Tonkatsu is a beloved Japanese comfort food that delivers a perfect balance of crispy and juicy textures. This easy-to-make recipe features tender pork loin chops seasoned to perfection, coated in a golden crust of Panko breadcrumbs, and fried to a deep, satisfying crunch. Serve it alongside thinly sliced cabbage for a refreshing contrast and drizzle with sweet-savory Tonkatsu sauce to elevate every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this classic dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice and a wedge of lemon for extra zing, making it a hearty yet elegant meal. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this homemade Tonkatsu recipe is your ticket to authentic Japanese flavors with minimal effort!
Start by preparing the pork: Trim any excess fat from the pork loin chops. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the pork to about 1/2-inch thickness for even cooking.
Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and black pepper.
Prepare the breading station: Place the flour on a shallow plate. In a bowl, beat the eggs. Place the Panko breadcrumbs on another shallow plate.
Dredge each pork chop in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's completely coated. Finally, press the chop into the Panko breadcrumbs, covering it entirely.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C) to 375°F (190°C) when ready for cooking.
Fry the breaded pork chops, one or two at a time, for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the cooked pork and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Continue frying the remaining pork chops in batches.
While the pork is frying or draining, thinly slice the cabbage. Serve the cabbage alongside the tonkatsu.
Plate the tonkatsu with a drizzle of Tonkatsu sauce and a wedge of lemon for squeezing over the dish.
Serve hot and enjoy your crispy homemade tonkatsu.
Calories |
6447 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 543.5 g | 697% | |
| Saturated Fat | 103.2 g | 516% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 268.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1004 mg | 335% | |
| Sodium | 4878 mg | 212% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 186.1 g | 68% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.8 g | 53% | |
| Total Sugars | 53.0 g | ||
| Protein | 237.6 g | 475% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 343 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 18.2 mg | 101% | |
| Potassium | 4370 mg | 93% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.