Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: The golden-brown breaded cutlets provide an irresistible crunch.
- Savory-Sweet Sauce: The homemade Tonkatsu sauce elevates the dish with its bold flavors.
- Customizable: Pair with pickled vegetables, miso soup, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Katsu:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless beef slices, cut into 1-inch thick pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice:
- 1 cup cooked rice
For the Tonkatsu Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Katsu: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and milk until combined.
- Coat the Cutlets: Dredge each beef slice in the flour mixture, dip in the egg mixture, and coat thoroughly with panko bread crumbs.
- Cook the Katsu: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the breaded cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Make the Tonkatsu Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Place the Katsu cutlets on top and drizzle generously with Tonkatsu sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with tofu or eggplant slices.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Extra Crunch: Double-coat the cutlets for an even thicker breading.
- Spicy Sauce: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of Sriracha.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cutlets and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat cutlets in an oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness. Warm the sauce in a microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook the breaded cutlets in a preheated air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. What can I serve with Katsu Bowls?
Pair them with miso soup, pickled vegetables, or a light cucumber salad.
3. How do I keep the cutlets crispy?
Let the cutlets rest on a wire rack after frying to prevent sogginess.
4. Can I make the Tonkatsu sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
5. What type of rice works best?
Short-grain Japanese rice or sushi rice is ideal for this dish.
6. Can I bake the cutlets instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy.
7. What’s the best way to slice the meat?
Cut the beef against the grain for tender, easy-to-eat pieces.
8. Can I freeze the cooked cutlets?
Yes, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
9. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce on low heat for a few extra minutes to thicken it.
10. Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is mild. Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Conclusion
This Japanese Katsu Bowl is a simple yet flavorful meal that brings restaurant-quality dining to your home. With crispy breaded cutlets, fragrant rice, and a savory-sweet Tonkatsu sauce, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Customize it to your taste, and enjoy the perfect blend of textures and flavors in every bite.
Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Crispy breaded cutlets served over fluffy rice and topped with a savory-sweet homemade Tonkatsu sauce make these Japanese Katsu Bowls a flavorful, easy-to-make meal. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this recipe is customizable, quick, and packed with umami goodness.
Ingredients
For the Katsu:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless beef slices, cut into 1-inch thick pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Rice:
- 1 cup cooked rice
For the Tonkatsu Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Katsu:
- Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Whisk egg and milk together in a separate bowl.
- Coat the Cutlets:
- Dredge beef slices in the flour mixture, dip into the egg mixture, and coat with panko bread crumbs.
- Cook the Katsu:
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
- Make the Tonkatsu Sauce:
- Whisk soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide rice into bowls. Top with cooked cutlets and drizzle with Tonkatsu sauce.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute beef with tofu or eggplant slices.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari for a gluten-free variation.
- Store cutlets and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: an-Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese