What is Pork Katsu?

Pork katsu is a Japanese dish consisting of a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet. The meat is typically pork loin or tenderloin, which is pounded thin and then coated in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs. The cutlet is then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.

Pork katsu is often served with a dipping sauce, such as tonkatsu sauce, and shredded cabbage. It can also be served with rice or miso soup.

History of Pork Katsu

Pork katsu is believed to have originated in the late 19th century, when Western-style cuisine was introduced to Japan. The dish was likely inspired by the Austrian dish Wiener schnitzel, which is also a breaded and fried cutlet.

Pork katsu quickly became popular in Japan, and it is now considered a classic dish. It is often served in restaurants, but it can also be made at home.

How to Make Pork Katsu

Making pork katsu is relatively simple, but there are a few tips that will help you achieve the best results.

1. Use high-quality pork. The quality of the pork will have a big impact on the flavor of the katsu. Look for pork that is well-marbled and has a good amount of fat.
2. Pound the pork thin. Pounding the pork thin will help it to cook evenly and will also make it more tender.
3. Use panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are larger and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, which will give the katsu a lighter and crispier coating.
4. Fry the katsu in hot oil. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when the katsu is added. This will help to create a crispy crust.
5. Serve the katsu with a dipping sauce. Tonkatsu sauce is a popular dipping sauce for pork katsu. It is made with a combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.

Variations on Pork Katsu

There are many different variations on pork katsu. Some popular variations include:

• Chicken katsu: Chicken katsu is made with chicken instead of pork.
• Shrimp katsu: Shrimp katsu is made with shrimp instead of pork.
• Vegetable katsu: Vegetable katsu is made with vegetables instead of pork.
• Cheese katsu: Cheese katsu is made with cheese in addition to pork.
• Curry katsu: Curry katsu is served with a curry sauce.

Pork katsu is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a popular dish in Japan, and it is also becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world. If you have never tried pork katsu, I encourage you to give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.

FAQs

What is the difference between pork katsu and tonkatsu?

Pork katsu and tonkatsu are essentially the same dish. The main difference is that tonkatsu is typically made with pork loin, while pork katsu can be made with any type of pork.

What is the best way to serve pork katsu?

Pork katsu is typically served with a dipping sauce, such as tonkatsu sauce, and shredded cabbage. It can also be served with rice or miso soup.

How long does pork katsu last in the refrigerator?

Pork katsu can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can pork katsu be frozen?

Yes, pork katsu can be frozen. To freeze pork katsu, wrap it in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Pork katsu can be frozen for up to 2 months.