Pork Katsu was one of the dishes I always recommended to those who had been dragged to a Japanese restaurant but were fearful of trying this new-to-them cuisine. Also known as Tonkatsu this is a simple Japanese pork cutlet with breading served with tokatsu sauce (aka katsu sauce). Katsu sauce was the original predecessor to ketchup.
The breaded pork cutlet and sauce are quite easy to prepare. They are very manageable for the home cook.
Pork Katsu
Pork Katsu (Tonkatsu) is one of those recipes that is perfect for those timid of Japanese cuisine. When I worked at a sushi bar many years ago, it was one of the favorite items for guests who would not touch sushi. They wanted to have a good time with their sushi lovin' friends or family without joining them in eating it. Teriyaki was my other Japanese dish suggestion for them.
What is Pork Katsu / Tonkatsu?
The pork dish is very simple, fried pork cutlets which have been pounded thin and coated in Panko bread crumbs then served with tonkatsu sauce. Tonkatsu sauce (katsu sauce) is a zesty ketchup, American ketchup was actually based off of similar Asian sauces. The cutlets are usually pre-cut as shown when serving.
How to Make Pork Katsu
What you Need for the breaded Pork
- 1 pound of trimmed pork loin
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk or buttermilk
- salt & pepper
- ½ cup flour
- 2 cups Panko crumbs
- oil for pan frying
Katsu Sauce Ingredients
- ⅔ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbs low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard regular bottled mustard
- 3 tbs honey
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Preparation
I used slices of pork loin, which I pounded out between sheets of parchment paper, with the bottom of a heavy skillet. If you have a meat pounder feel free, but I've never personally seen the need for one cluttering up my drawer, when whacking meats with a pan is not only effective, but rather satisfying. They are then dredged just as you would any standard cutlet and coated in Panko crumb.
The pork is then cooked in a skillet with a shallow pool of oil until golden brown on both sides.
The Katsu sauce is also easily made from common pantry ingredients, and suited for wide appeal. Serve with some steamed rice, veggies and some green tea or saki, for a fun Japanese night in, that won't take anyone out of their comfort zone.
While the katsu sauce goes great with these breaded pork cutlets, if you prefer something creamier try my Japanese hibachi Yum Yum sauce with them. Perhaps make some Japanese Radish Pickles or Asian Cucumber Salad with onions as refreshing side dishes along with some simple homemade fried rice.
Pork Katsu Recipe
Ingredients
Pork Katsu Cutlets
- 1 pound of trimmed pork loin
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk or buttermilk
- salt & pepper
- ½ cup flour
- 2 cups Panko crumbs
- oil for pan frying
Katsu (Tonkatsu Sauce)
- ⅔ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbs low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard regular bottled mustard
- 3 tbs honey
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Cut loin into 4 medallions, then lay between sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound thin. (The cutlets will be about 2 ½ times the original diameter once pounded out) Season the pork with salt and pepper if you like.
- Beat the eggs in medium size bowl with milk and a pinch of salt and couple grinds of fresh pepper.
- Set up a bowl of flour on one side of wash and large shallow one for Panko crumbs on the other side.
- Dredge the pork cutlets in the flour and gently shake off excess, then do same with egg wash, finally lay out cutlet in panko and cover with crumbs, very gently press down to ensure adherence. Set aside to fry.
- Pour oil in large skillet about a half inch deep and bring heat to med-high. Once hot place in first cutlet (you will probably only be able to cook one of these cutlets at a time, two at most).
- Once edges start to show color (about 4 minutes), turn the cutlet and fry an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove to paper towel lined plate or cooling rack. Repeat with remaining cutlets.
- While cooking, or prior to starting, whisk together the Katsu sauce ingredients & reserve in refrigerator.
- Cut the pork katsu cutlets into slices about a ½ inch thick to serve. Sauce can be drizzled on or used as dip.
Kelsey Apley says
That looks good! IT might sound strange but I have never tried Japanese food before.
Penelope (NYC Blogger) says
I'll give it a shot, but generally pork is a tough one to get them to eat. Maybe this will work.
Jenn says
Maybe if you just tell them it's like a chicken strip? 😉
Kathleen says
You're right, this definitely looks like something my boys would love. I am going to have to try this, it looks so good!
Toni says
This looks delish! I love Japanese food.
Stefanie says
Yum...I love Japanese food. I've seen this on menus before but I've never ordered it (I always go for sushi and Udon Tempura).
Colleen says
This looks very good and definitely kid friendly.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
I LOVE Chicken Katsu but I've had the pork version. I'll definitely have to try to make this soon. Thanks!
Leilani says
I've never had pork katsu before, but I have had chicken katsu on several occasions.
Shell Feis says
I don't eat pork, but chicken katsu is one of my favorite foods EVER!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
You're absolutely right - my kids would totally eat this.
Mellisa says
This looks amazing. I bet my kids would eat this up.
Angela says
I have never had this but I am one of those that doesn't care too much for sushi. I will look for it on the menu next time we are out - and may try making it too!
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
I've never eaten Katsu, but it looks delish and I will definitely try this recipe!
courtney says
Great finger food in the strips 🙂 I never tried using panko!
Jennifer says
LOL this is what my husband gets when we go out for sushi!
Mickey says
What beautiful photos! I know my husband would love this. I'll have to try it someday - thanks!
Tricia @ Night owl mama says
the sauce sounds tasty. I usually bread my pork chops too
Liz says
Oh gosh, I think no matter what age you are this would taste nice. Love that you made them nice and thin. That's what this mama likes!
Anne says
I've been looking for a good pork recipe for my kids, thanks!
Sheri says
I've never heard of it before but it looks fantastic. My daughter would definitely try it.
Tammy says
I'm going to grab the ingredients I don't have at the store tomorrow and make it this week.
Paula @ Frosted Fingers says
Wow, that sounds really good! I'm going to give it a try.
Donna says
I actually am not a big fan of Japanese food, myself, but this looks and sounds delish!
Theresa says
Your photos are amazing!
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
This definitely does look kid friendly and puts a spin on breaded chicken. I'll have to try this and see if the boys like it!