Tonkatsu (Japanese Pork Cutlet) - Authentic Recipe Guide

🍱 About This Dish

Tonkatsu is a popular yoshoku dish in Japan that consists of breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets. The dish originated in the late 19th century as a variation of Western cuisine adapted to suit Japanese tastes. The name "Tonkatsu" combines the words "ton" meaning pork and "katsu" derived from the English word "cutlet."

🥢 Traditional Role

Tonkatsu holds a special place in Japanese cuisine as a comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages. It is commonly served in restaurants specializing in tonkatsu, as well as in household kitchens for family meals and special occasions.

📝 Ingredients

• Pork loin or tenderloin (buta rosu or hire)
• Salt and pepper
• Flour (komugiko)
• Eggs (tamago)
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Tonkatsu sauce
• Shredded cabbage
• Lemon wedges

🔪 Kitchen Tools

• Frying pan
• Tongs
• Cooking thermometer
• Paper towels
• Serving plate

👨‍🍳 Preparation Steps

1. Pound the pork slices to an even thickness, season with salt and pepper.
2. Coat the pork in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
3. Heat oil in a pan to 170°C (340°F) and fry the pork until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Drain the tonkatsu on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Slice the tonkatsu into strips and serve with tonkatsu sauce, shredded cabbage, and lemon wedges.

🎯 Key Techniques

• Properly breading the pork to ensure a crispy coating.
• Maintaining the oil temperature for even frying.
• Resting the tonkatsu on paper towels to remove excess oil.

⏰ Timing Guide

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 10 minutes
• Total: 25 minutes

🍶 Serving Suggestions

Tonkatsu is traditionally served with shredded cabbage dressed with a light sesame or citrus dressing, a side of miso soup, and steamed rice. The tonkatsu sauce, a tangy and slightly sweet sauce, is drizzled over the cutlets or served on the side for dipping.

💭 Chef's Notes

For an authentic touch, use fresh panko breadcrumbs for a lighter and crispier coating. Adjust the thickness of the pork cutlets based on personal preference, but ensure even cooking. To enhance the flavors, consider adding a sprinkle of ground sesame seeds to the tonkatsu sauce.

📦 Storage

Tonkatsu is best enjoyed fresh and hot, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the cutlets in a preheated oven to maintain their crispy texture.

Enjoy the crispy exterior and juicy interior of this classic Japanese dish that showcases the harmony of flavors and textures. Tonkatsu is a delightful representation of the fusion of Japanese and Western culinary influences, making it a beloved dish both in Japan and worldwide.