World Flavors Cookbook

Tonkatsu

Name: Tonkatsu
Cook time: 15 min
Cuisine: Japan
Ingredients: 4 thick-cut pork loin chops (2cm thick), scored edges; Salt, black pepper; Flour for dredging; 2 eggs, beaten; 200g panko breadcrumbs; Vegetable oil for deep frying; Tonkatsu sauce, hot Japanese mustard (karashi); Finely shredded cabbage, lemon wedges

A thick, juicy pork loin or fillet cutlet coated in ultra-fine panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried to a shattering golden crust — Japan's most satisfying comfort food, served with shredded cabbage and tangy tonkatsu sauce.

Cuisine: Japan

Ingredients

4 thick-cut pork loin chops (2cm thick), scored edges
Salt, black pepper
Flour for dredging
2 eggs, beaten
200g panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil for deep frying
Tonkatsu sauce, hot Japanese mustard (karashi)
Finely shredded cabbage, lemon wedges

Instructions

Season pork with salt and pepper. Score the fat edge to prevent curling.
Dredge in flour, dip in beaten egg, then press firmly into panko breadcrumbs.
Heat oil to 170°C. Fry cutlets 5–6 minutes until deep golden, turning once.
Drain on a wire rack. Rest 2 minutes, then slice into strips.
Serve on a bed of shredded cabbage with tonkatsu sauce, karashi mustard, and lemon.