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This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

Please visit 177milkstreet.com to see the current website with all of the latest recipes!

Tofu Katsu

2 to 4 Servings

50 minutes

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To make classic Japanese tonkatsu, pork cutlets are breaded with panko, fried until perfectly browned and served with a savory-sweet dipping sauce. For this vegetarian version, we use tofu, cut horizontally into cutlet-like planks. The crisp breading is a delicious contrast to the tender tofu, and the umami-packed sauce is perfect for supplying loads of flavor. It’s essential, however, to press the tofu planks for 30 minutes before breading. This forces out some of the moisture so the “cutlets” crisp well. Serve with Japanese-style rice and, if you like, a shredded cabbage salad.

2 to 4

Servings

50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1

    14-ounce container firm OR extra-firm tofu, drained and cut lengthwise into 4 planks of even thickness

  • ¼

    cup ketchup

Directions

Reviews
Charles S.
August 14, 2025
Very good, salad recommended
This was very good. I'll surely do it again, perhaps even in a double batch! I do think this needs something else on the side. Rather than rice, I went with 1/4 head shredded cabbage and did a sort of slaw / quick pickle with white vinegar and a bit of salt and pepper before starting in on cooking this recipe. It was quite tasty how everything came together!

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