Vegan Katsudon

Ingredients

The main difference between the original Katsudon and this vegan adaptation lies in the substitution of pork cutlet with crispy tofu. Additionally, the traditional egg-based sauce is replaced with a vegan-friendly alternative. These modifications make the dish suitable for those following a vegan diet while still capturing the essence of the original Japanese flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Katsudon, so you can check it out.

• 1 block of firm tofu (350g / 12 oz) 1 block of firm tofu (350g / 12 oz)
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120ml) plant-based milk 1/2 cup (120ml) plant-based milk
• 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 4 cups cooked rice, for serving 4 cups cooked rice, for serving
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
• Pickled ginger, for serving (optional) Pickled ginger, for serving (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 8g
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Press the tofu: Place the tofu block on a plate lined with paper towels. Cover with more paper towels and place a heavy object, such as a book or a pan, on top. Let it sit for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2. 2.
   Prepare the breading station: In three separate bowls, place the flour, plant-based milk, and panko breadcrumbs.
3. 3.
   Slice the tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into 1/2-inch thick slices.
4. 4.
   Bread the tofu: Dip each tofu slice into the flour, then the plant-based milk, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs.
5. 5.
   Cook the tofu: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded tofu slices and cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
6. 6.
   Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent. Add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, mirin, and maple syrup. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
7. 7.
   Simmer the tofu: Gently place the cooked tofu slices into the simmering sauce. Allow them to simmer for 5 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
8. 8.
   Serve: Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Place the tofu slices on top of the rice and spoon the sauce over them. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with pickled ginger, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tofu — Pressing the tofu helps remove excess moisture, resulting in a crispier texture when cooked.
• Panko breadcrumbs — Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and crispy coating. If unavailable, regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.
• Vegetable broth — Opt for a low-sodium vegetable broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Mirin — Mirin is a sweet rice wine used in Japanese cooking. If unavailable, you can substitute it with a combination of rice vinegar and a small amount of sugar.
• Maple syrup — Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce. If desired, you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispy tofu, double coat the tofu slices by repeating the breading process.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the simmering sauce.
• Customize your Katsudon by adding sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms.
• Serve the Katsudon with a side of miso soup for an authentic Japanese meal experience.
• Leftover Katsudon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Vegan Katsudon hot, with a bowl of steamed rice on the side. Garnish with sliced green onions and pickled ginger for added flavor and freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, place the crispy tofu slices on top of the rice in a neat arrangement. Drizzle the sauce over the tofu, allowing it to cascade down the sides of the rice. Sprinkle the dish with additional sliced green onions for a pop of color.