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Crispy Tonkatsu Breaded Pork Cutlet Recipe Easy Homemade Perfect Crunch

crispy tonkatsu breaded pork cutlet - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy tonkatsu breaded pork cutlets with a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness, ideal for comforting dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pork loin cutlets, about 1/2-inch thick (center-cut recommended)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • 2 cups Japanese panko breadcrumbs (180g)
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, about 2 cups for shallow frying
  • Optional: Tonkatsu sauce for dipping
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork loin cutlets dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
  2. Set up your breading station with flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third.
  3. Dredge each pork cutlet first in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg wash, letting any extra drip off. Finally, press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, coating both sides well.
  4. Pour enough vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet to reach about 1/2 inch deep. Heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  5. Carefully place the breaded pork into the hot oil, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Use tongs to flip gently.
  6. Transfer the cooked cutlets to a wire rack set over a baking sheet or paper towels. Let them rest for 5 minutes.
  7. Slice into strips and serve warm with lemon wedges and tonkatsu sauce on the side.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the crust crispy. Use room temperature eggs for better coating adhesion. Rest cutlets on a wire rack to prevent sogginess. Double breading can add extra crunch but avoid making the crust too thick.

Nutrition

Keywords: tonkatsu, breaded pork cutlet, crispy pork, Japanese recipe, panko breadcrumbs, comfort food, easy dinner