Recipe Katsu Don

Katsu Don, a popular Japanese dish, combines a crispy pork cutlet (tonkatsu) with a savory, slightly sweet egg and onion mixture, served over a bowl of steamed rice. This dish is beloved for its hearty and comforting flavors, making it a staple in Japanese home cooking and restaurants alike.

Ingredients

For the Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet)

• 2 boneless pork chops (about 150-200g each)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Katsu Don Sauce and Topping

• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup dashi stock (or water mixed with dashi powder)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups steamed white rice
• Green onions or mitsuba (Japanese parsley) for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Tonkatsu

1. Prepare the Pork: Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge the Pork: Coat each pork chop in flour, dip in the beaten egg, and then coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
3. Fry the Pork: Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry the pork chops until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and slice into strips.

Preparing the Katsu Don

1. Cook the Onions: In a separate pan, bring the dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to a boil. Add the sliced onions and simmer until they are soft.
2. Add the Tonkatsu: Place the sliced tonkatsu on top of the simmering onions.
3. Add the Eggs: Pour the beaten eggs over the tonkatsu and onions. Cover the pan and cook until the eggs are just set but still slightly runny, about 1-2 minutes.

Serving

1. Prepare the Rice: Divide the steamed rice into two bowls.
2. Assemble the Dish: Gently slide the tonkatsu, eggs, and onions over the rice.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions or mitsuba.

Tips

• Tonkatsu Preparation: For extra crispy tonkatsu, double fry the pork. Fry it once until lightly golden, let it rest for a few minutes, and fry it again until deeply golden and crispy.
• Eggs: Do not overcook the eggs; they should remain slightly runny to blend well with the rice.
• Dashi: For a richer flavor, use homemade dashi instead of instant.

Variations

• Chicken Katsu Don: Substitute the pork cutlet with chicken breast or thigh for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Katsu Don: Use tofu or a plant-based cutlet in place of the pork.
• Spicy Katsu Don: Add a bit of chili sauce or powder to the dashi mixture for a spicy kick.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 700 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 85g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 1500mg

Conclusion

Katsu Don is a delightful and satisfying meal that brings together the crispy texture of tonkatsu with the savory and slightly sweet egg and onion topping, all nestled over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. This recipe is straightforward yet delivers a complex and comforting flavor profile, making it a perfect dish for both novice and experienced cooks. With variations to suit different dietary preferences, Katsu Don can be enjoyed by everyone.