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    Home » Recipes » Mains » Tonkatsu

    Tonkatsu

    Last Modified: April 18, 2022 - Published by: christieathome - Comments: 4 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    Tonkatsu. Juicy crispy pork loins coated in panko breadcrumbs and deep fried with a homemade katsu sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes.

    tonkatsu

    Popular in Japan!

    This delicious pork dish is usually served with a tangy sweet tonkatsu sauce. It’s a common way to cook pork in Japan.

    What is a tonkatsu?

    Tonkatsu is a popular Japanese dish where the pork is coated in flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs and deep fried in oil. It’s popularly served at many restaurants in Japan. Sometimes served with rice, cabbage slaw, over udon noodles, or sandwiched between fluffy bread which is also known as a tonkatsu sandwich.

    tonkatsu

    Easy Tonkatsu Recipe

    My tonkatsu recipe is so easy. You’re cutting slits into the surrounding fat and tenderizing your meat (if the loin is less than 1 cm thick, you can skip this step). Then seasoning with salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Next, you’ll evenly coat each loin in flour, egg and panko breadcrumb. Lastly fry it in hot oil until golden and crispy and serve with katsu sauce. I share a tonkatsu sauce recipe below.

    tonkatsu

    Other ways to eat it!

    There are so many ways you can eat pork tonkatsu. You can have it over udon noodles, in a sandwich or in katsudon!

    tonkatsu

    I even share a pork katsu sandwich or tonkatsu sandwich called a Wanpaku Sandwich. It's very popular in Japanese cuisine.

    japanese wanpaku sandwich

    What you’ll need

    For this tonkatsu fried pork you’ll need the following ingredients:

    • Pork loin
    • Salt
    • Black pepper
    • Garlic powder
    • Panko breadcrumbs
    • Eggs
    • All-purpose flour

    How to make Tonkatsu

    Below are brief steps with visuals to show you how to cook tonkatsu. Please scroll down to the recipe card below to find full instructions and details.

    Cut slits into the layer of fat that surrounds your pork loin. No need to cut slits into the non-fat portion.

    If your loins are thicker than 1 cm, tenderize with a meat tenderizer or with the back and side of your knife.

    Season on both sides with enough salt, black pepper and garlic powder.

    Add all-purpose flour into a large bowl. In a second bowl, beat your eggs, In a third bowl, add your panko.

    Evenly dredge each loin into the flour first, then eggs and lastly panko – ensuring no bald spots. Repeat for the remaining loins.

    In a heavy bottomed pot, heat oil over medium heat (350 F). Check to see if the oil is hot enough by placing a wooden chopstick in the oil and look for bubbles. Carefully lower pork away from you.

    Deep fry on each side for 2-3 minutes or evenly golden brown (or an internal temperature of 145 F). See video for visual.

    Remove and transfer to a cooling rack or paper towel lined plate to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

    tonkatsu

    How to make Tonkatsu Sauce

    In a small bowl, well combine the sauce ingredients. Serve with tonkatsu!

    Cooking Tips

    Below are tips on making tonkatsu dish:

    Cut slits into the fat to prevent pork from curling

    By cutting slits into the pork, it keeps your pork from curling as it fries due to the thick edge of fat that surrounds it.

    Tenderize the meat if thicker than 1 cm

    You’re probably tempted to skip this step but if your pork loin is more than 1 cm thick, it’s highly recommended to tenderize it with a meat tenderizer or the back of your knife. This ensures that it cooks evenly without overcooking the exterior coating.

    Season meat

    Be sure to season each pork loin with enough salt, black pepper and garlic powder.

    Generously coat

    Ensure when dredging your pork in the flour, eggs and panko that it’s evenly and well coated. Making sure that there are zero bald spots.

    Lower pork away from you when frying

    When going to fry, make sure to lower the pork away from you to prevent oil splash back.

    Deep fry until golden brown

    Be patient when you go to deep fry, you’ll want to deep each loin over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

    Allow the fried pork to rest after frying

    Allow the fried pork to rest for 5 minutes on a cooling rack or paper towel lined plate. The resting allows the juices to stay inside your pork, making your pork juicy.

    FAQ

    Below are frequently asked questions about this recipe:

    What is the difference between tonkatsu and Tonkotsu?

    Tonkatsu is a fried breaded cutlet and tonkotsu is a stock made with pork.

    What is tonkatsu in Japanese?

    Tonkatsu in Japanese is a deep-fried breaded pork cutlet.

    What part of pork is tonkatsu?

    Pork loin is typically used for tonkatsu.

    Can I use another cut of pork?

    Yes and no. I wouldn’t suggest anything too fatty as this meat is already deep fried in oil making it quite indulgent as it is and it can cause the pork to curl.

    Can I use normal breadcrumbs?

