Tonkatsu

What is Tonkatsu?

Tonkatsu is a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, made from either pork loin or fillet. The meat is coated in panko, which are Japanese-style breadcrumbs known for their light, crisp texture. After frying, the cutlet is sliced into strips and typically served with finely shredded cabbage. The dish is accompanied by a thick, savory-sweet sauce, and often comes with rice, miso soup, and pickles. The outside is crunchy, while the inside remains juicy and tender.

Where does Tonkatsu come from?

Tonkatsu was created in Japan during the late 19th century, inspired by European breaded cutlets like the French côtelette de veau. The dish first appeared at Rengatei, a Western-style restaurant in Tokyo, in 1899. Originally, cutlets in Japan were made with beef, but pork became the preferred meat in the early 20th century. By the 1920s, thick pork cutlets served as tonkatsu became popular in Tokyo, especially in the Ueno area. Tonkatsu is now considered one of the three great yōshoku, or Western-influenced Japanese dishes.

How is Tonkatsu made?

To make tonkatsu, a pork loin or fillet is seasoned, then lightly coated in flour, dipped in beaten egg, and covered with panko breadcrumbs. The breaded pork is deep-fried in oil until the coating is crisp and golden. After resting briefly, it is sliced into bite-sized pieces. Tonkatsu is usually served hot, with shredded cabbage and a thick, tangy sauce. It is often accompanied by rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables.

How and when is Tonkatsu eaten?

Tonkatsu is eaten as a main dish, commonly for lunch or dinner. It is served on a plate, sliced for easy eating with chopsticks. Shredded cabbage is a standard side, and diners pour tonkatsu sauce or mustard over the cutlet. Rice and miso soup are typical accompaniments, making it a filling meal. In Nagoya, a miso-based sauce is used instead. Tonkatsu can also be found in sandwiches or as a topping for rice bowls and curry.

Kinds of Tonkatsu

There are several popular ways to enjoy tonkatsu. Katsu curry pairs the cutlet with Japanese curry sauce, while katsudon simmers it with egg and broth over rice. Katsu-sando is a sandwich version, created to be easy to eat. In Nagoya, miso katsu features a rich miso sauce. Sometimes, cheese or shiso leaf is placed inside the pork before frying. Other meats like chicken or beef are used in similar dishes, but only pork cutlet is called tonkatsu.

What Tonkatsu means

Tonkatsu is a staple of yōshoku, reflecting Japan’s adaptation of Western food. It is widely eaten in homes, restaurants, and specialized tonkatsu shops. The dish has regional specialties, such as Nagoya’s miso katsu. Tonkatsu sandwiches are a popular snack. Its popularity has led to many variations and inspired similar dishes in other countries. Tonkatsu is not tied to any festival or religious event, but is a familiar comfort food in Japanese daily life.

Questions people ask about Tonkatsu

Good reading and sources

• Tonkatsu on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data