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Guide to Making Authentic Katsu at Home Recipe

Guide to Making Authentic Katsu at Home Recipe
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Japanese Katsu Bowls are a comforting and flavorful meal featuring crispy breaded chicken or pork served over perfectly seasoned Japanese short-grain rice, topped with shredded cabbage and a tangy homemade tonkatsu sauce. This guide walks you through making authentic katsu at home from scratch, combining juicy fried cutlets with a balance of sweet and savory accompaniments for a truly satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts (or pork loin, if preferred)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Breading

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Rice

  • 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice
  • 2 ½ cups water
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Sauce

  • ¼ cup tonkatsu sauce (or store-bought if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ketchup

Garnishes

  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Pickled ginger (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice: Rinse the Japanese short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Transfer the rinsed rice to a saucepan, add 2 ½ cups of water, and let it soak for 30 minutes to improve texture. Cover the saucepan and bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid to ensure even cooking. Turn off the heat and keep the rice covered to steam for another 10 minutes.
  2. Season the Rice: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked rice to give it a subtle tang and sweetness, enhancing its flavor without making it soggy.
  3. Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts evenly to about ½ inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin for uniform cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes for breading – one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs. This setup ensures an even coating for crispy results.
  5. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently to adhere well.
  6. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot enough for frying. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the oil and fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until the exterior is golden brown and the interior reaches a safe temperature (165°F or 74°C). Drain the cooked cutlets on paper towels to remove excess oil and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  7. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of tonkatsu sauce with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon ketchup. Stir well to combine the flavors for a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that complements the katsu.
  8. Assemble the Bowl: Serve the seasoned rice on plates or bowls as the base. Top with sliced katsu cutlets, shredded cabbage, and sliced green onions. Drizzle the prepared sauce generously over the top, then garnish with sesame seeds and pickled ginger if desired for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts with pork loin for a traditional tonkatsu experience.
  • Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture without absorbing excess oil.
  • Resting the fried chicken briefly before slicing helps retain juiciness.
  • Adjust the sauce ingredients to taste if you prefer a sweeter or tangier profile.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and panko alternatives, and soy sauce substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: Japanese Katsu Bowl, Chicken Katsu, Tonkatsu, Japanese Rice Bowl, Homemade Katsu, Crispy Fried Chicken, Japanese Cuisine

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/guide-to-making-authentic-katsu-at-home-recipe/