Tonkatsu Katsu Sando

 

The Tonkatsu Katsu Sando is a delightful Japanese sandwich that combines crispy, deep-fried pork with soft, fluffy bread and a savoury-sweet sauce.¹ Here's a breakdown of how to make it, along with nutritional considerations and tips:

Ingredients:

• For the Tonkatsu:
• Boneless pork loin chops (about 1-inch thick)
• Salt and pepper
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs, beaten
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Sando:
• Shokupan (Japanese milk bread) or soft white bread
• Tonkatsu sauce (store-bought or homemade)⁸
• Kewpie mayonnaise
• Thinly shredded green cabbage

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork:
• Pound the pork loin chops with a meat mallet to tenderise them and even out their thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
• Dredge each pork chop in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
2. Fry the Tonkatsu:
• Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Carefully place the breaded pork chops in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per side.
• Remove the tonkatsu from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Assemble the Sando:
• If desired, remove the crusts from the bread slices.
• Spread Kewpie mayonnaise on one slice of bread and tonkatsu sauce on the other.
• Place a piece of tonkatsu on the tonkatsu sauce-covered bread.
• Top the tonkatsu with a generous amount of shredded cabbage.
• Place the mayonnaise-covered bread slice on top of the cabbage.
• Cut the sandwich in half.

Tips:

• Bread: Shokupan is the traditional bread for this sandwich, but any soft, white bread will work.
• Tonkatsu Sauce: You can find tonkatsu sauce at most Asian grocery stores. Or you can make your own.
• Cabbage: Thinly shredded cabbage adds a refreshing crunch to the sandwich.¹³
• Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the tonkatsu. This will help prevent the breading from becoming soggy.
• Crispness: To maintain the crispiness of the katsu, assemble the sandwich just before serving.
• Variations:
• You can add a layer of Japanese mustard (karashi) for extra flavour.
• Some variations include adding a thin omelet or a layer of pickled vegetables.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

• Nutritional values can vary significantly based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.
• This sandwich is relatively high in calories and fat due to the deep-fried pork.
• It also provides a good source of protein.
• To help lower the fat content, air frying the pork cutlets is a good alternative.
• Keep in mind that the refined white bread, also is a source of high carbohydrates.

General Considerations:

• This is a rich and satisfying sandwich, so moderation is key.
• Consider serving it with a side of pickled vegetables or a light salad to balance the meal.

I hope this helps!