A hearty plate that marries crispy, juicy fried pork cutlet with the warmth of Japanese curry rice – this recipe is comfort food at its finest. The golden-brown Tonkatsu complemented by the rich curry infused with sweet potato, carrots, and onions makes for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Whether it’s a special dinner or just a treat for yourself, this dish promises satisfaction with every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 box Japanese curry roux (e.g., Golden Curry or Vermont Curry)
- 2 cups water
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Pork (10 minutes): Lightly season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Dredge each chop in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs onto the pork to adhere.
- Fry the Pork Cutlet (15 minutes): In a large skillet, heat about 1-inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork cutlets in batches, frying until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Curry (25 minutes): In a separate pot, heat a little oil and sauté the onions until translucent. Add the carrots and sweet potato and continue to cook until slightly softened. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and add the curry roux cubes, stirring until fully dissolved. Let the curry simmer until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve (5 minutes): Scoop a portion of white rice onto half of a plate, place the fried pork cutlet next to the rice. Ladle the curry next to it or on top of the pork if desired. Optionally, you can slice the pork cutlet for easier eating.
Notes
Tonkatsu is often served with a side of finely shredded cabbage, which can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the dish. If you like some heat, consider adding a touch of grated ginger or garlic to the curry. Pickled ginger or Tonkatsu sauce (available at Asian grocery stores) can also complement the dish. If you’re not in the mood for rice, you can serve the Tonkatsu with udon noodles as an alternative. And always remember, a bowl of miso soup can be the perfect starter to this meal.
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 140mg







