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Easy Tonkatsu - Japanese Crispy Pork Cutlet served with katsu sauce.

Tonkatsu

A simple and quick Japanese crispy pork cutlet recipe that offers a crunchy exterior and juicy interior, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces Boneless pork chops (about 1/2 inch thick) Can also use pork tenderloin.
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
  • 2 Eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs Essential for the crispy texture.
  • 1/2 cup Neutral oil for frying (canola, vegetable, or peanut) Use enough for shallow frying.
Tonkatsu Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup For homemade tonkatsu sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Soy sauce Optional, for added flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar or honey Adjust sweetness to taste.
  • optional Dijon mustard or garlic powder For added flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the pork dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up 3 bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko.
Breading
  1. Coat the pork in flour, dip in egg, then press firmly into the panko to ensure it sticks.
Frying
  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat to about 1/2 inch deep.
  2. Fry the pork for 3 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown, flipping once.
  3. Rest fried pork on a rack or paper towels for a minute before slicing.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to keep the crust crispy. Resting the pork on a rack prevents steaming. You can use an air fryer for a lighter version.