Tonkatsu Sauce | The Curry Man

What Is Tonkatsu Sauce?

Tonkatsu Sauce is a thick, tangy-sweet Japanese condiment historically served with Tonkatsu, a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet.

The sauce is commonly in comparison with Worcestershire sauce, however thicker, sweeter, and extra complicated. It balances candy, savoury, fruity, and umami flavours superbly.

Relying on the place you name dwelling, you may discover it offered underneath manufacturers like Bull-Canine, Kikkoman, or Otafuku but it surely’s additionally extremely straightforward to make at dwelling with pantry staples.

The flavour profile:

• Sweetness from ketchup
• Tanginess from vinegar and/or Worcestershire sauce
• Savoury umami from soy sauce and oyster sauce
• Depth from just a little sugar, garlic and/or or mustard

The outcome? A sauce that’s daring, balanced, and fully addictive.

A Temporary Historical past of Tonkatsu Sauce

Tonkatsu Sauce originated in Japan within the early twentieth century, alongside the rise of Tonkatsu itself, a Western-inspired dish.

Between 1868–1912, Japan started incorporating European flavours and strategies. One adaptation was the breaded pork cutlet, impressed by French and British delicacies, however made distinctly Japanese by way of native elements and sauces.

By the late Forties and 50s, Japanese condiment corporations like Bull-Canine started growing bottled variations of a fruity, thickened Worcestershire-style sauce that complemented fried dishes. This grew to become referred to as Tonkatsu Sauce, named for its signature pairing.

As we speak, it’s a kitchen staple not solely in Japan but in addition world wide. It’s significantly beloved for the way it transforms even the best meals into one thing umami-packed and scrumptious.

Elements

Tonkatsu sauce could not want a whole lot of elements however all of them play an enormous half in making it the scrumptious and balanced sauce it’s. See the printable recipe card on the backside of this web page for the ingredient measurements.

See recipe card for portions.

• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Sugar (modify to style)
• Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Dijon or yellow mustard
• Sesame oil
• Garlic
• Mirin

Step-by-step images

Try my step-by-step images to see simply how straightforward it’s to make this hottest of Japanese condiments. You possibly can whip up a batch of tonkatsu sauce in minutes!

1. Step 1: Add all the elements to a mixing bowl.

2. Step 2: Use a small whisk or fork to combine till the sugar dissolves and every thing is effectively mixed.

3. Step 3: Style the sauce and tweak the steadiness to your liking: including extra ketchup in order for you it sweeter or thicker, extra soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for saltiness and depth and/or extra mustard or vinegar for extra tang.

4. Step 4: I made a decision I wished my Tonkatsu sauce to be a bit spicier and added Chilli flakes to style. That is optionally available however an instance of how one can tailor the recipe to your individual style preferences.

5. Step 5: At Japanese eating places and takeaways, they usually warmth the sauce to thicken it earlier than serving. I do that and it’s higher than including the sauce chilly. Heating in a pan is optionally available although and likewise not required for some makes use of resembling a barbecue glaze.

5. Step 6: Pour your completed tonkatsu sauce right into a serving bowl for dipping or drizzling. You may also retailer this sauce in an air-tight container within the fridge for as much as 2 weeks.

Variations of Tonkatsu Sauce

You possibly can simply tweak the bottom recipe to create completely different variations relying on the dish:

1. Fruity Tonkatsu Sauce

Add 1 tablespoon of grated apple, pear or plum jam for additional sweetness and depth.

2. Spicy Tonkatsu Sauce

Stir in ½ teaspoon of chilli paste, sriracha, or gochujang for warmth. That or take it up a number of warmth notches including as a lot chilli as you want.

3. Smoky Tonkatsu Sauce

Add a number of drops of liquid smoke or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a barbecue-style twist.

4. Vegan Tonkatsu Sauce

Exchange oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or additional soy sauce for a totally plant-based possibility.

5. Thick Restaurant-Type Sauce

Simmer the combination in a small pot for two–3 minutes to scale back and thicken barely.

Helpful Gear

You don’t want fancy gear to make or serve Tonkatsu Sauce however a number of easy instruments will make life simpler:

• Small mixing bowl – for whisking elements collectively
• Whisk or fork – to mix sauces easily
• Measuring spoons – for correct ratios. I don’t normally promote utilizing measuring spoons although for the sort of recipe. Style it and modify the flavours accordingly.
• Glass jar or bottle with lid – for storing home made sauce
• Basting brush – helpful if utilizing the sauce for grilling or glazing

Non-obligatory for presentation:

• Small dipping bowls – for serving alongside cutlets
• Squeeze bottle – for drizzling artistically over dishes

Storage and Shelf Life

Home made Tonkatsu Sauce shops superbly if stored in a sealed container.

Refrigerate: As much as 2 weeks in a jar or bottle.

Freezing: Not obligatory (and may alter texture) but it surely’s high-quality within the fridge.

Retailer-bought: Can final for months as soon as opened.  Simply verify the label and refrigerate after opening.

FAQ

I’ve a whole lot of well-known sauces and condiments recipes for all events. Listed here are a number of of them:

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Yield: 4

Tonkatsu Sauce

Tonkotsu sauce is the final word condiment for Japanese fried meals. It may be made in minutes and can be scrumptious used as a marinade or glaze.

Elements

• 4 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 t tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp sugar (modify to style)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar (optionally available, for additional tang)
• 1 tsp Dijon or yellow mustard
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced to a paste
• 2 tsp mirin (for sweetness and sheen)

Directions

1. Add all the elements to a mixing bowl.
2. Use a small whisk or fork to combine till the sugar dissolves and every thing is
   effectively mixed.
3. Style the sauce and tweak the steadiness to your liking: including extra ketchup in order for you it sweeter or thicker, extra soy sauce or WOrcestershire sauce for saltiness and depth and/or extra mustard or vinegar for extra tang.
4. Let the sauce sit for 10 to fifteen minutes earlier than serving if time permits. This permit the flavours to meld and deepen.
5. Optionally, you possibly can warmth the sauce up in a small sauce pot to heat and thicken the sauce. That is usually achieved at eating places.
6. Pour your completed tonkatsu sauce right into a serving bowl for dipping or drizzling. You may also retailer this sauce in an air-tight container within the fridge for as much as 2 weeks.

Really helpful Merchandise

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Vitamin Data:

Yield:

4

Serving Measurement:

1

Quantity Per Serving:

Energy: 57Whole Fats: 1gSaturated Fats: 0gUnsaturated Fats: 1gSodium: 807mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 0gSugar: 8gProtein: 1g

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