Tonkatsu Sauce

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Tonkatsu sauce is a rich, savory-sweet Japanese condiment that brings bold flavor to dishes like tonkatsu, tofu katsu, and more. Thick, tangy, and packed with umami, it’s the perfect finishing touch for crispy fried cutlets, rice bowls, or even sandwiches. Think of it as Japan’s answer to steak sauce—but sweeter, deeper, and more balanced.

The base of tonkatsu sauce typically includes ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. From there, it’s layered with flavors like sugar, rice vinegar, mustard, or a bit of fruit puree for natural sweetness. Garlic, ginger, and a touch of allspice or add clove for extra complexity.

What makes tonkatsu sauce stand out is its balance—sweet, salty, tangy, and umami all in one. The ketchup brings thickness and sweetness, the Worcestershire adds acidity and depth, and the soy sauce gives it a savory punch. When combined, the result is a bold sauce that cuts through the richness of fried foods and brings everything on the plate together.

You can find bottled versions at most Asian grocery stores, but it’s easy to make a quick homemade version with pantry staples. Just mix and simmer the ingredients until slightly thickened and well blended. It keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors settle in.

Tonkatsu sauce isn’t just for katsu either—it works great as a dipping sauce for fries, a glaze for grilled vegetables, or a drizzle over roasted tofu or tempeh. It’s versatile, easy to make, and adds instant flavor to any dish that needs a little something extra. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a jar on hand at all times.

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Tonkatsu Sauce

Thick, tangy, and packed with umami, it’s the perfect finishing touch for crispy fried cutlets, rice bowls, or even sandwiches. Think of it as Japan’s answer to steak sauce—but sweeter, deeper, and more balanced.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Course Sauce

Cuisine Japanese

Ingredients

  

• 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• pinch ground cloves

Instructions

 

• Whisk all ingredients in a small saucepan until no lumps remain. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Let cool completely before using. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Keyword dipping sauce, japanese, katsu, sauce, tofu katsu, tonkatsu sauce