Japanese – Tonkatsu

Tonkatsu (とんかつ) is a popular Japanese dish consisting of breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets. It is one of Japan’s beloved comfort foods, typically served with shredded cabbage, rice, and a thick, savory sauce called tonkatsu sauce.

Key Features of Tonkatsu:

Main Ingredient:
- Pork Cutlet: Tonkatsu is usually made from pork loin (hirugashi) or pork tenderloin (miso-katsu), which are lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, then coated in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs (Japanese breadcrumbs). The panko gives it a light, crispy texture once fried.
Breading and Frying:
- The pork is coated with a layer of flour, dipped in egg, and then coated in panko before being deep-fried until golden and crispy. This creates a crunchy, satisfying exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Tonkatsu Sauce:
- Tonkatsu sauce is a thick, sweet, and tangy sauce typically served with the cutlet. It is made from ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and other seasonings.
Accompaniments:
- Shredded cabbage: A refreshing, crisp side that helps balance the richness of the fried pork.
- Rice: A bowl of steamed white rice is often served alongside to complement the dish.
- Miso Soup: Often served as a side dish to complete the meal.

Types of Tonkatsu:

Katsu:
- The traditional version, made with a pork cutlet.
Filet Katsu (ヒレカツ):
- Made from pork tenderloin, which is leaner and more tender compared to pork loin. It has a more delicate texture.
Rosu Katsu (ロースカツ):
- Made with pork loin, which is slightly fattier and more flavorful than the tenderloin version.
Miso Katsu:
- A variation from Nagoya where the tonkatsu is served with miso-based sauce instead of the regular tonkatsu sauce. This gives it a richer and more savory flavor.
Katsu Sandwich (Katsu Sando):
- A popular way of serving tonkatsu is in a sandwich (katsu sando), where the fried pork cutlet is placed between two slices of bread (usually with cabbage and tonkatsu sauce).

Cultural Significance:

Tonkatsu is an iconic Japanese dish often enjoyed as a comforting meal, and it’s widely found in restaurants, fast food chains, and home-cooked meals.
It originated in Japan in the late 19th century during the Meiji period, influenced by Western-style breaded and fried meat dishes.
Tonkatsu is a favorite in Japan and is frequently enjoyed by all ages, whether as a quick lunch or a hearty dinner.

Fun Fact:

Tonkatsu was inspired by the Western dish breaded pork cutlet, but it was adapted to the Japanese palate with the use of panko and the creation of the distinctive tonkatsu sauce.