Katsu Sando (Japanese Pork Cutlet Sandwich)

Ingredients

2 thick-cut pork chops

4 slices Japanese milk bread (or thick white bread)

1 handful lettuce (or cabbage), finely shredded

2 tablespoons salted butter

Vegetable oil (for frying)

The Coating

100g plain flour

2 eggs, beaten

150g panko breadcrumbs

Salt and black pepper

The Sauce

2 tablespoons Kewpie mayonnaise

1 teaspoon hot mustard

2 tablespoons tonkatsu sauce (or 1 tablespoon ketchup mixed with 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce)

PREPARATION

COOKING

Method

1. Heat vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches frying temperature, while lightly toasting the slices of milk bread in a frying pan or toaster until golden.

2. Finely shred the lettuce or cabbage and set aside, ready to add freshness and crunch to the sandwich.

3. Season the pork chops generously with salt and black pepper, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.

4. Coat each pork chop in plain flour, then dip into the beaten eggs before pressing firmly into the panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.

5. Carefully lower the breaded pork into the hot oil and fry for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown, crispy and cooked through.

6. Remove the pork cutlets and allow them to rest on a wire rack so excess oil drains away while keeping the coating crisp.

7. Butter each slice of toasted bread generously, spreading the butter right to the edges.

8. Mix the Kewpie mayonnaise with the hot mustard until smooth, then spread generously over the buttered bread.

9. Place one crispy pork cutlet onto each slice of prepared bread, trimming the cutlet beforehand if necessary to match the size of the loaf.

10. Top the pork with a generous handful of shredded lettuce, allowing some to spill over the edges for extra texture.

11. Drizzle the tonkatsu sauce generously over the pork, or use a mixture of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce as a quick homemade alternative.

12. Top with the remaining bread slices, press gently together and cut neatly in half before serving immediately.

School of Wok Tips

• Use thick-cut pork chops for a juicy, authentic Katsu Sando.

• Let the fried cutlet rest on a wire rack to keep the coating crispy.

• Soft milk bread gives the sandwich its signature texture.

• Spread the sauces right to the edges so every bite is full of flavour.

FAQs

What is Katsu Sando?

It is a popular Japanese sandwich made with crispy breaded pork cutlet, soft milk bread and savoury sauces.

Can I use chicken instead of pork?

Yes, chicken katsu works perfectly and is another classic variation.

What can I use instead of tonkatsu sauce?

A simple mixture of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce makes an excellent homemade substitute.