Directions

For the Tonkatsu

1. To tenderize the meat, pound with a meat pounder, or just use the back of the knife to pound in a crisscross pattern from top to bottom, then left to right.
2. Season meat with salt and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, add ½ tbsp of oil and whisk. With oil added, the meat and panko coating will not fall apart when while deep frying.
4. Dredge meat in flour making sure that it is coated evenly then, remove excess flour. Dip into egg mixture and dredge in panko. Remove excess panko.
5. In a wok, heat oil over medium heat to about 180ºC.
6. Tip: If you don’t have a thermometer, stick a wooden chopstick in the oil. If you see tiny bubbles appearing around the tip of the chopstick, then the oil is hot enough.
7. Gently lower tonkatsu into the oil. Keep a close watch on the oil’s temperature to avoid burning the tonkatsu. Deep fry until golden brown; about a minute on each side.
8. Remove tonkatsu from oil and leave to drain on top of a wire rack for about 5 mins. Do not be tempted to cut into the tonkatsu crust to check if the meat is ready as we need it closed to retain heat.
9. After 5 mins, bring the oil back to 180ºC and return tonkatsu to fry for another minute.
10. Make a small incision on the meat with the chopstick. If you see clear liquid oozing out then the tonkatsu is ready. Drain on wire rack or, paper towel.
11. Tip: If you use a paper towel, try to keep tonkatsu upright so it does not get soggy on one side.
12. Cut tonkatsu into 3 pieces (or more) by pressing the knife directly down instead of moving back and forth. This way, the crusts will not come off. Then cut again in between.

For the Japanese Curry

1. Peel and cut onion, potato and carrot into bite size chunks.
2. In a large pan, add vegetables and fill the pan with water enough to immerse the vegetable. Bring to boil and simmer until vegetables have softened.
3. Add 2-3 blocks of curry roux to the pan and let simmer while stirring until curry is thick and smooth.

To Serve

1. On a plate, lay sliced tonkatsu over a bed of rice, then add the curry sauce. Garnish with fukujinzuke (pickled radish).