Japanese-Style Fried Chicken with Tonkatsu Sauce

Crispy Chicken with Cabbage Slaw and Tonkatsu Sauce

Yield: 2 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce, divided use
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 1/2 cups coleslaw mix; see cook’s notes
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, lightly crushed; see cook’s notes
• 1 large egg
• 1 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast, trimmed, halved horizontally, and pounded 1/4-inch thick; see cook’s notes
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 cups warm cooked rice

COOK’S NOTES

• Instead of a coleslaw mix, if you prefer substitute 1 1/2 cups shredded red or green cabbage.
• To lightly crush panko breadcrumbs, place in a zipper-style plastic bag and use a rolling pin to gingerly crush.
• Be sure to remove any tenderloin from the breast before halving it.
• The recipe can be doubled by using a 12-inch skillet and a little more oil.

DIRECTIONS

1. Whisk lemon juice, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, and sesame oil in medium bowl. Add coleslaw mix, green onions, and toss to combine. Set aside.
2. Whisk ketchup, water, Worcestershire, mustard, and remaining 1 teaspoon soy sauce in small bowl; set aside. Spread panko in shallow dish (I use a pie pan). Beat eggs in second shallow dish. Working with 1 chicken cutlet at a time, dredge cutlets in egg, allowing excess to drip off, then coat both sides with panko, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add cutlets and cook until deep golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve cutlets with rice, coleslaw, and tonkatsu sauce.

CONCLUSION

This recipe combines the flavors of Japan with the comfort of a crunchy, juicy, and savory dish. The crispy panko breadcrumbs and tangy tonkatsu sauce make this meal a delight to the taste buds. Pair it with a side of warm cooked rice and a refreshing cabbage slaw for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

FAQS

• What is tonkatsu sauce?
  • Tonkatsu sauce is a Japanese version of Western-style barbecue sauce.
• What can I substitute for coleslaw mix?
  • You can substitute 1 1/2 cups of shredded red or green cabbage.
• Can I double the recipe?
  • Yes, you can double the recipe by using a 12-inch skillet and a little more oil.
• What is the purpose of lightly crushing panko breadcrumbs?
  • Lightly crushing panko breadcrumbs helps to distribute the seasoning evenly and prevents the breadcrumbs from becoming too dense.