Donkatsu, also known as Tonkatsu, is a beloved Japanese comfort dish featuring crispy, golden-breaded pork cutlets paired with a bold, tangy sauce and fresh cabbage. This restaurant-style version is served alongside fluffy white rice, miso soup, spicy tuna rolls, and creamy crab salad for a complete Japanese-inspired meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines crispy texture, bold flavors, and a variety of complementary sides in one cohesive meal. The donkatsu is juicy on the inside and golden on the outside, perfectly balanced by the sweet-savory sauce and fresh vegetables. Pairing it with sushi rolls and crab salad adds variety, making this an impressive dinner spread that’s ideal for entertaining or recreating a Japanese restaurant experience at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Donkatsu (Pork Cutlet):
- 4 boneless pork chops (¾-inch thick)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Oil, for frying
For the Donkatsu Sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
For the Sides (optional but recommended):
- Cooked white rice
- Miso soup
- Sushi rolls (e.g., spicy tuna roll)
- Crab salad (imitation crab, mayonnaise, Sriracha, sesame seeds, cucumber)
- Shredded cabbage and cucumber slices
Directions
- Prepare the pork:
Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Dredge each pork chop in flour, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat generously in panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. - Fry the cutlets:
Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded pork cutlets for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil. - Make the donkatsu sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and Dijon mustard. Taste and adjust the balance of sweetness or saltiness as needed. - Prepare the sides (optional):
- White rice: Cook rice according to package instructions or using a rice cooker.
- Miso soup: Prepare using miso paste, tofu, green onion, and wakame.
- Spicy tuna rolls: Roll sushi using seasoned rice, nori, raw tuna mixed with Sriracha and mayo, and cucumber.
- Crab salad: Combine shredded imitation crab with mayonnaise, a dash of Sriracha, sesame seeds, and thin cucumber slices.
- Vegetables: Thinly shred cabbage and slice cucumber for serving alongside the cutlet.
- Assemble the plate:
Slice donkatsu into strips. Arrange on a plate with shredded cabbage and drizzle with prepared sauce. Serve with rice, miso soup, spicy tuna rolls, and crab salad for a complete meal.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: Approximately 45 minutes
Variations
- Chicken Katsu: Substitute pork with boneless chicken thighs or breasts for a lighter alternative.
- Baked Version: Bake the breaded cutlets at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, for a healthier version.
- Add Pickles: Serve with Japanese pickled radish (takuan) or pickled ginger for added brightness.
- Spicy Sauce: Add a touch of chili paste or Sriracha to the donkatsu sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Use thick slices of eggplant or tofu instead of pork and follow the same breading and frying process.
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
- Store leftover donkatsu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Sauce and sides should be stored separately to maintain freshness.
Reheating:
- Reheat cutlets in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to retain crispiness.
- Microwave reheating is not recommended as it softens the breading.
Freezing:
- Breaded (uncooked) cutlets can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frying.
FAQs
What’s the difference between Donkatsu and Tonkatsu?
There is no difference—Donkatsu is simply another pronunciation or spelling of Tonkatsu, a Japanese pork cutlet dish.
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, chicken thighs or breasts work well and are commonly used for a variation called Chicken Katsu.
What is panko and why is it used?
Panko are Japanese breadcrumbs that are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, creating a flakier crust when fried.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free soy sauce. Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well.
What oil is best for frying donkatsu?
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal for deep frying due to their high smoke points.
Do I need a thermometer to fry the pork?
While not required, using a thermometer helps maintain the oil at the correct temperature for even, crispy results.
How do I keep the crust from falling off?
Press the breadcrumbs firmly into the pork, and allow the breaded cutlets to rest for 5–10 minutes before frying.
What’s a good side dish if I don’t have sushi?
Steamed vegetables, a simple seaweed salad, or pickled daikon are excellent alternatives.
Is the donkatsu sauce store-bought or homemade?
It can be either. This recipe includes a homemade version, but bottled tonkatsu sauce is widely available and convenient.
Can I meal prep this?
Yes. Fry the cutlets in advance and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.
Conclusion
Donkatsu with Spicy Tuna Roll and Crab Salad is a complete and satisfying Japanese-inspired meal that brings the flavors of a traditional restaurant straight to your home kitchen. With its crispy pork cutlet, rich homemade sauce, and flavorful accompaniments, this dish offers a delightful combination of texture, taste, and comfort. Whether for a weeknight dinner or an at-home celebration, this recipe makes a lasting impression.
PrintJapanese Pork Cutlet) with Spicy Tuna Roll & Crab Salad
Donkatsu is a Japanese comfort food classic — a crispy, golden-breaded pork cutlet served with tangy sauce and fresh shredded cabbage. This recipe pairs it with fluffy white rice, spicy tuna roll, creamy crab salad, and miso soup for a restaurant-style Japanese meal at home.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- For the Donkatsu (Pork Cutlet):
- 4 boneless pork chops (¾-inch thick)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Oil, for frying
- For the Donkatsu Sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- For the Sides (optional but recommended):
- Cooked white rice
- Miso soup
- Sushi rolls (e.g., spicy tuna)
- Crab salad (imitation crab, mayo, Sriracha, sesame seeds, cucumber)
- Shredded cabbage & cucumber slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry the Cutlets: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry pork cutlets for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and Dijon mustard. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Assemble the Plate: Slice each cutlet into strips. Drizzle with donkatsu sauce and serve with shredded cabbage and cucumber slices.
- Complete the Meal: Add a serving of cooked white rice, a bowl of miso soup, spicy tuna sushi rolls, and creamy crab salad to each plate for a full Japanese-style meal.
Notes
- Use a meat mallet to lightly pound pork for even thickness.
- Crab salad can be made by mixing imitation crab with Japanese mayo, Sriracha, sesame seeds, and diced cucumber.
- Make donkatsu ahead and reheat in the oven or airfryer for a crispy finish.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute pork with tofu or eggplant slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plated meal
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 140mg