Katsu (Japanese Cutlet)
AI-generated illustration
Katsu is a popular Japanese dish consisting of a breaded and deep-fried cutlet, typically made from pork (tonkatsu) or chicken (chicken katsu). The meat is coated in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs before being fried to a golden crisp, and is often served with shredded cabbage, rice, and a tangy katsu sauce.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Katsu is a high-protein dish due to its meat content, but it is also high in fat and calories from the deep-frying process, with a typical serving ranging from 500 to 700 calories. It provides key nutrients like protein, B vitamins, and iron, though the breading adds carbohydrates.
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, katsu is a classic example of yoshoku, or Western-influenced Japanese cuisine that emerged during the Meiji era, blending foreign techniques with local tastes. Nutritionally, the use of panko breadcrumbs creates a lighter, crispier texture compared to traditional Western breading, which helps it absorb less oil.