Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce

Name: Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 large eggs; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 4 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp mirin or rice vinegar; 2 tbsp brown sugar; Vegetable oil (for frying); 4 cups cooked white or brown rice; Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)

Published: April 1, 2025

by mimi

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Japanese Katsu Bowl is quick to whip up, making dinner time stress-free
The flavor combination of crispy chicken and rich tonkatsu sauce is irresistible
Visually stunning, it adds flair to your dining table
Perfect for customizing with various veggies or rice options

Last week, my friends gathered for a movie night, and I served these katsu bowls. Their delighted faces were priceless as they dove in

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 breasts depending on how many you’re feeding tenderness is key.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These add that extra crunch don’t skimp on quality
Eggs: Just two will do to help the breadcrumbs stick like glue.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great here for dredging.
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep things balanced.
Mirin or Rice Vinegar: A splash adds depth look for something good-quality.
Sugar: Brown sugar brings out the sweetness in the tonkatsu sauce.
Vegetable Oil: You’ll need this for frying until crispy perfection.
Cooked Rice: Serve it warm under your katsu white or brown rice works beautifully.
Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: For garnish because we eat with our eyes first

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Chicken: Start by placing each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them gently until they are about 1/2 inch thick. You want them even so they cook uniformly.

Dredge the Chicken: Set up your dredging station: one bowl with flour, another with whisked eggs, and a third filled with panko breadcrumbs. Dip each piece of chicken first in flour, then egg, and finally coat it generously in panko.

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom (about 1/4 inch deep). Heat it until shimmering but not smoking around 350°F (175°C) should do nicely.

Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. The aroma will be mouthwatering

Make the Tonkatsu Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin (or rice vinegar), brown sugar, and some water until well combined. This zesty sauce brings everything together beautifully.

Assemble Your Bowls : Place a generous scoop of warm cooked rice in each bowl and top it with sliced crispy chicken. Drizzle over that heavenly tonkatsu sauce and sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds on top for flair.

And there you have it A delicious Japanese Katsu Bowl with Tonkatsu Sauce that’s sure to impress anyone who sits at your table while filling their bellies and hearts with joy Enjoy every last bite you’ve earned it

You Must Know

Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce will transform your dinner routine
This dish combines crispy chicken, rice, and a rich sauce for an unforgettable meal
The flavors blend beautifully and will leave your family asking for seconds
Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, start by frying the tonkatsu first. While it cooks, prepare the rice and chop your vegetables. This sequence ensures everything is ready to serve hot and fresh.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like broccoli or carrots for extra nutrition. You can also try different proteins like pork or tofu to mix things up.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet to restore that crispy texture before serving again.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For the crispiest tonkatsu, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying
Use panko breadcrumbs for that signature crunch
Letting the meat rest after frying helps keep it juicy and tender

I remember the first time I made Japanese Katsu Bowls with Tonkatsu Sauce my friends devoured every bite Their compliments made me feel like a culinary genius, even though I was just following a simple recipe.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely Chicken thighs add more flavor and stay juicier during cooking.

What can I substitute for tonkatsu sauce?

You can use a mix of Worcestershire sauce and ketchup as a quick alternative.

Is it necessary to use panko breadcrumbs?

While not strictly necessary, panko provides a lighter, crispier texture that’s hard to beat.