Breaded Pork Cutlet (Tonkatsu)
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Tonkatsu is a popular Japanese dish consisting of a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, typically made from loin or tenderloin. The cutlet is coated in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs before being fried to a golden, crispy perfection. It is often served shredded cabbage, rice, and a tangy tonkatsu sauce.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Tonkatsu is high in protein and fat due to the pork and frying process, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates from the breading. A typical serving provides around 500-700 calories, along with key nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and zinc from the pork.
💡 What's interesting
Tonkatsu was adapted from Western cutlets during the Meiji era and is a staple of yōshoku (Western-influenced Japanese cuisine). Nutritionally, the panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier texture than traditional breadcrumbs, and it's often paired with shredded cabbage to aid digestion and add fiber.