Tonkatsu (Japanese Pork Cutlet, sometimes glazed)
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Tonkatsu is a classic Japanese dish consisting of a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, typically served with shredded cabbage, rice, and a tangy tonkatsu sauce. The cutlet is usually made from pork loin or tenderloin, coated in panko breadcrumbs to achieve a signature crispy texture. It is a staple of Japanese comfort food and is often featured in bento boxes and teishoku (set meals).
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Tonkatsu is high in protein and fat due to the pork and deep-frying process, while the panko coating adds carbohydrates. A typical serving (around 150-200g of meat) can range from 400 to 600 calories, providing significant amounts of B vitamins, iron, and zinc from the pork.
💡 What's interesting
Tonkatsu is a prime example of yōshoku, or Western-influenced Japanese cuisine, adapted from European breaded cutlets like schnitzel. Nutritionally, the use of panko (light, airy breadcrumbs) instead of traditional breadcrumbs creates a less greasy, crispier texture that has become a hallmark of Japanese frying techniques.