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Authentic Tonkatsu Recipe (Crispy Japanese Pork Cutlet at Home)

  • Writer: Miwa
    Miwa
  • Jun 13, 2020
  • 3 min read

Updated: Feb 24


Japanese tonkatsu recipe/ pork cutlet


In Japanese home cooking, meals are often built around the idea of

Ichiju-sansai, which means one soup and three simple dishes. A meal is meant to feel balanced with rice, soup, a main dish, and a few light sides.


Tonkatsu, although fried to perfection, still fits beautifully into this healthy style of eating. When served with shredded cabbage, miso soup, and rice, the crispy pork cutlet becomes part of a comforting and well balanced meal. You don't need to feel guilty of eating fried food!


This recipe uses a gentle cooking method that keeps the pork tender while creating a crisp golden coating. It is simple enough to make at home! My kids love this very much!







Authentic Tonkatsu Recipe

(Japanese Pork Cutlet)



Yield: 2 servings


Prep time: 10 minutes


Cook time: 15 minutes



Ingredients


Pork

  • 300g thick cut pork shoulder

  • Salt

  • Pepper


Coating

  • 2 cups panko

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 egg

  • 1 tsp vegetable oil

  • Oil for frying


Toppings

  • 1/4 cabbage, finely shredded

  • Lemon wedges


Sauce

  • Tonkatsu sauce or homemade tonkatsu sauce


Optional

  • Soy sauce

  • Grated daikon radish


Sauce

Optional Sauce and Toppings

  • Soy sauce

  • Grated daikon radish



Directions


1. Prepare the pork.

Score the fat all around the edges on both sides. Gently pound the pork with the back of your knife to tenderize, then reshape it with your hands.Season both sides with salt and pepper.


2. Prepare the coating station.

Beat the egg with 1 teaspoon of oil in a large bowl (this keeps the pork moist).Prepare separate bowls for flour and panko. Line them up in order:

flour → egg mixture → panko.


3. Coat the pork.

Lightly dust the pork with flour. Dip it into the egg mixture until fully coated. Place the pork onto the bed of panko and press firmly so the crumbs adhere evenly on all sides.


4. First fry (low & slow method)

Pour about 2 cm of oil into a frying pan. Place the pork in before turning on the heat.Turn on the heat to low and fry for 10 minutes, keeping the oil around 100°C / 212°F.


5. Prepare toppings & check doneness.

Shred the cabbage thinly and cut lemon into wedges. When meat juices rise to the surface, flip the pork and fry for another 4 minutes.The edges will be slightly golden while the surface remains pale — this is perfect.


6. Second fry (to crisp the outside)

Remove the pork and let it rest briefly.Heat the oil to 180°C / 356°F. Return the pork and fry for 30–60 seconds until the coating turns golden brown. Drain on a wire rack, slice, and serve immediately.


Miwa’s Tips for Perfect Tonkatsu


  • Adding a little oil to the egg mixture helps the pork stay soft.

  • Press the panko gently but firmly so the coating sticks well.

  • If you do not have a thermometer, drop a piece of panko into the oil. If it sinks and rises quickly, the oil is ready.


How to Serve Tonkatsu the Ichiju-sansai Way


Create a balanced Japanese meal with the following:


Recommended Side Dish


Tonkatsu pairs beautifully with fresh Japanese pickles. The light acidity refreshes the palate and makes the meal feel lighter. In traditional Japanese meals, small vegetable sides play an important role in supporting digestion and bringing harmony to the table.


Japanese pickle in ichiju-sansai dining

Storage


Store leftover tonkatsu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to

2 days. You can reheat it in the oven or turn it into katsudon for another comforting meal.



🌸 Gentle Note from Miwa 


Fried food like Tonkatsu isn't a hindrance to healthy living. Everything can be enjoyed with a balanced lifestyle. If you need assistance with reframing your relationship with food, I have the solution for you.


In my 60-Day Coaching, I show you how simple habits, like enjoying a nourishing soup daily, naturally support digestion, portion control, and lasting energy. Over 60 days, these small changes become effortless habits, helping you feel lighter, more energized, and in tune with your body.




MIWA’s Recommendations♡


  • MIWA's e-cookbooks are available！ I hope this will be helpful and enjoyable in your kitchen^^ 

  • MIWA's Tableware is live!

  • Enhance Your Culinary Experience with MIWA's Tableware!

    • Miwa's Favorite Picks: Perfect for starting your Japanese food journey at home.

    • Ideal for Celebrations and Gifts: Beautiful designs that make any occasion special.

    • Enlighten Your Table: Add elegance and tradition to your dining experience.





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