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Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce

Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce

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  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Americaine

Description

Indulge in the divine flavors of Japanese Katsu Bowls with crispy tonkatsu, savory sauce, and aromatic rice. Quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless pork loin chops (about 6 oz each), ½-inch thick
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil for deep-frying (about 2 cups)
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1½ tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 4 cups cooked short-grain Japanese rice
  • 2 cups finely shredded cabbage
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Pickled ginger (optional, for serving)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Meat Begin by placing the pork chops between plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even ½-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. This helps the meat cook evenly and ensures your Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce have perfectly tender cutlets.
  2. Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station Prepare three separate shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. For extra flavor, you can mix ½ teaspoon of garlic powder into the flour. Arrange them in that order for efficient breading.
  3. Step 3: Bread the Cutlets Using your left hand (wet hand), dredge each pork cutlet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then use your right hand (dry hand) to coat thoroughly with panko, pressing gently to adhere. Place on a wire rack and repeat with remaining cutlets. For extra crispiness, let them rest for 5 minutes, then repeat the egg and panko steps for a double coating.
  4. Step 4: Heat Oil and Fry In a deep, heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil to 340-350°F. Test with a few panko crumbs—they should sizzle immediately but not burn. Carefully place 1-2 cutlets in the hot oil, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (145°F internal temperature). Transfer to a wire rack set over paper towels, not directly onto paper towels, to maintain crispiness.
  5. Step 5: Make Tonkatsu Sauce While the katsu rests, whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed. This homemade sauce elevates your Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce to authentic restaurant quality.
  6. Step 6: Assemble Your Bowls Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Slice the katsu into ½-inch strips and arrange over the rice. Place a generous handful of shredded cabbage and julienned carrots alongside. Drizzle with tonkatsu sauce, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately with additional sauce on the side.

Notes

Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg