There’s something magical about katsudon. Picture this: tender, juicy pork cutlets resting on a fluffy bed of rice, cloaked in a rich, savory sauce, all topped with a perfectly cooked egg. The aroma wafts through the air, inviting you to dig in and savor every bite. This dish not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your soul like a cozy blanket on a chilly day.
I distinctly remember the first time I tasted katsudon at a quaint little Japanese restaurant. My taste buds danced with joy as I experienced that delightful combination of crunch from the cutlet and creaminess from the egg. It was love at first bite! Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, katsudon is always the star of the show, promising an explosion of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
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- <p>This katsudon recipe is simple enough for beginners yet delivers restaurant-quality flavor
- You’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together for busy weeknights
- Its comforting look and enticing aroma will make your kitchen feel like a cozy izakaya
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite proteins or veggies! </p>
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- <p>I remember making this dish for my family during our last game night; their happy faces lit up as they took their first bites!</p>
- <p><img src="https://meallicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/katsudon-before_prepare.png" alt="Recipe preparation" class="wp-image aligncenter" /></p>
- <p><h2><strong>Essential Ingredients</strong></h2>
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- <p><strong>Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish</strong>: </p>
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- <p><strong><strong>Pork Cutlets</strong></strong>: Boneless pork loin or tenderloin works best here; choose cuts that are about 1-inch thick for optimal frying.</p>
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- <p><strong><strong>Eggs</strong></strong>: Use fresh large eggs for that perfect creamy texture when cooked; they’ll bind everything together beautifully.</p>
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- <p><strong><strong>Sushi Rice</strong></strong>: Short-grain sushi rice is ideal due to its stickiness which helps capture the flavors.</p>
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- <p><strong><strong>Onion</strong></strong>: Sweet onions add depth; slice them thinly for even cooking and sweetness.</p>
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- <p><strong><strong>Mirin</strong></strong>: This sweet rice wine enhances flavor; if unavailable, use a mix of sugar and sake as an alternative.</p>
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- <p><strong><strong>Soy Sauce</strong></strong>: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels while keeping that umami punch intact.</p>
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- <p><strong><strong>Vegetable Oil</strong></strong>: Choose neutral vegetable oil for frying so it doesn’t interfere with the delicious flavors.</p>
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- <p><strong><strong>Green Onions</strong></strong>: Chopped green onions serve as a bright garnish adding freshness and color to your dish.</p>
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- <p>The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.</p>
- <p><h2><strong>Let’s Make It Together</strong></h2>
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- <p><strong><strong>Prepare the Rice</strong></strong>: Begin by rinsing 1 cup of sushi rice under cold water until it runs clear
- Cook it according to package instructions until fluffy and perfectly sticky.</p>
- <p><strong><strong>Fry the Pork Cutlets</strong></strong>: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat
- Season both sides of the pork cutlets with salt and pepper before frying them until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.</p>
- <p><strong><strong>Sauté Onions</strong></strong>: In the same pan after removing the pork, add sliced onions
- Sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.</p>
- <p><strong><strong>Add Eggs and Sauce Mixture</strong></strong>: Whisk together mirin and soy sauce in a bowl
- Pour this mixture over sautéed onions in the pan and gently place fried pork cutlets atop before cracking eggs over everything.</p>
- <p><strong><strong>Cover and Cook Until Set </strong></strong>: Cover the pan with a lid and let everything simmer for around 5 minutes on low heat until eggs are just set but still slightly runny—a delightful mix of textures!</p>
- <p><strong><strong>Serve Over Rice </strong></strong>: Scoop some cooked sushi rice onto plates
- Gently slide portions of pork cutlet with onion-egg mixture on top and sprinkle chopped green onions generously over each serving.</p>
- <p>Now you have created an irresistible katsudon that will leave everyone craving more!
- Enjoy this flavorful journey straight from your kitchen to your table!</p>
- <p>[info_box title="You Must Know"] Mastering katsudon can elevate your home cooking game
- The crispy texture of the pork cutlet combined with the savory broth is a delight
- Enjoy it fresh for the best taste and aroma, making every bite a comforting experience
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by frying your pork cutlet until golden brown, then simmer it in the flavorful broth while preparing rice. This sequence ensures everything is hot and ready to serve at once.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different proteins like chicken or tofu, and add veggies such as mushrooms or green onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain that delicious crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use freshly cooked rice for a perfect katsudon experience; it absorbs flavors beautifully
- Keep your oil hot enough when frying to prevent sogginess
- Let the cooked cutlet rest briefly before slicing for optimal juiciness
Sharing my first katsudon attempt brings back fond memories; my friends devoured it, asking for seconds, leaving me beaming with pride.
FAQ
What type of meat is best for katsudon?
Pork loin or tenderloin works best, providing a juicy and tender cutlet.
Can I make katsudon vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use tofu or tempeh as a delicious alternative to meat.
What sauce goes well with katsudon?
A drizzle of tonkatsu sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor boost.
Katsudon
Katsudon is a comforting Japanese dish featuring crispy pork cutlets served over fluffy sushi rice, drenched in a savory sauce and topped with a perfectly cooked egg. This delightful combination of textures and flavors promises to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. Perfect for any occasion, it’s simple enough for beginners yet delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 2 boneless pork cutlets (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium sweet onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 green onions (chopped for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until clear, then cook according to package instructions.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Season the pork cutlets with salt and pepper and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the sliced onions until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Whisk together mirin and soy sauce, then pour over the onions in the pan. Place the fried pork cutlets on top and crack the eggs over everything.
- Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes until the eggs are just set but slightly runny.
- Serve by scooping cooked rice onto plates and topping with the pork cutlet mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
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