The History of Katsudon
Katsudon is a Japanese dish that originated in Tokyo in the 1920s. It is a type of **donburi**—a dish that consists of a bowl of rice topped with meat, fish, or vegetables. Katsudon is made up of a breaded pork cutlet that is deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. The cutlet is then placed on top of a bed of rice and covered with a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings. Finally, an egg is cracked on top of the pork cutlet and rice and cooked until it's just set.
The dish is said to have been created by a Tokyo restaurant owner who was looking for a way to use up leftover pork cutlets from the previous day's menu. He came up with the idea of putting the cutlets on top of a bowl of rice and adding a sweet and savory sauce. The dish became an instant hit and has been a popular favorite in Japan ever since.
The Best Katsudon Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 pork loin cutlets (about 3/4 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup dashi stock
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 cups cooked short-grain white rice
- 4 large eggs
Step 1: Prep the Pork Cutlets
The first step is to prepare the pork cutlets. Start by seasoning the cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides. Next, place the flour in a shallow dish and coat each cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the cutlets in the beaten eggs, then coat with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing them gently onto the pork to ensure they stick.
Step 2: Fry the Pork Cutlets
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the pork cutlets to the pan and fry until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once the pork cutlets are cooked, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same frying pan, add the sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it has thickened slightly.
Step 4: Assemble the Katsudon
To assemble the Katsudon, start by placing a cup of cooked rice in each bowl. Slice the pork cutlets into thin strips and place them on top of the rice. Ladle the sauce over the pork and rice, making sure to cover everything evenly. Crack a raw egg on top of the pork and sauce in each bowl.
Step 5: Cook the Eggs
Cover the frying pan with a lid and let the eggs cook until they are just set, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the lid and use a spatula to carefully transfer the egg and pork cutlet on top of the rice. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Katsudon
- Use thinly sliced pork loin cutlets for best results. This will ensure that the pork cooks evenly and stays tender and juicy.
- Make sure to pat the pork cutlets dry with paper towels before breading them. This will help the breadcrumbs stick better and create a crispy crust.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating. These Japanese breadcrumbs are larger and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, which gives the pork a light and airy texture.
- Don't overcook the egg. The egg should be just set, with a runny yolk that mixes with the sauce and rice when you dig in.
- Adjust the amount of sauce to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add more sugar or mirin. If you like a saltier sauce, you can add more soy sauce.
Conclusion
Katsudon is a delicious and satisfying Japanese dish that is easy to make and is sure to please your taste buds. With this guide, you now have the best Katsudon recipe and cooking guide at your fingertips. Follow our step-by-step instructions and tips for achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you can impress your family and friends with this mouth-watering dish. So, put on your apron and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food!