Dish

Tonkatsu

Breaded and Fried Pork Cutlet

Tonkatsu is a popular Japanese dish that is loved for its crispy and juicy texture. The dish is made by coating pork cutlets in a mixture of flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs, and then deep-frying them until they are golden brown. The dish is typically served with rice, miso soup, and a side of shredded cabbage. It is a great dish to serve for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.

Asian cuisine› East Asian cuisine› Japanese cuisine

Meat Dish› Pork Dish

Origins and history

Tonkatsu is a relatively new dish in Japanese cuisine, having been introduced in the early 20th century. The dish was inspired by Western-style breaded meats, but has since become a staple in Japanese cuisine. Today, the dish is enjoyed all over the world and is a popular item on Japanese restaurant menus.

Dietary considerations

This dish is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans as it contains pork. It is also not suitable for people with gluten intolerance as it contains panko breadcrumbs which are made from wheat.

Variations

There are many variations of Tonkatsu. Some recipes call for the addition of different spices or seasonings to the breading mixture, while others use different meats such as chicken or beef instead of pork. Some recipes also call for the use of different sauces such as tonkatsu sauce or Worcestershire sauce to give the dish a unique flavor.

Presentation and garnishing

Tonkatsu can be presented on a large platter with the pork cutlets arranged in a circular pattern. The dish can be garnished with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Tips & Tricks

To make the dish even more flavorful, marinate the pork cutlets in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before breading and frying them. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it more tender. Also, be sure to fry the cutlets in hot oil to ensure that they are crispy and golden brown.

Side-dishes

Shredded cabbage is the perfect side dish to serve with Tonkatsu. The cabbage helps to balance out the richness of the dish, while providing a refreshing and crunchy accompaniment.

Drink pairings

A light beer or a Japanese sake pairs well with Tonkatsu. The crispness of the beer or the sweetness of the sake pairs well with the crispy texture of the dish.