Baked Tonkatsu Recipes

BAKED TONKATSU

Steps:

• Gather all the ingredients. Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC). For a convection oven, reduce the temperature by 25ºF (15ºC). Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with an oven-safe wire rack or line it with parchment paper. I prefer using the wire rack as it allows hot air to circulate around the cutlets and prevents the panko underneath from getting crushed.

TONKATSU

Steps:

• Place the pork chops between two sheets of heavy plastic (resealable freezer bags work well) on a solid, level surface. Firmly pound the pork with the smooth side of a meat mallet to a 1/4-inch thickness (about .75 cm). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Pour oil into a skillet about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Place the flour, egg, and panko crumbs in separate bowls. Coat each cutlet in flour, then egg, and finally in bread crumbs. Tap off any loose crumbs.
• Fry the cutlets until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

TONKATSU

Steps:

• Pour the oil into a 3-quart (3-liter) cast-iron Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot and heat over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a sheet tray with paper towels.
• Trim the fat around the edges of the pork chops if desired. Pound the pork chops with a meat mallet to slightly flatten and rub with the salt and pepper.
• Coat and bread your pork chops. Line up three small shallow bowls: one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs and one with the panko. Take one pork chop and lightly flour it on both sides, patting to remove excess flour. Dip the chop into the egg and then coat it generously with panko. Repeat with the remaining chops.
• You are now ready to start frying. Test the temperature of the oil by dropping a few bread crumbs into the oil. If the crumbs sizzle up instantly but do not burn, the temperature is right for frying. Add two chops to the oil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until they are lightly browned on one side. Flip and fry for another 3 to 4 minutes, until lightly browned on the second side. The timing will depend on the thickness of the meat and the temperature of the oil. Test for doneness by taking one chop out of the oil when it is lightly browned on both sides and slice it; it should not be pink inside. Be careful not to overcook the pork-you want your cutlets to be tender and juicy. Drain the chops on the paper towel-lined sheet tray to remove excess oil. Remove any crumbs from the oil with a slotted spoon and fry the remaining two chops.
• Slice the pork crosswise about 3/4 inch (2 centimeters) thick and serve over the shredded cabbage with the lemon wedges, your choice of sauce and a bowl of fresh-cooked rice on the side.
• Bring the dashi to a boil in a small pot over medium-high heat. Add the remaining ingredients and cook until the liquid thickens and reduces by one-third, stirring frequently so it doesn't burn, 5 to 10 minutes. Taste and make adjustments.
• If you like the sauce sweeter, add more ketchup, sugar or some mirin. If you want the savory flavors to come out, add more soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. The sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Makes 2/3 cup (156 milliliters).

TONKATSU

Steps:

• Flatten pork chops to 1/4-in. thickness. In a shallow bowl, combine flour and garlic salt. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk eggs. Place bread crumbs in a third bowl. Coat pork with flour mixture, then dip in eggs and coat in crumbs., In an electric skillet, heat 1/4 in. of oil to 375°. Fry pork chops until crisp and juices run clear, 2-3 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels., Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients; serve with pork.