Katsu sandwich

katsu_sandwich

The Japanese Katsu sandwich, or Katsu Sando, is a popular lunch option in Japan that has gained popularity worldwide in recent years. It consists of a crispy panko-breaded pork cutlet, or chicken or tofu, nestled between two slices of soft white bread and a variety of fillings and condiments.

Katsu Sando is a perfect example of Japan’s unique culinary fusion. It is a combination of the Western-style breaded meat and the Japanese love for convenience and elegance. The dish looks simple but packs a punch of flavors and textures that tantalize the senses.

The dish can be traced back to the early 20th century when Western-style bread became popular in Japan, along with the cooking technique of breading meat with panko, a type of Japanese breadcrumbs. The Katsu Sandwich soon became a popular staple for school lunches and quick snacks, and was often sold in convenience stores and street food stalls throughout Japan.

The Ingredients

To make a traditional Katsu Sando, you will need a few key ingredients. The meat used is typically pork or chicken cutlets that are pounded thin and then breaded with panko breadcrumbs before being deep-fried until golden brown. The bread used is soft white milk bread that is thinly sliced and lightly toasted to add a bit of crunch. The condiments and fillings often include Japanese-style mayonnaise, tonkatsu sauce, sliced cabbage, shiso leaves, and pickles, all of which add their own unique flavors and textures to the sandwich.

The Preparation

To make a Katsu Sandwich at home, begin by preparing the meat. Take boneless pork chops or chicken breasts and pound them flat until they are approximately 1cm thick. Season them with salt and pepper, and then dip them into flour, beaten egg, and panko. Heat up oil in a frying pan and place the breaded cutlets into the hot oil. Cook until the meat is golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the cutlets from the pan and let them cool on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

Next, make the tonkatsu sauce by combining ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and sometimes mirin, a sweet Japanese cooking wine. Spread the tonkatsu sauce onto one slice of the bread and mayonnaise on the other.

Place the fried cutlets onto the bread slice with the tonkatsu sauce, and then add a layer of thinly sliced cabbage and a couple of shiso leaves. Then, add some lightly pickled cucumbers or radishes for an extra zing of flavor. Finally, place the other slice of the bread with mayonnaise on top of the sandwich.

Conclusion

The Katsu Sandwich offers an unforgettable dining experience with its crispy and crunchy exterior and savory meat filling that is complemented with the unique combination of sauces and vegetables. The Katsu Sando is an excellent choice for those looking for a delicious and filling lunch option that offers a blend of both Western and Japanese flavors.

This Japanese delicacy has grown in popularity not only in Japan but worldwide. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it is a dish that anyone can make and enjoy. The Katsu Sando is an excellent starting point to delve deeper into the exciting world of Japanese cuisine.

Ingredients:

For the pork katsu:

  • 4 boneless pork loin chops
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • Oil for frying

For the sandwich:

  • 4 soft sandwich rolls
  • Shredded cabbage
  • Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise
  • Tonkatsu sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C.

  2. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.

  3. Coat each chop with flour, shaking off any excess. Dip them in the beaten eggs, then coat them in the panko bread crumbs, pressing the crumbs onto the meat to make sure they stick.

  4. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the chops for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

  5. Slice the sandwich rolls in half and toast them in the oven for a few minutes until lightly browned.

  6. Spread Kewpie mayo on both sides of the rolls. Add shredded cabbage on the bottom half of each roll.

  7. Drizzle tonkatsu sauce over the cabbage.

  8. Place one pork chop on each sandwich.

  9. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Japanese Katsu sandwich.