Tofu Katsu

Here’s an easy Tofu Katsu recipe made with deep-fried breaded tofu schnitzel served with steamed rice, cabbage slices, and sweet and spicy sauce. It’s a perfect recipe for a delicious and savory vegetarian lunch or dinner with the whole family!

Are you looking for more Asian-inspired dishes? Try my Filipino Vegan Bistek, Arroz a La Valenciana, or my Tofu Kilawin.

What is Tofu Katsu?

This Tofu Katsu is an easy and delicious tofu recipe that is made of tofu pieces dipped in milk-flour mixture, coated with panko breadcrumbs, deep-fried, and served with a sweet chili sauce and cabbage slices. In Japanese, katsu just means “cutlet”. It is a popular dish in Japan that can be served in different ways—using chicken, pork, beef, or tofu cutlets, deep-fried with panko breading, then served with Katsu curry sauce, or sweet and sour sauce, and napa cabbage slices. It’s a vegetarian-friendly fried tofu dish that is perfect for a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner meal. It can be served with steamed rice, tossed noodles, or used as a crispy protein for sandwiches or burgers.

Try this easy tofu recipe at home and enjoy a delicious meal just like eating in a favorite Asian restaurant!

Health Benefit of Tofu:

• It enhances renal function.
• It is an essential source of protein.
• It helps lower “bad” LDL cholesterol.
• It is an excellent source of
• It helps increase bone mineral density.
• It inhibits the growth of cancer cells.
• It alleviates menopausal symptoms.

Tips and Procedures:

• Feel free to add Japanese curry to make a delicious tofu katsu curry.
• You may add Worcestershire sauce for the savory sauce of this recipe.
• Paprika powder, garlic powder, and soy milk can be used for the flour mixture.
• Make sure to remove as much liquid as possible from the tofu before breading.
• Topping options: spring onion, sesame seed, sweet and sour sauce, and lime juice.
• For a vegan version, simply replace the egg with a plant-based egg and chickpea brine.
• You may serve this with sweet chili sauce, tonkatsu sauce, or any Japanese sauce of your choice.
• Storage: Place the leftover tofu katsu in an airtight container and put it in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days.

How to Make Tofu Katsu:

Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:

• tomato ketchup
• soy sauce
• chili-tamarind sauce
• honey
• water
• milk
• egg
• all-purpose flour
• cornstarch
• chili powder
• salt
• ground black pepper
• block tofu
• panko breadcrumbs 
• vegetable oil

In a large saucepan, simmer tomato ketchup, soy sauce, chili-tamarind sauce, honey, and water for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour the simmered sauce on a ramekin and set it aside:

In a large bowl, combine milk, egg, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, chili powder, salt, and ground black pepper and mix well until fully incorporated:

Dip the tofu blocks in the milk-flour mixture, then dredge the tofu blocks into the panko breadcrumbs and shake excess breadcrumbs:

Heat the oil in a medium-sized saucepan to 345 degrees F. Then fry the tofu until golden:

Serve with steamed rice and garnish with cabbage slices:

Enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal with this crusty tofu katsu!

Frequently Asked Questions: