This tangy, umami-loaded sauce is so good, you’ll want to slather it on more than just fried pork.
First off, if you’ve never tried tonkatsu, you’re missing out. It’s basically the Japanese take on schnitzel. Who doesn’t love a golden fried pork cutlet? And like any good fried dish, you need an equally good condiment like tonkatsu sauce. Think of it as Japan’s answer to BBQ sauce, though not as sweet.
The bummer is that tonkatsu sauce can be hard to find in American grocery stores unless you live near a solid Asian market. But no worries; it’s so easy to make. Aside from the oyster sauce, this recipe calls for pantry staples. All you’ve got to do is mix the ingredients.
For something as simple as tonkatsu sauce, it has a lot going on flavor-wise. The ketchup and brown sugar add acidity and sweetness, while the oyster sauce gives it an umami depth. And don’t forget the Worcestershire for a little tanginess. Overall, it’s punchy and slightly sweet, making it ideal for drizzling and dunking. While it is made for tonkatsu, you can enjoy this sauce on everything from sandwiches to rice bowls. Heck, I’ve been known to put it on my burgers and even my scrambled eggs—don’t judge!
What is oyster sauce?
In case you’re wondering, yes, oyster sauce contains actual oysters. Traditionally, it’s made by simmering oysters to extract a rich, savory flavor. Before you run for the hills, hear me out. I’m not an oyster fan. However, oyster sauce does not taste like oysters. There’s no fishy taste here.
Instead, oyster sauce adds a deep umami flavor that unifies the entire sauce. It’s salty, slightly sweet, and complex. Of course, if you have a shellfish allergy, oyster sauce is a no-go. Luckily, there are vegan “oyster” sauces these days that use mushrooms as the base. I’ve tried them, and they’re just good. Either way, don’t skip this ingredient!
How do I store leftovers?
Store the sauce in an airtight container (a small mason jar works) and keep it in the fridge. It should last about 3 to 4 weeks.
Serving suggestions
Obviously, tonkatsu sauce was made for tonkatsu. But if you’re not into pork, Chicken Katsu is a delicious alternative—and you’ll want some Steamed Rice to go with that. It’s also a tasty dip for appetizers like Chicken Fingers and Onion Rings. For Meatless Mondays, drizzle the sauce on your Grilled Tofu or Fried Tofu for a kick of sweet and savory goodness.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and stir until well blended. Adjust ingredients to taste.
- Allow the sauce to rest for at least 30 minutes so that the flavors meld together.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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