Tonkatsu (Fried Pork Cutlet With Spicy Sauce)

• Spicy Dipping Sauce
• ketchup↗1⁄2 cup
• soy sauce↗2 tablespoons
• sugar↗1 tablespoon
• mirin↗1 tablespoon
• Worcestershire sauce↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• minced fresh gingerroot1⁄2 teaspoon
• garlic clove, minced↗1
• Tonkatsu
• pork tenderloin or pork loin, sliced 1/2 inch thick↗1 lb
• salt, pepper to taste↗
• all-purpose flour↗1⁄2 cup
• egg, slightly beaten↗1
• milk↗2 tablespoons
• panko breadcrumbs, more if needed↗1 cup
• cups peanut oil6
• medium cabbage, thinly shredded (green, red, or a mixture)↗1⁄2
• tomatoes, wedges (to garnish)↗

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Combine ingredients for Spicy Dipping Sauce and set aside, covered, for 30 minutes for flavors to develop.

2. 2

   Lightly pound the pork slices until slightly flattened. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Coat lightly with flour.

3. 3

   Combine the egg and milk in a shallow pan. Place panko in a shallow pan. Dip pork slices in egg mixture, then coat both sides of pork slices with panko and set aside on a platter.

4. 4

   In a wok or shallow heavy saucepan, heat the oil to 360 degrees, or until a 1-inch cube of bread turn golden brown in 60 seconds. Fry, 2 or 3 slices at a time, 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown and done inside. Turn once or twice for even browning. Drain cooked cutlets on paqper towels and keep warm in a 150 degree oven.

5. 5

   Place a pile of shredded raw cabbage on each serving plate. Slice cooked pork piece into 1/2-inch strips, keeping pieces in original shape. Place a sliced cutlet on top of each portion of shredded cabbage, arranging pork in its original shape, as if it had not been sliced. Serve with Spicy Dipping Sauce.