Looking to add a flavorful twist to your homemade dishes? Homemade Katsu Sauce might just be the secret ingredient you’ve been missing. This tangy, sweet, and savory condiment is a staple in Japanese cuisine, often paired with crispy tonkatsu or chicken katsu.
Today, we’ll walk you through an easy-to-follow recipe for making your very own Katsu Sauce at home. Say goodbye to store-bought versions filled with additives and preservatives, and discover how simple it is to whip up a batch of this delicious sauce right in your own kitchen. Get ready to elevate your meals with a burst of umami flavor – let’s dive in!
What is Katsu Sauce?
Katsu sauce is a Japanese sauce typically served with breaded and fried meat, like tonkatsu. It has a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. The sauce is made from ingredients like ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and spices.
It has a thick consistency and is often used to drizzle over or dip katsu dishes. The sauce complements the crispy coating of the fried meat, adding depth and flavor. It is also versatile and can be used in other dishes like stir-fries, grilled meats, and even sandwiches.
What is Katsu Sauce Made of?
Katsu sauce, also known as tonkatsu sauce, is a popular Japanese condiment that is typically served with breaded and fried foods, particularly tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlets). The sauce is known for its sweet and tangy flavor, which makes it versatile for various dishes.
The primary ingredients in katsu sauce generally include:
Ketchup 1/2 Cup
Ketchup is a key ingredient in katsu sauce. It adds sweetness and tanginess, balancing the flavors. Made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices, ketchup gives the sauce a rich, smooth texture and helps create the signature flavor of katsu sauce.
Soy Sauce 1/4 Cup
Soy sauce in katsu sauce adds saltiness and umami. Made from fermented soybeans, it gives the sauce depth and a savory taste. The rich, salty flavor of soy sauce balances the sweetness and tanginess, creating a well-rounded and flavorful katsu sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce 1/4 Cup
Worcestershire sauce in katsu sauce adds a tangy, savory kick. Made from ingredients like vinegar, molasses, and anchovies, it brings complexity and depth to the flavor. The sauce enhances the sweetness and balances the overall taste, giving katsu sauce its distinctive richness.
Brown Sugar 1 Tbsp.
Brown sugar in katsu sauce adds sweetness and a rich, molasses-like flavor. It helps balance the tanginess from vinegar and the saltiness from soy sauce. The brown sugar gives the sauce a deeper, more complex sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
Garlic 2 Cloves
Garlic in katsu sauce adds a subtle savory and aromatic flavor. It enhances the sauce’s depth and richness, giving it a mild heat. The garlic complements the sweetness and tanginess of the other ingredients, making the sauce more flavorful and well-rounded.
How to Make Katsu Sauce?
- Get the sauce ingredients ready.
- In a mixing bowl mix Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar and minced garlic until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the ketchup and mix until the sauce is fully mixed.
- Cover and set aside for at least 20 minutes.
Best Store-Bought Katsu Sauces To Try
Here are some of the best store-bought katsu sauces to try:
- Bull-Dog Tonkatsu Sauce – This is a favorite for many. It has a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s thick and rich, making it ideal for dipping or drizzling on your katsu.
- Kikkoman Tonkatsu Sauce – Kikkoman is known for quality sauces. Their tonkatsu sauce is flavorful, slightly sweet, and a little tangy. It’s smooth and easy to use.
- Otafuku Tonkatsu Sauce – This sauce is tangy and slightly sweet. It’s smooth and works well for dipping or topping katsu. It’s great for those who like a more mild taste.
- Yamasa Tonkatsu Sauce – A milder option with a slight sweetness. This sauce has a subtle flavor that doesn’t overpower the katsu but complements it nicely.
- Aomori Tonkatsu Sauce – A premium choice with a rich, umami taste. It’s more complex than other options and adds depth to your katsu.
These sauces can enhance your katsu experience, whether you’re dipping, drizzling, or marinating your dish!
Can You Use Katsu Sauce For Other Dishes?
Yes, you can use katsu sauce for many other dishes! Its sweet and savory taste works well with a variety of foods. Here are some ideas:
- Fried Foods – It’s perfect for dipping fried chicken, onion rings, or fries.
- Grilled Meats – You can drizzle it over grilled pork, chicken, or beef for added flavor.
- Stir-Fries – Add it to stir-fried veggies or meats to give them a sweet and tangy boost.
- Sandwiches and Burgers – Use it as a spread on burgers or sandwiches for a unique twist.
- Rice and Noodles – It goes well with rice bowls or noodles, adding extra richness to the dish.
Katsu sauce’s rich flavor can enhance many meals beyond just katsu!
Katsu Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Ketchup
- ¼ Cup Soy Sauce
- ¼ Cup Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 2 Cloves Garlic
Instructions
- Get the sauce ingredients ready
- In a mixing bowl mix Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar and minced garlic until the sugar is completely dissolved
- Add the ketchup and mix until the sauce is fully mixed
- Cover and set aside for at least 20 minutes
Nutrition
Final words
Taste Japan in your kitchen with homemade Katsu Sauce. This versatile condiment enhances the flavor of your foods. This sauce goes well with crispy pork cutlets or crunchy veggie tempura. Enjoy the freshness and flavor of homemade Katsu Sauce instead of store-bought. Explore Japanese cuisine in your own kitchen today!
FAQs
How to Make Katsu Sauce Without Worcestershire Sauce?
To make katsu sauce without Worcestershire sauce, mix these ingredients:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- A pinch of ground allspice (optional)
Stir everything together in a bowl until well combined. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more sugar or vinegar. This will give you a flavorful homemade katsu sauce!
How Does Katsu Sauce Differ From Tonkatsu Sauce?
Katsu sauce and tonkatsu sauce are often used interchangeably, but they have slight differences. Katsu sauce is a general term for the sauce served with katsu dishes. Tonkatsu sauce, specifically, is a thicker, richer sauce made with ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and fruits. It has a deep, umami flavor with a bit of sweetness. While both sauces are similar, tonkatsu sauce is the more traditional and widely recognized version used for breaded pork cutlets.
