Crispy Pork Loin Tonkatsu: Enjoy Restaurant-Quality at Home
Homemade Premium Pork Loin Tonkatsu Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Crispy Tonkatsu and Flavorful Western-Style Sauce
Indulge in this homemade pork loin tonkatsu, where thick pork loin is expertly pounded thin, coated in a crispy breading, and fried to a perfect golden brown. Served generously with a rich, savory, and velvety homemade Western-style tonkatsu sauce, it’s a meal that rivals your favorite restaurant. Experience the delightful contrast of a crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior, all enhanced by a deeply flavorful sauce. Elevate your home cooking with this exquisite tonkatsu recipe!
Tonkatsu Ingredients- 500g Pork Loin (sliced for tonkatsu)
- 3 large Eggs
- 2 cups Panko Breadcrumbs (plenty available)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Special Western-Style Tonkatsu Sauce- 20g Butter
- 1 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 5 Tbsp Store-bought Tonkatsu Sauce (or Worcestershire Sauce)
- Pinch of Salt (about two pinches)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 50ml Water
- 100ml Milk
- 20g Butter
- 1 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 5 Tbsp Store-bought Tonkatsu Sauce (or Worcestershire Sauce)
- Pinch of Salt (about two pinches)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 50ml Water
- 100ml Milk
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the star of our dish: the pork loin. Take the pork loin slices, specifically prepared for tonkatsu, and use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to pound them evenly to about 1cm thickness. Pounding the meat thin ensures it cooks through quickly and achieves a delightful crispiness when fried.
Step 2
Season the pounded pork loin evenly with salt and pepper. Be mindful not to oversalt. Next, begin the first step of our breading process by lightly dusting the pork with all-purpose flour, ensuring all surfaces are coated. Gently shake off any excess flour.
Step 3
In a shallow bowl, crack the 3 eggs and whisk them thoroughly with a fork or whisk until the egg whites’ strings are broken and the mixture is smooth. Dip the floured pork loin into the egg wash, making sure each piece is generously coated. The egg wash acts as a crucial binder for the breadcrumbs.
Step 4
Transfer the egg-washed pork loin to a plate of panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto all sides of the pork to ensure a thick, even coating. This step is vital for achieving that signature crispiness and preventing the breading from falling off during frying. Don’t be shy with the panko – more breadcrumbs mean a crispier tonkatsu!
Step 5
Now for the exciting part – frying! Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready: drop a pinch of panko breadcrumbs into the oil. If they sizzle and float immediately, the oil is at the perfect temperature. Carefully place the breaded tonkatsu into the hot oil. Fry for about 5 minutes per side, flipping once the first side is golden brown, until both sides are evenly colored and the tonkatsu is cooked through. Once fried to perfection, remove the tonkatsu and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Letting it cool slightly will enhance its crispiness.
Step 6
Let’s create the special Western-style sauce to complement our tonkatsu! In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 3 Tbsp ketchup, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, and 5 Tbsp of store-bought tonkatsu sauce (or Worcestershire sauce). Add two pinches of salt and a pinch of black pepper for seasoning. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 7
To achieve a smooth and rich sauce texture, we’ll make a roux. Melt 20g of butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once the butter is melted, add 1 Tbsp of flour and whisk constantly to prevent burning. Cook for about a minute until a fragrant paste forms. This is your roux.
Step 8
Pour the sauce mixture from the bowl into the saucepan with the roux. Whisk vigorously to combine the roux with the sauce ingredients, ensuring there are no lumps. You’ll see the sauce starting to thicken beautifully.
Step 9
Now, let’s adjust the sauce’s consistency and flavor. Gradually whisk in 50ml of water and 100ml of milk. Continue to stir over low heat until the sauce reaches your desired thickness and is heated through. Once smooth and perfectly seasoned, your delicious Western-style tonkatsu sauce is ready! Pour a generous amount over your freshly fried tonkatsu for an unforgettable meal. Enjoy your homemade feast!
