at Asian grocery stores or online)
- Shredded cabbage, for serving
- Steamed rice, for serving
Appliances and Special Utensils
- Kitchen mallet or rolling pin (for tenderizing and flattening the pork)
- Three shallow bowls (for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs)
- Large frying pan or deep fryer
- Paper towels (for draining oil)
- Kitchen tongs or a slotted spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pork:
- Begin by tenderizing the pork cutlets. Lay them between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a kitchen mallet or rolling pin until they are about 1/4 inch thick.
- Season both sides of each cutlet with salt and pepper.
-
Breading Station:
- Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each pork cutlet in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured cutlets into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Finally, press each cutlet into the panko breadcrumbs, making sure they are well coated on all sides.
-
Cooking the Pork:
- Heat a large amount of vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep fryer over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the breaded pork cutlets in the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Use kitchen tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the pork from the oil and drain on paper towels.
-
Serving:
- Slice the tonkatsu into strips and serve on a plate with shredded cabbage and steamed rice.
- Pour tonkatsu sauce over the cutlets or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Enjoy!
- Enjoy your homemade Pork Tonkatsu with a side of steamed rice and fresh cabbage, and perhaps some miso soup for a complete meal.
This dish is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Japanese cuisine at home, and with the right tools and techniques, it can be a delightful treat for any meal.