Japanese Tofu Katsu (Deep fried cutlet)

Katsu is one of Japan’s favourite Western-style foods. So, what is it?

Simply, it’s a breadcrumbed cut of tofu, usually served with shredded cabbage and a thick, salty and sweet sauce called tonkatsu sauce.

On the side you’ll usually find rice, miso soup and tsukemono (pickled vegetables).

Ingredients

• Tofu - 1 firm block

• 1/3 cup milk

• 1/3 cup all purpose flour

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp chilli powder

• 2/3 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• oil for frying

For sauce

• 4 tbsp sweet chilli sauce

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

For Serving

• 1 cup Basmati Rice

• 1/2 cup chopped Napa cabbage

• 2 tbsp finely sliced Spring onion

• 1-2 tbsp roasted Sesame seeds(white and black)

• 1 fresh lime

Method

• Make approx. 5cm slices of the tofu slab width wise, so you end up with broad steak shaped pieces.

• Dry out these pieces as much as you can by squeezing with a dry paper towel.

• In a bowl, mix together milk, flour, cornstarch, chilli powder and salt. In another bowl add breadcrumbs.

• Dip the tofu slices into the flour mixture , then roll them in the breadcrumbs.

• Heat some oil in a large pan and fry the breaded tofu slices for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

• Now cook the rice , chop the napa cabbage and stir together all the ingredients for the sauce.

• Cut the crispy tofu katsu into slices and serve it over rice and napa cabbage with the sauce .

• Garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds. Drizzle a splash of lime juice.