Breaded and fried pork chops
Tonkatsu is a Japanese dish of thick pork chops coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection. Typically made with pork loin or tenderloin, it's served with a tangy tonkatsu sauce, shredded cabbage, and often rice and miso soup. It originated in Japan during the late 19th century as a Japanese adaptation of European-style breaded cutlets.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein from the pork and fat from the frying process, with moderate carbs from the breading. A typical serving provides around 400-600 calories, along with B vitamins, iron, and zinc from the pork.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 25 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Zinc | 3.5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Selenium | 35 µg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.8 µg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
Per 1 serving (170 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Tonkatsu showcases Japan's 'yoshoku' tradition of adapting Western dishes into unique Japanese cuisine, and it's often enjoyed as a comforting, celebratory meal. The use of panko breadcrumbs creates an exceptionally light, crunchy texture that distinguishes it from other fried cutlets.
