By This Pork Tonkatsu (Japanese Cutlet) balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Pork Tonkatsu (Japanese Cutlet) captures the essence of breads & pastries while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Pork Tonkatsu (Japanese Cutlet) becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
2 slices boneless pork loins or pork chops – pounded to ¾ inch thick; 5oz each
1 cup Japanese panko bread crumbs
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 egg – beaten
Salt & pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
Tonkatsu Sauce:
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp light brown sugar
1 tsp low sodium soy sauce
Pinch of garlic powder
Make the Tonkatsu Sauce:
Combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
Taste and add more sugar if desired. Set it aside.
Bread the Pork:
Prep the pork loins: Cut slits into the white connective tissue on the outer edge of each pork loin or pork chop. This prevents it from curling up as it cooks. Flatten each pork loin to about ¾ inch thickness.
Dredge the pork loins: Add the egg, flour, and panko bread crumbs to separate bowls. For a crispier crust, mix a tablespoon of flour with the egg to create a thicker egg wash for more bread crumbs to adhere to.
Salt and pepper the pork, then coat it in flour and shake off the excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg and then firmly press it into the panko bread crumbs for a thick, generous layer of breading.
Deep-fry the Pork Cutlets:
Heat oil: In a large heavy-duty pot or fryer, add enough oil to deep fry the cutlets. Heat the oil to 340°F over medium heat to ensure the pork fully cooks without burning the bread crumbs. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop some bread crumbs into the oil. It’s ready when it begins to sizzle.
Fry the pork cutlets: Gently place a pork cutlet into the oil and deep-fry for 5 to 6 minutes per side or until the pork is fully cooked and the panko coating is golden brown and crispy.
Use a skimmer to clean up loose breadcrumbs and try to keep the oil temperature at 340°F. Repeat with the remaining cutlets and work in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
Serve:
Slice the tonkatsu and serve with tonkatsu sauce, shredded cabbage, and rice. Enjoy!
PREPARATION STEPS
Combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
Heat oil: In a large heavy-duty pot or fryer, add enough oil to deep fry the cutlets
Heat the oil to 340°F over medium heat to ensure the pork fully cooks without burning the bread crumbs
If you don’t have a thermometer, drop some bread crumbs into the oil
It’s ready when it begins to sizzle.
Serve:
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 50 min | Servings: 10 | Calories: ~260 kcal | Difficulty: Medium
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
