When I think back to my childhood, one of the dishes that always brings a smile to my face is the katsu sando (カツサンド). This Japanese sandwich, made with crispy breaded cutlets (katsu) and soft, fluffy bread, was a staple in my household.
Growing up, tonkatsu was a common dish in our home. Whether it was chicken, pork, or even occasionally beef, these breaded cutlets were a hit at dinner. But as much as I loved katsu for dinner, what I really looked forward to was having it the next day in the form of a katsu sando. Using leftover katsu to make sandwiches was an easy way to enjoy this delicious cutlet in a new and exciting form.
The beauty of a katsu sando lies in its simplicity. A typical katsu sando consists of a piece of katsu, usually pork or chicken, placed between two slices of shokupan (Japanese milk bread) – although really any type of bread will suffice. The bread is soft and slightly sweet, providing a perfect contrast to the crunchy and savory katsu. Add a layer of my tangy tonkatsu sauce, and a bit of shredded cabbage for crunch, and you have a sandwich that’s both comforting and satisfying.
About Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu has its roots in the late 19th century during the Meiji era, a time when Japan was opening up to Western influences. Inspired by Western-style breaded and fried meat dishes, Japanese chefs adapted the concept using pork, which was not a traditional meat in Japan at the time. Over the years, tonkatsu has evolved to become a quintessential part of Japanese cuisine, enjoyed both at home and in specialized restaurants.
While classic tonkatsu on its own is delicious, there are several other fun variations to explore:
Katsu Sando: As you know, this is a sandwich version of tonkatsu, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Katsudon: (Pictured to the left) Katsu topped with a savory-sweet sauce and eggs, served over a bowl of rice.
Katsu Curry: Tonkatsu served with a generous ladle of Japanese curry and rice, combining two beloved dishes into one hearty meal.
Key Ingredient: Panko
In tonkatsu, a Japanese breaded and fried pork cutlet, panko (パン粉) plays a crucial role in creating its signature crispy, airy crust. Here is my recommended panko. You can also find variations that are gluten-free and whole wheat.
Unlike regular breadcrumbs, panko is made from crustless white bread processed into large, flaky crumbs, giving it a light, crunchy texture when fried. This unique texture is ideal for tonkatsu because it allows the cutlet to stay crisp on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
The panko coating absorbs less oil than traditional breadcrumbs, making the cutlet less greasy and adding to the dish’s satisfying crunch. Panko’s distinct crunchiness and airy lightness are essential in creating the perfect tonkatsu, which is often served with shredded cabbage and a tangy, savory tonkatsu sauce.
Panko is widely used in Japanese cuisine, especially for dishes like korokke, tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet), and ebi fry (breaded shrimp). Panko is known for its light, airy texture and the extra crispiness it provides when fried.
Shokupan:
Japanese Milk Bread
Shokupan, or Japanese milk bread, is a staple in Japan’s culinary culture. I love using my BALMUDA: The Toaster to achieve perfect toast. Its fun design includes a water slot for steaming the bread, creating a chewy center before toasting it to a perfect crisp.
Square Shape: Shokupan is typically baked in a square loaf pan with a lid, resulting in its distinctive shape with straight sides and a flat top. This shape makes it ideal for sandwiches.
Soft and Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the addition of milk and sometimes cream, shokupan has a very pillowy textue. The dough is often enriched with butter and eggs, contributing to its rich, pillowy texture.
Slightly Sweet Flavor: A touch of sugar in the dough gives shokupan its signature mild sweetness, making it perfect for both savory and sweet applications.
Katsu Sando (カツサンド)
- Total Time: 42 minutes
Description
Katsu sando is a delightful Japanese sandwich featuring crispy breaded cutlets, usually pork or chicken, nestled between soft slices of shokupan with a layer of tangy tonkatsu sauce.
This recipe shows how to make tonkatsu if you want to bake it in an oven (which I prefer for katsu sando, in order to use less oil and get thick, perfectly-cooked cutlets), however, if you want to deep-fry, or even air fry it, follow my recipe here.
Ingredients
- 4 pork loins, boneless (pound your pork loins till be they are about 1/4–1/2 inch in thickness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2–2 cups panko
- 8 slices of bread (I used shokupan, also known as Japanese milk bread, but any type of bread works!)
- 1/4 head of cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1–2 tomatoes, sliced (I recommend a beefsteak variety, but any will do!)
- Katsu sauce (for dipping, or view my homemade recipe below)
Homemade Katsu Sauce:
Just mix and enjoy!
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 380°F (193°C).
- Toast your panko breadcrumbs in a pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of cooking oil. Cook until it is browned.
- Prepare the dredging station by placing flour, beaten eggs, and toasted panko in separate plates or bowls.
- Start by seasoning your pork loins with salt and pepper on both side. Dip each of the pork loins into the flour, ensuring they are fully coated, then dip them into the eggs, and finally into the toasted panko. Make sure the pork loins are thoroughly coated with the panko.
- On a baking sheet sprayed with cooking oil, place your breaded pork cutlets and spray with more cooking oil. Bake for 22-23 minutes, or until the pork loins are cooked.
- While the tonkatsu is baking, prep your sandwich by toasting the bread according to your preference. Traditional katsu sandos don’t have crust, but it’s up to you if you want to cut it off or not.
- On one slice of bread, place a large spoonful of the katsu sauce, followed by a couple slices of tomatoes, and a cup of thinly sliced cabbage.
- Once the tonkatsu has finished baking, place one tonkatsu on top of the sandwich, followed by another spoonful of the katsu sauce. Finally, top with another slice of toast and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4