- Why isn't the breading sticking?
- The meat might have been wet before dredging, or you didn't press the crumbs on hard enough. Always pat the meat dry first!
Crispy Pork Katsu Curry
The king of Japanese comfort food. 'Katsu' comes from the word 'cutlet' and refers to an incredibly crispy, Panko-breaded fried meat. This is smothered in a thick, sweet-and-spicy curry sauce that is quite distinct from Indian curries. In Japan, this dish symbolizes perseverance and victory ('katsu' also means victory), often eaten before exams or big matches.
Ingredients
4
slices
Boneless Pork Loin or Shoulder
2
cups
Panko Breadcrumbs
1
large
Egg
0.5
cup
All-Purpose Flour
2
tbsp
Soy Sauce
1
tbsp
Sesame Oil
7
oz
Cabbage (shredded)
2
cups
Vegetable Oil (for frying)
2
tbsp
Curry Powder (mild)
1
cup
Coconut Milk (or Chicken Stock)
2
tbsp
Tonkatsu Sauce (or Worcestershire Sauce)
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Deep skillet for frying
- Small saucepan for sauce
- Paper towels
Allergen Information
Wheat
Egg
Soy
Instructions
1
✓
Lightly pound the pork slices, then marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce and sesame oil for 10 minutes.
Tip: Pounding prevents the meat from curling up during frying.
2
✓
Set up your breading station: flour, beaten egg, Panko crumbs. Dredge the pork in flour (shake off excess), dip in egg, then press firmly into the Panko.
Tip: Panko crumbs are larger than standard breadcrumbs, resulting in a crispier texture that absorbs less oil.
3
✓
Heat oil to 340°F (170°C). Fry the cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Tip: If you don't have a thermometer: drop a crumb in. If it sizzles immediately and floats, the oil is ready. If it smokes, it's too hot.
4
✓
Remove the pork and let it rest on a wire rack or paper towels.
Tip: Resting redistributes the juices and keeps the breading crispy by preventing steam buildup on the bottom.
5
✓
Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together curry powder, coconut milk, and Tonkatsu sauce. Simmer until thickened.
Tip: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
6
✓
Shred the cabbage thinly. Serve the sliced pork over rice, smothered in curry sauce, with cabbage on the side.
Tip: The fresh, crisp cabbage helps cut through the richness of the fried pork.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 4 slices Boneless Pork Loin or Shoulder
- 2 cups Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg
- 0.5 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 7 oz Cabbage (shredded)
- 2 cups Vegetable Oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsp Curry Powder (mild)
- 1 cup Coconut Milk (or Chicken Stock)
- 2 tbsp Tonkatsu Sauce (or Worcestershire Sauce)