Katsu, a delightful cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, is a testament to the art of deep-frying and the marriage of crispiness and tenderness. The term “katsu” itself comes from the English word “cutlet” and is used in Japanese cuisine to describe dishes made from breaded and crispy golden fried cutlets of succulent meat. Katsu offers a savory journey of flavors and textures, often paired with rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables. Katsu dishes are not just meals; they are comforting, soul-warming culinary treasures that have earned a cherished place in the hearts of those who relish Japanese cuisine.
Recently, katsu sandwiches have been gaining popularity worldwide. A katsu sandwich, often referred to as a “katsu sando” in Japanese, is a delightful sandwich that features a breaded and deep-fried cutlet of meat, either pork (tonkatsu) or chicken (chicken katsu), between two slices of soft, pillowy white bread. The cutlet is usually prepared in the same way as it would be for a traditional katsu dish, which involves breading the meat with panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs) and then deep-frying it to achieve a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the meat inside tender and juicy. Along with the meat cutlet, katsu sandwiches often include various accompaniments to enhance the flavor and texture. These include shredded cabbage, fresh lettuce, pickled vegetables, and condiments like mayonnaise and tonkatsu sauce, a thick, sweet, and tangy sauce that is a common pairing with katsu dishes.
Sandwiches are only the most recent dish to feature these fantastic cutlets. Other more well-known and popular versions of katsu include (but are not limited to):
- Tonkatsu: Made with pork and often served with shredded cabbage and a thick, sweet, and tangy sauce called tonkatsu sauce.
- Chicken Katsu: Similar to tonkatsu, chicken katsu is made by breading and frying chicken cutlets. It’s often served with tonkatsu sauce or a lighter soy-based sauce.
- Menchi Katsu: Menchi katsu is made with a mixture of ground meat (usually a blend of pork and beef) and finely chopped onions. The mixture is formed into a patty, breaded, and fried.
- Katsudon: Katsudon is a popular Japanese rice bowl dish that features a deep-fried cutlet (pork or chicken) served over a bed of rice and covered with a sweet and savory sauce, along with onions and beaten eggs. It’s often garnished with green onions.
Whether you savor the hearty richness of tonkatsu with its tangy tonkatsu sauce, indulge in the lighter, yet equally delicious chicken katsu, or appreciate the unique blend of meat and onions in menchi katsu, these dishes provide a symphony of taste and texture. Katsudon elevates the experience by uniting the deep-fried cutlet with a sweet and savory sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is simply irresistible. Katsu sandwiches are a popular and convenient grab-and-go food item in Japan, frequently found in convenience stores, bakeries, and even specialized katsu sando shops. The combination of crispy, fried goodness with the softness of the bread and the balance of flavors and textures makes katsu sandwiches a beloved and satisfying option for a quick meal or snack.
Have you ever enjoyed katsu? Which variety have you had? What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments!
