Tonkatsu (Japanese Pork Cutlet)
These Japanese style pork cutlets come together in just 20 minutes, or less!
Jason and I try to penny pinch whenever we can. He’s a starving grad student and I’m working 2 jobs (which includes blog work because let’s face it – blogging is a full-time job!) to pay off sky high credit card bills and to ultimately save up for a house. That’s when budgeting for groceries becomes incredibly important.
So when I meal plan for the week, I try my best to stick with recipes where I have most of the ingredients on hand, like this tonkatsu here. With pantry staples like flour, eggs, rice, Panko, salt and pepper, I usually just need to buy a pound of boneless pork chops, which is about $3.99/pound at Trader Joe’s. And a pound of this is more than enough to feed 2 people, so feeding a party of 2 for $4 will definitely not break the bank! Plus, this comes together so quickly and you can even freeze the cutlets before cooking to save them for later on.
It doesn’t get easier, or cheaper, than that!
Tonkatsu (Japanese Pork Cutlet)
Ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 pound boneless pork chops
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup Panko* bread crumbs
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Tonkatsu sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Heat corn oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper, to taste. Working one at a time, dredge pork chops in flour, dip into egg, then dredge in Panko crumbs, pressing to coat.
- Working in batches, add pork chops to the skillet, 2 or 3 at a time, and cook until evenly golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve immediately with rice and tonkatsu sauce, if desired.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
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I was searching for a Buzzfeed-recommended tonkatsu recipe, as it’s remarkably delicious and I want one of my Japanese-fanatic friends to try it. I was so excited to see you’d made one, because pretty much if I know it’s made by you, it’s going to taste good. ^^
Made this for dinner tonight and it was absolutely delicious! I used bull dog brand sauce and it came out great! The best part is the meal is very quick and inexpensive. I will be making it again and again! Thanks for the great recipe!
Hi! I love your blog but I’m a totally cooking newbie and I tend to botch things up really badly. I really want to learn how to make this recipe. What kind of pork chops do you use? I bought sirloin and I think it was too thick because they didn’t cook in the middle. Your advice would be very appreciated! Thanks!
Essy, it is best to use boneless pork chops (also known as cutlets). They should be no thicker than about 1/2-inch.
I buy either boneless loin chops or sirloin chops and have butcher run them through tenderizer a couple times. Very tasty and economical.
I’ve been cooking Tonkatsu for years and the recommended type of pork chop to use is the boneless pork loin chops. Not the tenderloin, sirloin, shoulder or rib pork chops. To save even more, buy the boneless pork loin roast and cut it yourself into 1/2-inch chops. This is the cut that has a thin strip of fat on top of the roast.
I just made this for dinner and it was a big hit – Thanks! I’ve always been a bit wary of cooking pork but it turned out great.
Can you use vegetable oil instead?
Yes, vegetable oil should work just fine.
Your blog is so full of deeeelish dishes, just love your recipes and the photography is great too.
I have never found a foodblog with such consistently delicious recipes, and believe me, I love food blogs. Your ingredients are simple, affordable and so full of flavor! Keep it up!
I agree. She is very good. So many thanks.
Got my recipe for this when I lived in Hawaii. I use cornflake crumbs and the sauce
Is just 1/2 cup catsup, 3 tablespoons worcestershire sauce, dash of pepper.
Is it easy to convert this to chicken katsu?
Yes, absolutely. I just recommend using thin sliced chicken breast.
Do you make the tonkatsu sauce or do you purchase it? If so, where do you buy it?
Dana, you could find tonkatsu sauce at your local grocery store in the ethnic foods section.
Look for the brand “Bulldog” Vegetable and Fruit Sauce ( Tonkatsu Sauce). You may have to find it in an Asian grocery store, as not all supermarkets carry this brand. It’s the BEST! I think Amazon.com carries it also. Enjoy!!
I know that brand! I work in a grocery store and I have seen this sauce. I might try it out! ^^
I think HP Sauce tastes kinda the same if you can’t get bulldog sauce
You can make it with woresteshire and ketchup lol
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