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Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 68 reviews
  • Author: Beverly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Description

Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce are a flavorful and crispy meal featuring breaded and fried chicken or pork cutlets served over fluffy white rice and topped with a rich, tangy tonkatsu sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers authentic Japanese comfort food that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts or pork loin cutlets

Breading

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs

Other

  • 3 cups cooked white rice
  • ½ cup tonkatsu sauce
  • Vegetable oil for frying (about 1–2 cups, enough for shallow frying)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the cutlets: Pound the chicken or pork cutlets to about ½-inch thickness and season both sides with salt and pepper evenly to enhance flavor.
  2. Set up breading station: Arrange three shallow bowls – one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs to create an efficient coating process.
  3. Bread the cutlets: Dredge each cutlet first in flour, making sure it’s coated lightly; then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess egg to drip off; finally, coat thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
  4. Heat and fry: Pour vegetable oil into a large frying pan to reach about ½ inch depth and heat it over medium-high temperature. Fry each cutlet until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes per side for chicken or 2-3 minutes per side for pork. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  5. Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked white rice among four bowls. Slice the fried cutlets and place on top of the rice, then drizzle generously with tonkatsu sauce before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent for even frying and to avoid greasy cutlets.
  • Pounding the cutlets helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
  • Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier crust compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • Can be served with shredded cabbage or a side salad for a complete meal.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.