No Deep Fry! Just 1 Tbsp Oil Makes The CRISPIEST, Juiciest Tonkatsu Bowl
Hi everyone, and welcome back to my kitchen! Today, we’re making a truly special dish that’s incredibly simple, yet packed with flavor: Cheese Tonkatsu Donburi. The best part? We’re achieving that crispy, satisfying tonkatsu texture using only one tablespoon of oil! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or whenever you’re craving some delicious Japanese comfort food without the deep-frying hassle.
Get ready to revolutionize your tonkatsu experience!
Ingredients (Serves 1)
Cooked Rice: 200g (7.05 oz) (from 90g / 3.17 oz uncooked rice)
Thinly Sliced Pork Loin: 2 slices, 60-100g (2.12-3.53 oz)
Salt & Pepper: A dash
Mayonnaise: 1 tbsp (spread thinly on one side of the pork, add more if needed)
Panko Breadcrumbs: 3 tbsp (add more if needed)
Sliced Cheese: 1 slice, 20g (0.71 oz) (cut into two halves)
Oil: 1 tbsp (add 1 tsp at a time if needed)
Optional Toppings:
Shredded Cabbage: 20g
Tonkatsu Sauce
White Sesame Seeds
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your incredibly easy and delicious Cheese Tonkatsu Donburi:
Prepare the Pork: Lightly season both sides of the thinly sliced pork loin with salt and pepper. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each pork slice.
Breadcrumb Base: Place the panko breadcrumbs evenly in a cold frying pan (do not turn on the heat yet). Lay the pork slices on top of the breadcrumbs, making sure the mayonnaise-coated side is facing down.
Add Cheese & Fold: Place one half of the sliced cheese on each pork slice. Fold the pork over to enclose the cheese, pressing the edges firmly to seal and prevent the cheese from oozing out during cooking. Ensure the mayonnaise-coated surfaces are fully covered with breadcrumbs.
Add Oil & Cook: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil evenly over the breaded pork. (For a more even cook, you can flip the pork once to lightly coat both sides with oil before turning on the heat). Turn the heat to medium.
Fry to Golden Perfection: Cook until both sides of the cheese tonkatsu are beautifully golden brown and crispy.
Assemble Your Donburi: Scoop the cooked rice into a donburi bowl. Top with well-drained shredded cabbage, then carefully place your freshly cooked cheese tonkatsu on top.
Garnish & Serve: Drizzle with tonkatsu sauce, sprinkle with white sesame seeds, add a dollop of mayonnaise, or a touch of mustard, if desired. Enjoy your homemade, super easy cheese tonkatsu donburi!
Chef’s Tips for Success
Cheese is Optional: This recipe works wonderfully even without the cheese if you prefer a classic tonkatsu experience!
Seal the Edges: When folding the pork over the cheese, make sure to press the edges firmly to create a good seal. This is crucial for preventing the cheese from escaping during cooking.
Re-coat if Needed: If you notice any bare spots where the breadcrumbs haven’t adhered, simply add a tiny bit more mayonnaise to that area and press on more panko before cooking.
Even Oil Distribution: For the best results and to prevent sticking, consider flipping the pork over after adding the oil to ensure both sides are lightly coated before you start cooking. This helps create a uniformly crispy crust!
We hope you enjoy this incredibly simple yet satisfying recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy delicious tonkatsu with minimal oil. Let us know in the comments below if you try it, and don’t forget to like this post and subscribe to our channel for more easy Japanese recipes! Happy cooking!
