Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce

Name: Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb); 1 cup Japanese panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying); 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably jasmine); 1 cup shredded cabbage or mixed vegetables; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp ketchup; 2 tbsp mirin or rice vinegar; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp sesame oil

By Elisa Levine

April 1, 2025

0

7

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the smell of crispy fried chicken wafting through your kitchen, especially when it’s topped with a glossy drizzle of homemade tonkatsu sauce. Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce is not just a meal it’s an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your heart. Picture this: a perfectly golden piece of katsu, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice, garnished with fresh veggies, and drizzled with a sauce so delicious it could make even the most stoic food critic weep tears of joy.

I first discovered this delightful dish during a rainy day in Tokyo, where I practically stumbled into a tiny eatery. The warm atmosphere and the rich aroma made my stomach growl louder than my enthusiasm for exploring the city. With each bite, I fell deeper in love not just with katsu but with the entire culinary adventure that accompanies it. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a lively gathering with friends, these katsu bowls promise to elevate any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
The combination of crispy chicken and tangy sauce creates an unforgettable flavor profile
Visually stunning, each bowl bursts with vibrant colors from fresh vegetables
Serve it as a family meal or customize it for individual preferences, making it versatile for everyone

I remember the first time I served this dish to my family their faces lit up in pure delight as they took their first bites.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts are essential about 2-3 breasts will serve four hungry souls well.
Japanese Panko Breadcrumbs: These light breadcrumbs create the perfect crunch don’t substitute them with regular breadcrumbs.
All-Purpose Flour: This coats the chicken and helps the egg adhere choose unbleached for better taste.
Eggs: Use large eggs for breading they help bind everything together beautifully.
Vegetable Oil: For frying ensure you have enough to submerge the chicken halfway.
Cooked White Rice: A fluffy base that complements the katsu perfectly jasmine rice works wonderfully here.
Fresh Cabbage or Shredded Vegetables: Adds crunch and freshness you can use carrots or radishes too

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tanginess it’s an unexpected star in this sauce.
Mirin or Rice Vinegar: Provides that authentic Japanese touch sweet mirin balances flavors wonderfully.
Sugar : Just a pinch enhances sweetness and rounds out the sauce beautifully.
Sesame Oil : A drizzle adds depth and richness to your tonkatsu sauce.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

First things first: let’s prepare our chicken

Prepare Your Chicken for Breading: Start by patting your chicken breasts dry using paper towels this will help them crisp up nicely when frying. Season them lightly with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.

Bread Your Chicken: Set up three shallow dishes: one for flour, another for beaten eggs, and the last for panko breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken breast into flour first, shaking off excess before immersing it in egg. Finally, coat generously with panko until fully covered.

Heat Up Your Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour enough vegetable oil to fill about half an inch deep. When hot (test by dropping in a breadcrumb it should sizzle), carefully place your breaded chicken into the pan.

Fry Until Golden Brown: Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Flip gently using tongs nobody likes splatters of hot oil on their shirt

Create Your Tonkatsu Sauce: While your chicken cooks, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, mirin, sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl until well combined a perfect blend of savory and slightly sweet

Assemble Your Katsu Bowl: Once your chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), slice it into strips. Serve over fluffy rice topped with shredded cabbage or vegetables and generously drizzle with tonkatsu sauce.

And there you have it You’ve created Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce that would make anyone proud especially yourself Enjoy every crispy bite and relish in all those compliments coming your way

You Must Know

Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce are more than just a meal they’re an experience
The crispy pork cutlet, savory sauce, and fluffy rice create a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to Japan
Enjoy the crunch and savor the umami

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the rice while the pork marinates. Then, coat and fry the pork cutlets before making the tonkatsu sauce. This sequence keeps everything warm and ready for serving.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out proteins chicken or tofu works great too. Add veggies like sautéed cabbage or pickled radish for extra flavor and crunch to your bowl.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results, keeping that crispy texture intact.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch on your katsu cutlet
Always let meat rest before slicing to keep it juicy
Pair with a refreshing salad to balance the meal’s richness

It’s funny how my first attempt at making Japanese Katsu Bowls ended with me leaving flour footprints across my kitchen, but the taste was worth all the chaos

FAQs

FAQ

What is tonkatsu sauce made of?

Tonkatsu sauce combines soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar for a sweet-savory flavor.

Can I make katsu bowls ahead of time?

Yes, prepare ingredients in advance but fry fresh for best texture when serving.

How do I make katsu gluten-free?

Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and ensure other sauces are gluten-free as well.

Print