    Yes, you may.

    Do I have to tenderize the meat?

    Yes, only if the pork loin is thicker than 1 cm.

    Other recipes you may like!

    If you enjoyed this tonkatsu cutlet recipe, you may enjoy these other recipes:

    Chicken Katsu
    Tofu Katsu Sando
    Fish Katsu Bites
    Karaage
    Korokke Japanese Potato Croquettes

    Try it!

    Well, I hope you give my Tonkatsu a try! It always excites me when you make my recipes and I hope this is one you try and most importantly, enjoy.

    Sharing is caring

    If you enjoyed my recipe, please share it with your family and friends or on social media! Take a picture of your re-creation and make sure to tag me @ChristieAtHome in your feed or stories as I would love to see it!

    Did you enjoy it?

    If you genuinely enjoyed my homemade tonkatsu recipe, please leave a 5-star review. I would appreciate it 🙂

    Take care,
    Christie

    *This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I also earn from qualifying purchases through additional affiliate programs

    Easy Crispy Tonkatsu (30-min.)

    christieathome
    Tonkatsu. Juicy crispy pork loins coated in panko breadcrumbs and deep fried. This delicious pork dish is usually served with a tangy sweet tonkatsu sauce. It’s a common way to cook pork in Japan. Ready in under 30 minutes.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 18 mins
    Cook Time 12 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course dinner, lunch
    Cuisine Japanese
    Servings 3 pieces
    Calories 297 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb Pork loin pre-sliced & boneless
    • ½ tsp Salt add more if needed
    • ¼ tsp Black pepper add more if needed
    • ½ tsp Garlic powder add more if needed
    • 1 ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs add more if needed
    • 2 Eggs beaten
    • ¼ cup all-purpose flour add more if needed

    Sauce:

    • 1 Tbsp Ketchup
    • 2½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
    • 1½ tsp Oyster sauce
    • 1⅛ tsp White granulated sugar

    Instructions
     

    • Cut slits into the layer of fat that surrounds your pork loin. No need to cut slits into the non-fat portion.
    • If your loins are thicker than 1 cm, tenderize with a meat tenderizer or with the back and side of your knife.
    • Season on both sides with enough salt, black pepper and garlic powder.
    • Add all-purpose flour into a large bowl. In a second bowl, beat your eggs. In a third bowl, add and spread out panko.
    • Evenly dredge each loin into the flour first, then eggs and lastly panko – ensuring no bald spots. Repeat for the remaining loins.
    • In a heavy bottomed pot, heat oil over medium heat (350 F). Check to see if the oil is hot enough by placing a wooden chopstick in the oil and look for bubbles. Carefully lower pork away from you.
    • Deep fry on each side for 2-3 minutes or evenly golden brown (or an internal temperature of 145 F). See video for visual.
    • Remove and transfer to a cooling rack or paper towel lined plate to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

    How to make Tonkatsu Sauce

    • In a small bowl, well combine the sauce ingredients. Serve with tonkatsu!

    NOTES

    Enjoyed my recipe?Please leave a 5 star review (be kind)! Tag me on social media @christieathome as I'd love to see your creations!

    Suggested Equipment & Products

    Wok
    Cutting Board
    Santoku Knife
    Mixing bowl
    Measuring Set
    Keyword homemade tonkatsu recipe, how to make tonkatsu, how to make tonkatsu sauce, pork katsu at home, pork katsu recipe, pork tonkatsu, tonkatsu at home, tonkatsu cuisine, tonkatsu cutlet, tonkatsu easy recipe, tonkatsu fried pork, tonkatsu recipe, tonkatsu sauce, tonkatsu sauce recipe, what is a tonkatsu
    Nutrition
    Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 153mg | Sodium: 659mg | Potassium: 548mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 142IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 3mg
    « Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lauren

      October 01, 2020 at 6:50 pm

      5 stars
      Okay YUM! I pinned this to try making this week 🙂 Looks incredible!

      Reply
    2. Michelle | Sift & Simmer

      October 01, 2020 at 9:57 pm

      5 stars
      My kids love pork tonkatsu! Looks delicious, Christie!

      Reply
    3. Tasia ~ two sugar bugs

      October 05, 2020 at 12:51 am

      5 stars
      This tonkatsu looks amazing! Can't wait to share it with my family!

      Reply
    4. Heidi | The Frugal Girls

      October 26, 2020 at 4:41 pm

      5 stars
      Your cutlets look so perfect. They are such a fabulous temptation paired with your beautiful homemade Tonkatsu sauce! 😋

      Reply

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    Christie

    Hello! My name is Christie. I enjoy sharing Asian recipes from around the world. So that you can make them from the comfort of your own home. In my spare time, I enjoy spending it with my wonderful husband and two pups.

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