Tonkatsu Japanese Fried Pork Recipes

TONKATSU (JAPANESE FRIED PORK CUTLET)

Steps:

• If there is connecting tissue separating red meat and a band of fat, cut the tissue every 2-3cm (1"). This will prevent the meat from curling when cooked. Lightly pound the pork to tenderise.
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides of meat.
• Coat the meat with flour, egg, then breadcrumbs.
• Heat oil to 170C (338F) (note 2) and fry the meat for 2 minutes. Turnover and fry further 1.5 - 2 minutes (note 3) until it becomes golden brown.
• Turn over again and fry for about 1 minute until deep golden brown, then put aside on kitchen paper.
• Cut each tonkatsu into 2cm (¾") wide strips.
• If you are making tonkatsu for katsu-don, go to Katsu-don instructions.
• Serve with shredded cabbage and Bulldog tonkatsu sauce.

TONKATSU (DEEP FRIED PORK)

Steps:

• Make small cuts all over pork chops with tip of knife. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of meat.
• Coat the meat with flour, dip in eggs, then cover with bread crumbs.
• Heat deep frying oil to 350 F, and deep fry crumb-covered meat. You can check the temperature by dropping a bread crumb. If it comes up to the oil surface right after it's dropped, it's good.
• Fry until color turns golden brown and meat floats in the oil, about 5-8 minutes, turning once or twice.
• Set the meat on a cooling rack for a minute. Cut into 5-6 pieces.

JAPANESE AIR-FRIED PORK TONKATSU

Steps:

• Preheat an air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Stir together eggs, avocado oil, and salt in a small bowl. Place panko crumbs on a separate plate.
• Set a length of parchment or waxed paper about 15 inches long on a platter or cutting board.
• Dip each pork chop into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl, then turn chops in panko crumbs. Cover the top of the chop with crumbs and press down to encourage them to stick. Place coated chops on the prepared parchment or waxed paper. Repeat until all chops are coated with panko crumbs on both sides.
• Spray both sides of each pork chop with cooking spray and place 2 or 3 chops into the air fryer basket, depending on the size of the basket.
• Air fry for 6 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 145 degrees F (63 degrees C), about 5 minutes more. Transfer chops to a plate and keep warm. Repeat with remaining chops.
• Serve chops with rice, shredded Savoy cabbage, and tonkatsu sauce.

TONKATSU (JAPANESE-STYLE CRISPY FRIED PORK CUTLETS)

Steps:

• Place pork chops on a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Whisk egg and soy sauce together in a small bowl.
• Place flour on a small plate and panko in another. Dredge a pork chop in the flour, pressing it in using your fingertips to cover all crevices along the surface. Turn to evenly coat all sides.
• Dip the pork into the egg mixture, coating completely. Transfer immediately to the bowl of panko, pressing in to evenly coat. Repeat process with the second pork chop.
• Heat oil in a wide pan or wok on medium-high heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lower a pork chop into the oil. Fry until bottom side is golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn; cook until other side turns golden and pork is slightly pink in the center, 2 to 3 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). Pick up the cutlet and hold it on its side for a few seconds to let the oil drip off. Drain on a paper towel. Repeat with the second pork chop.

JAPANESE-STYLE CRISPY FRIED PORK BOWL (TONKATSU DONBURI)

Steps:

• Mix dashi, sugar, mirin, soy sauce, and salt together in a small bowl.
• Heat vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in dashi mixture. Lay pork slices carefully on top of the onions. Drizzle eggs around the slices. Cover skillet and cook until eggs are set, about 2 minutes.
• Divide rice between 2 bowls. Top each with half the onions, eggs, and pork slices.