Japanese Katsu Bowl Recipe
Japanese Katsu Bowls feature crispy breaded chicken served over a bed of steamed rice, drizzled with savory and slightly sweet tonkatsu sauce. This easy-to-make dish combines crunchy texture and rich flavors for a satisfying and comforting meal inspired by Japanese cuisine.
- Author: Lara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Chicken Katsu
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying, about 1 cup
Rice
- 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice, rinsed
- 2 1/4 cups water
Sauce
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the Japanese short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rinsed rice with 2 1/4 cups of water in a rice cooker or pot. Cook according to your rice cooker instructions or bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Let it rest covered for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Chicken: Flatten the chicken breasts to even thickness by pounding between sheets of plastic wrap. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat to approximately 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded chicken breasts and fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels.
- Slice and Assemble: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Place a portion of steamed rice in a bowl, arrange the sliced chicken on top, and drizzle generously with tonkatsu sauce.
Notes
- For crispier chicken, use panko breadcrumbs rather than regular breadcrumbs.
- Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for perfect frying results.
- Tonkatsu sauce can be found in Asian supermarkets or substituted with a mix of Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and soy sauce if unavailable.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, though chicken is best eaten fresh to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: Japanese Katsu Bowl, Chicken Katsu, Tonkatsu Sauce, Fried Chicken, Japanese Rice Bowl