Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu is a popular Japanese dish featuring crispy breaded pork cutlets. This easy recipe ensures that you can recreate this delicious meal at home. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, it’s served with a tangy tonkatsu sauce that enhances the savory flavor of the pork.
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
10 minutes
Level
Easy
Serves
2
Plan and shop
Save this recipe for real-life cooking
Build a local shopping list or place this recipe into a weekly meal plan. No account is required.
Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.
Instructions
- 1
Start by seasoning the pork loin chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
- 2
Place the flour in a shallow dish. In another dish, beat the egg. In a third dish, add the panko breadcrumbs.
- 3
Dredge each pork chop in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the beaten egg, coating completely, and finally press into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- 4
In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until hot.
- 5
Carefully add the breaded pork chops to the skillet and fry for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
- 6
Once cooked, transfer the tonkatsu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- 7
Slice the tonkatsu into strips and serve with tonkatsu sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with shredded cabbage and serve with a side of rice if desired.
Tips
Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the pork to achieve a crispy crust.
Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter and crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in an oven for a few minutes to maintain the crispiness.
Substitutions
- Use chicken breasts for a lighter version.
- Gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs can be used for a gluten-free option.
What to Serve With
- Shredded cabbage salad
- Steamed rice
- Miso soup
Common Mistakes
- Not heating the oil properly before frying, leading to greasy tonkatsu.
- Using regular breadcrumbs instead of panko, which affects the texture.
Recipe FAQ
What is tonkatsu?
Tonkatsu is a Japanese dish consisting of breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets, usually served with a tangy sauce.
Can I make tonkatsu with chicken?
Yes, you can substitute pork with chicken cutlets for a delicious alternative.
What can I serve with tonkatsu?
Tonkatsu is commonly served with shredded cabbage and rice, and pairs well with miso soup.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
A light, editable placeholder for future partner recommendations. No real affiliate links are enabled yet.
Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Skillet
Useful for browning, quick sautes, and weeknight one-pan cooking.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate or partner, we may earn from qualifying purchases when enabled. Read the Affiliate Disclosure.
Cook along weekly
Want more illustrated recipes like Tonkatsu?
Join the World Recipe Letter for global home-cooking ideas and visual recipe guides.
Join the World Recipe Letter
Get 5 illustrated recipes every week.
No account needed. Unsubscribe when email delivery is connected.
Keep cooking
Related recipes
More flavors from the same country or nearby pantry style.
Chicken Teriyaki Donburi
A glossy chicken rice bowl with quick teriyaki sauce, cucumber, scallions, and sesame.
Vegetable Miso Ramen
A cozy vegetarian ramen with miso broth, noodles, greens, mushrooms, and jammy eggs.
Salmon Onigiri
Hand-shaped rice balls filled with flaky salmon and wrapped in crisp nori.