Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce

Introduction

Craving a crispy, savory, and satisfying meal? Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce bring the perfect blend of crunch and umami flavors in every bite. This dish features golden-brown, panko-crusted pork or chicken cutlets served over steamed rice, drizzled with a rich and tangy tonkatsu sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily make at home.

Ingredients

For the Katsu:

• 2 boneless pork chops or chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Tonkatsu Sauce:

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp mirin (or honey as a substitute)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice
• 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 green onion, sliced
• Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Katsu:
   • Season the pork or chicken with salt and pepper.
   • Dredge in flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
   • Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
   • Fry each cutlet for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
   • Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.
2. Make the Tonkatsu Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, mirin, mustard, and garlic powder until smooth.
3. Assemble the Katsu Bowl:
   • Place a generous scoop of rice in a bowl.
   • Slice the crispy katsu into strips and arrange on top of the rice.
   • Drizzle with homemade tonkatsu sauce.
   • Garnish with shredded cabbage, green onions, and sesame seeds.

FAQs

Q: Can I bake or air fry the katsu? A: Yes! For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. For air frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q: What can I serve with katsu bowls? A: A side of miso soup, pickled vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad pairs wonderfully.

Q: Can I make tonkatsu sauce ahead of time? A: Absolutely! Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week.

Notes and More

• For extra crispy katsu, press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the meat.
• Double breading (repeating the egg and panko steps) adds extra crunch.
• Swap pork or chicken with tofu or eggplant for a vegetarian version.

Enjoy your homemade Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce!

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