tonkatsu

Japan · East Asia

Short description: Tonkatsu is a crisp breaded pork cutlet, usually sliced for easy eating and paired with cabbage.
Ingredients: Pork loin or fillet coated in flour, egg, and panko, fried in oil, then served with cabbage, cutlet sauce, rice, salt, and pepper.
Cultural note: The contrast is deliberate: crunchy panko crust, juicy pork, sharp cabbage, and sweet-savory sauce.
Common misconception: It is not tempura; the coarse breadcrumb crust gives it a different crunch and appearance.

image credit