Tonkatsu pork cutlet

tonkatsu_pork_cutlet

Tonkatsu is a popular Japanese dish which consists of deep-fried pork cutlets that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with a variety of side dishes including rice and shredded cabbage. Although the dish is believed to have originated in Japan, its roots can be traced back to European dishes such as schnitzel and cordon bleu, which were introduced to Japan during the Meiji era.

Traditionally, Tonkatsu is made using pork loin or fillet that is pounded thin, coated in flour, egg, and Panko breadcrumbs, and then deep-fried until golden brown. The dish is typically served with a dark and savory Tonkatsu sauce, made from a blend of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and other secret ingredients that vary from region to region.

Tonkatsu can be found in virtually every corner of Japan, from high-end restaurants to street vendors, and is often served with a variety of different accompaniments such as miso soup, pickled vegetables, and grated daikon radish. It has become a staple dish in Japanese cuisine and is loved by locals and tourists alike.

Tonkatsu is not only delicious but also easy and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner parties. One of the keys to making perfect Tonkatsu is to use quality ingredients, particularly the breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are essential for achieving the iconic crispy texture that Tonkatsu is known for, and can be found in most supermarkets or Asian grocery stores.

Another important factor is the cooking method. To achieve the perfect crispy exterior and tender interior, the pork cutlets should be deep-fried in oil that is heated to the right temperature. It is also important to drain the excess oil from the cutlets after frying to ensure they don’t become greasy.

While Tonkatsu is traditionally made with pork, there are variations of the dish using chicken, beef, and even tofu. These variations are often called chicken katsu, beef katsu, and tofu katsu respectively. They are prepared using the same cooking method and served with similar accompaniments.

Overall, Tonkatsu is a delicious and versatile dish that is loved and appreciated by many. Whether you prefer it with pork, chicken, beef, or tofu, it is a must-try for any lover of Japanese cuisine. So go ahead, try out this recipe and get ready to savor the delicate and crispy flavors of Tonkatsu.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless pork loin chops
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Tonkatsu sauce (for serving)
  • Shredded green cabbage (for serving)

Instructions:

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

  2. Put the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs each in separate shallow bowls.

  3. Dip each pork chop into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg, and coat it with the panko breadcrumbs.

  4. Heat enough vegetable oil in a pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

  5. Remove the pork chops from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

  6. Serve the tonkatsu pork cutlets hot with a side of shredded green cabbage and tonkatsu sauce. Enjoy!