Katsu-Style Pork Cutlet with Tonkatsu Sauce
Crispy breaded pork cutlets fried to golden perfection and served with a tangy, savory homemade tonkatsu sauce for a classic Japanese comfort dish. This japanese ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork loin cutlets, all-purpose flour, egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 1/2 inch thick, 1 lb total) pork loin cutlets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large, beaten egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup for frying vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp sugar
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 pork loin cutlets and season lightly with salt and pepper. Dredge each cutlet first in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, shaking off excess, then dip into 1 beaten large egg, and finally coat evenly with 1 cup panko breadcrumbs.
- Step 2: Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat to 350°F. Fry the breaded cutlets one or two at a time for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp ketchup, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, and 1 tsp sugar until smooth to make tonkatsu sauce. Serve the pork cutlets sliced with the sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Katsu-Style Pork Cutlet with Tonkatsu Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Katsu-Style Pork Cutlet with Tonkatsu Sauce?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork loin cutlets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Katsu-Style Pork Cutlet with Tonkatsu Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Katsu-Style Pork Cutlet with Tonkatsu Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Katsu-Style Pork Cutlet with Tonkatsu Sauce?
Japanese japanese like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Authentic flavors! The panko coating stayed crunchy even after reheating. Will make for dinner parties now.
- ★★★★★
The sauce recipe saved my dish! My husband says it’s better than our favorite Tokyo restaurant.
- ★★★★★
Easier than I expected. Served with steamed rice and cabbage—pure comfort food at its best.
