How to Make Perfectly Crispy Japanese Tonkatsu

Tonkatsu is a popular Japanese dish that features a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet. While it may seem intimidating to make, with a few key ingredients and some expert tips, you can create your own delicious tonkatsu at home. Here’s how:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Tonkatsu sauce (or a mixture of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce)
• Shredded cabbage, for serving

Instructions:

1. Using a meat mallet, pound the pork chops until they are about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Coat each pork chop in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip in the beaten eggs, then coat in panko breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs into the pork to make sure they stick.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the pork chops and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
7. Serve the tonkatsu warm with shredded cabbage and tonkatsu sauce on the side.

With these simple steps and quality ingredients, you’ll be able to make a delicious and crispy Japanese tonkatsu that will rival any restaurant version. Enjoy!