Tonkatsu
AI-generated image
Japanese

Tonkatsu

Japanese-style breaded pork cutlets fried until deeply golden and crisp, then served with tangy tonkatsu sauce, shredded cabbage, and lemon. A dependable weeknight main dish with a clean, crunchy crust and juicy center.

35 min 4 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Place each pork portion between sheets of parchment and gently pound to an even thickness of about 1.5 cm. Season both sides with the salt and black pepper, then let the meat stand for 10 minutes while you prepare the coating station.
2
Set out three shallow dishes: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and panko in the third. Coat each pork portion in flour, shaking off the excess, then egg, and finally panko, pressing lightly so the crumbs adhere evenly.
3
Pour the oil into a deep, heavy skillet to a depth of about 2 cm and heat over medium heat to 170°C. Test with a few panko crumbs; they should sizzle immediately and rise steadily without browning at once.
4
Fry two cutlets at a time for 3 to 4 minutes per side, adjusting the heat to keep the oil near 170°C, until the coating is rich golden brown and the pork reaches 74°C at the center. Transfer to a wire rack and repeat with the remaining cutlets.
Tonkatsu frying to a crisp golden-brown crust AI-generated image
5
Rest the fried cutlets on the rack for 3 minutes so excess oil drains and the juices settle. Slice each cutlet into strips with a sharp knife.
6
Arrange the sliced tonkatsu with the shredded cabbage and lemon wedges. Spoon the tonkatsu sauce over the pork or serve it alongside, and serve immediately while the crust is crisp.
Sliced tonkatsu served with cabbage, lemon, and tonkatsu sauce AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Pounding the pork to an even thickness promotes quick, even cooking, while flour, egg, and panko create a layered coating that fries into a light, shattering crust. The sweet-tangy sauce and fresh cabbage balance the richness.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Refrigerate cooled cutlets in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Store sauce and cabbage separately for the best texture.

How to reheat it

Reheat cutlets on a wire rack in a 200°C oven or air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until hot and crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible because it softens the crust.

Nutrition / serving

742kcal
51.19 gprotein
49.02 gcarbs
36.67 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 20 Aug 2026 · updated 20 Aug 2026