Step by step

Method

5 steps

1. 1

   Boil peeled potatoes until soft, 12–15 minutes. Drain well and mash until mostly smooth. Meanwhile, sauté minced onion and a little ground beef or pork until the meat is browned and the onion soft; season with salt and pepper.

2. 2

   Fold the meat mixture into the warm mash. Cool until you can handle it, then shape into flat ovals about ¾ inch thick. Chill 20 minutes so they firm up.

3. 3

   Set up flour, beaten egg, and panko. Dredge each cake in flour, dip in egg, then press into panko. Rest 5 minutes so the coat sticks.

4. 4

   Heat about ½ inch of neutral oil to 350°F (a breadcrumb should sizzle steadily). Fry 2–3 minutes per side until deep golden. Drain on a rack.

5. 5

   Serve hot with tonkatsu sauce and shredded cabbage. The outside should crackle; the inside stays creamy.