Ingredients

  • 4 (1/2 lb) slices pork sirloin roast (about 1 inch thick)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup flour
  • peanut oil or canola oil (for deep frying)
  • 1 lemon (optional)
  • hot yellow mustard
  • steak sauce, mixed with ketchup to sweeten
  • lemon juice, to add a touch of sourness (optional)
  • 8 slices cabbage or 8 slices lettuce leaves, soaked in cold water and well-drained

Method

  • Tenderize the meat and flatten to about 1/2-inch thickness.
  • Season the pork with salt and pepper.
  • Coat the meat with flour and shake off the excess.
  • Dip the meat into the egg, then the breadcrumbs on a platter.
  • Chill the meat in the freezer for 20 minutes or in the refrigerator for 2 hours- this chilling process gives the tonkatsu a crispy crust.
  • In oil heated to 350F, deep fry the meat until each side is light to medium golden brown.
  • Drain the oil well and serve with the garnish.
  • Slices of tomato will add some color.
  • To tonkatsu-fry seafood or other types of meat, follow the same directions.
  • In Japan a bowl of miso soup is usually served with this dish.