Japanese Tonkatsu

Japanese Tonkatsu is a crispy, deep-fried pork cutlet coated in panko breadcrumbs, typically served with shredded cabbage, rice, and a tangy tonkatsu sauce. Originating in Japan during the late 19th century, it evolved from Western-style cutlets into a beloved staple of Japanese comfort food.

🍳 View the full Japanese Tonkatsu recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Tonkatsu is high in fat and protein due to the fried pork and breading, providing a good source of B vitamins and iron, with a typical serving ranging from 400 to 600 calories depending on the cut and preparation.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	450 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbs	25 g
Fat	28 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	650 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Zinc	3.0 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	0.4 mg
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg
Vitamin B12	1.2 mcg
Niacin (B3)	6.0 mg
Phosphorus	250 mg
Selenium	25 mcg

Per 1 cutlet (approx. 150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Tonkatsu is often enjoyed as part of a set meal (teishoku) and is a popular filling for katsu sandwiches, while nutritionally, the use of panko breadcrumbs creates a lighter, crispier texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs.