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Classic Tonkatsu Pork Cutlet

Juicy pork loin gets a crunchy panko coat and fries up into the Japanese tonkatsu everyone reaches for with rice and cabbage.

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Classic Tonkatsu Pork Cutlet plated Japanese meal

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Classic Tonkatsu Pork Cutlet

Yield4
Prep20 min
Cook15 min
Total35 min

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Ingredients

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Step by step

Method

5 steps

  1. 1

    Pound the chops to about ½ inch so they cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

  2. 2

    Set up three dishes: flour, beaten eggs, then panko. Dredge each chop in flour (shake off the extra), dip in egg, then press into the panko so it sticks in a thick coat. Rest on a plate 5 minutes — the coating sets better.

  3. 3

    Heat about ½ inch of neutral oil in a wide skillet over medium-high until a breadcrumb sizzles on contact (around 350°F). Fry 3–5 minutes per side until deep golden and the thickest part hits 145°F. Don't poke and flip early or the crust peels.

  4. 4

    Drain on a wire rack 2–3 minutes. Slice into strips across the grain.

  5. 5

    Plate with shredded cabbage, steamed rice, and a generous swipe of tonkatsu sauce. Eat while the crust still crackles.

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