Tonkatsu pork

Story behind the dish

Imagine the sizzle and aroma that fill the air as crispy, golden Tonkatsu pork emerges from a hot frying pan—an irresistible comfort food often celebrated in Japanese kitchens. This dish combines tender pork with a satisfyingly crunchy coating, paired with a tangy, sweet-savory sauce that elevates each bite. Whether you're recreating a restaurant-quality meal at home or sharing a delightful family dinner, making Tonkatsu from scratch turns a simple cut of pork into something truly special.

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
• 1/2 cup (2.5 oz / 70 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 beaten eggs
• 1/2 cup (1.75 oz / 50 g) panko breadcrumbs
• Fry vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 tablespoons (1 oz / 30 g) tomato ketchup
• 2 tablespoons (1 oz / 30 g) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon (0.5 oz / 15 g) oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons (1 oz / 30 g) caster sugar

Step-by-step

1. Remove the large piece of fat from the edges of each pork chop. Then, place each chop between two sheets of baking parchment and gently pound them with a meat tenderizer or rolling pin until they are about 1 cm thick. Reshape the meat with your hands if needed. This tenderizing step helps ensure your pork stays juicy and succulent.

2. Prepare three wide-rimmed bowls: one with the flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs. Season the pork chops with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dip each chop first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumbs.

3. In a large skillet or sauté pan, pour enough vegetable oil so it’s about 2 cm deep. Heat the oil to approximately 350°F (180°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a pinch of panko into the oil—if it sizzles and starts to fry immediately, the oil is ready. Fry two pork chops at a time for about 1 minute and 30 seconds per side, or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to drain and leave to rest for 5 minutes. Repeat with the remaining chops.

4. While the pork rests, prepare the sauce. Whisk together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce, and caster sugar. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up. Slice the cooked pork chops into strips, drizzle with your tangy sauce, and serve immediately for a deliciously crispy, flavorful bite.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For an extra crispy coating, you can double coat the pork by repeating the breading process before frying.
• Serve your Tonkatsu with shredded cabbage, steamed rice, or a side of pickles for a complete Japanese-inspired meal.

Closing thoughts

Homemade Tonkatsu is a wonderful way to bring comfort and joy to your dining table. With just a few simple ingredients and some gentle preparation, you’ll create a crispy, juicy pork dish layered with rich, flavorful sauce—perfect for sharing and celebrating good food with loved ones. Dive in with confidence, and enjoy every crispy, tender bite!