Crispy Homemade Tonkatsu
Crispy Homemade Tonkatsu
Easy Tonkatsu Recipe for a Quick & Delicious Meal
Wondering what to make for dinner? Let’s whip up some delicious Tonkatsu, a Japanese-style pork cutlet that’s perfect for a satisfying meal, even for solo dwellers! Enjoy crispy perfection right in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients- Pork loin (for Tonkatsu) 450g
- 1 Egg
- 1 handful All-purpose flour (approx. 1/2 cup)
- 200ml Breadcrumbs (approx. 1 cup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the pork loin cutlets. Make shallow cuts across the grain on both sides of the pork. This tenderizes the meat and helps it cook more evenly. Aim for cuts about 0.5 cm apart.
Step 2
Evenly coat the scored pork with flour. Ensuring a thin, even layer of flour helps the subsequent coatings adhere well and prevents the breadcrumbs from falling off during frying. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 3
Crack one egg into a shallow bowl and whisk it until smooth. Beating the egg well, especially breaking up the chalaza (the white stringy bits), ensures a more uniform coating.
Step 4
Dip the floured pork cutlets into the beaten egg, making sure the entire surface is coated. Let any excess egg drip off.
Step 5
Next, press the egg-coated pork firmly into the breadcrumbs, ensuring a thick, even coating. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the cutlet to help them adhere securely. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy crust that doesn’t fall off during frying. Adjust the amount of breadcrumbs if you prefer a thinner coating.
Step 6
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil (about 1 to 1.5 cm deep) in a frying pan over medium heat. The oil is ready when a few breadcrumbs dropped in sizzle and float to the surface immediately.
Step 7
Carefully place the breaded pork cutlets into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature. Fry the cutlets for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they turn a beautiful golden-brown color.
Step 8
Once both sides are golden brown, remove the Tonkatsu from the oil and place it on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This resting period, known as ‘resting,’ allows the heat to distribute evenly, ensuring the inside is cooked through and the exterior remains wonderfully crisp.
Step 9
Serve your freshly fried Tonkatsu hot. It pairs wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauce, such as Tonkatsu sauce, a tangy mustard, or even with a fresh side salad. Enjoy this delicious homemade treat!
