Creating a homemade version of tonkatsu sauce is a breeze with just a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. This simplified recipe uses only four ingredients and takes just a few minutes to whip up. The result is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that pairs wonderfully with tonkatsu, chicken katsu, or any of your favorite deep-fried dishes.

Stir until the sweetness is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more sugar or soy sauce. This versatile sauce also goes well with other dishes like fried Mantou with condensed milk. Best of all, it takes less than five minutes to prepare, making it an easy addition to your culinary repertoire.

What is katsu sauce?

Katsu sauce is a popular Japanese condiment that pairs perfectly with chicken cutlets and other deep-fried dishes. This sweet and tangy sauce combines soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar to create a unique flavor. In my homemade recipe, I use ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and sugar to achieve this balance. You can also find store-bought versions for convenience.

This sauce complements oven-baked or fried chicken and even bao buns. Made from a blend of vegetables, fruits like tomatoes, apples, and lemons, and a mix of spices, it’s an essential part of Japanese cuisine.

Homemade Vs. Store-Bought

I enjoy learning how to make things at home, but I am not against using store-bought versions of katsu sauce. The biggest benefit of making homemade katsu sauce is that you can tailor it to your tastes. Store-bought versions are typically a bit too sweet for my preference, but you can’t beat the convenience. You can find them in Japanese or Asian specialty grocery stores, often labeled as tonkatsu sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Method:

• Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and sugar.
• Mix Well: Stir the ingredients together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
• Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a bit more sugar for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness.
• Serve: Pour the sauce over your chicken katsu or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Additional Info About Chicken Katsu Sauce

Here is some additional information that you may have to know about Chicken Katsu Sauce.

Health Benefits

Rich in Antioxidants: The Worcestershire sauce contains various spices and vinegar, which are rich in antioxidants. These help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Source of Lycopene: The ketchup in the sauce is a good source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Boosts Metabolism: The soy sauce contains essential amino acids and minerals that can help boost metabolism and improve overall energy levels.

Supports Digestive Health: Vinegar, found in Worcestershire sauce, has probiotic properties that support healthy digestion by promoting the growth of good bacteria in the gut.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: Approximately 2 tablespoons (1/4 of the recipe)
• Calories: 138
• Sodium: 2480mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 36.6g
• Sugars: 29.6g
• Protein: 2g

Notes:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and sugar.
2. Mix Well: Stir the ingredients together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a bit more sugar for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Katsu Sauce is a delightful addition to many dishes, adding a touch of Japanese-style flair to your meals. This versatile sauce pairs well with a variety of foods, from Korean fried chicken in a bao bun to Japanese deep-fried cutlets. Its bright, tangy, and savory flavors perfectly balance the richness of deep-fried dishes.

I love using this sauce with spicy grilled wraps or as a spread for sandwiches. One of my favorites is a Venezuelan sandwich, which gets a fantastic upgrade with this sauce. It also makes a great dipping sauce for Honey glazed chicken tenders and shrimp tacos.

You can get creative with Chicken Katsu Sauce by incorporating it into Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, or even burgers to elevate their flavor. Whether you’re preparing tonkatsu, grilled wraps, or tacos, this sauce enhances the taste, making each bite more enjoyable.

Leftovers & Storage

This katsu sauce recipe makes about 1/2 cup, which is enough for approximately 4 servings. If you have any leftovers, place it in a sealed container and keep it stored in the fridge. It can last for a few weeks. Always use a clean utensil to scoop out the sauce to prevent introducing bacteria.

What does katsu sauce taste like?

Katsu sauce is a Japanese-style barbecue sauce that caters to the Asian palate more than the traditional western alternative. It is sweet, tangy, and savory, making it so addictive that you’ll want to serve it with anything you enjoy. While tonkatsu sauce is commonly found in grocery stores with popular options like the Bulldog brand, I prefer using my homemade katsu sauce recipe. It’s cost-effective and made with just four ingredients that are easily accessible in my pantry.

What is katsu sauce made of?

Chicken katsu sauce, a savory blend of applesauce, onion, tomato paste, carrots, and Soy sauce, perfectly complements crispy, Japanese-style breaded cutlets, enhancing the flavor of meat and poultry.

What is similar to katsu sauce?

Yes, you can use tonkatsu sauce for chicken katsu. If needed, substitute with tomato, Worcestershire, or barbecue sauce. For a more authentic flavor, try Japanese sauces like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, or yakisoba sauce. Enjoy your meal!

What Flavour is Katsu?

Chicken Katsu sauce is rich and unique, featuring Japanese spices like blitzed onions, ginger, coconut milk, and turmeric. This blend creates a smooth, creamy texture that distinguishes Katsu Curry from traditional Indian curries, making it a favorite in many households.

Why is Chicken Katsu So Good?

Chicken Katsu is a Japanese-style chicken cutlet, crispy on the outside and juicy inside. It’s served with Tonkatsu Sauce, adding a tangy, rich, and slightly sweet flavor.