Nostalgic Crispy & Savory Pork Cutlets (Tonkatsu) Made at Home
Nostalgic Crispy & Savory Pork Cutlets (Tonkatsu) Made at Home
Recreate Mom’s Delicious Tonkatsu with This Easy Homemade Recipe
I often miss the warm and delicious tonkatsu my mom used to make when I was little. That’s why I decided to recreate that taste myself! This recipe will show you how to make incredibly crispy and juicy tonkatsu right in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients- 380g Pork Neck (cut to tonkatsu thickness)
- 2 Fresh Eggs
- 1.5 Tbsp All-purpose Flour (sifted)
- Panko Breadcrumbs (plenty)
Seasoning- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Pepper
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Crack 2 fresh eggs into a wide, shallow dish or bowl and whisk them well. The egg wash will help the breading adhere.
Step 2
Tip: Traditionally, you coat the pork in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. For convenience, you can mix the sifted flour directly into the whisked eggs. This saves a step and makes the process quicker! (Just make sure to whisk out any lumps).
Step 3
Spread a generous amount of panko breadcrumbs onto another wide, shallow dish or tray. Plenty of breadcrumbs are key to achieving that perfect crispy texture.
Step 4
Pat the pork slices dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Place one slice of plastic wrap over the pork and use a meat mallet, the back of a heavy knife, or even a sturdy ladle handle to pound the meat until it’s evenly tenderized and flattened. Be careful not to pound too hard, as this can tear the meat.
Step 5
Tip: If you don’t have a meat mallet, you can use a potato masher, or place the meat on a sturdy cutting board and pound it with a heavy glass bottle.
Step 6
Season the flattened pork slices evenly on both sides with salt and pepper. This initial seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the pork.
Step 7
Coat the seasoned pork slices thoroughly with the flour-egg mixture. The light coating of flour helps the panko stick better.
Step 8
Immediately after coating with the egg mixture, firmly press the pork into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even and thick coating. This thorough breading is crucial for achieving a wonderfully crispy exterior. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the pork with your hands to make sure they adhere well and won’t fall off during frying.
Step 9
Your tonkatsu is now ready to fry! Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan to about 170-180°C (340-350°F). Carefully place the breaded pork cutlets into the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the fried tonkatsu to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil, making it even more delicious and less greasy. Enjoy your homemade tonkatsu, whether served immediately or reheated later! ❤️
