What To Know
- This is more likely to be the case if the chicken katsu is served as part of a larger meal, such as a bento box or a set menu.
- If your chicken katsu doesn’t come with sauce, there are a variety of sauces and dips that you can serve it with.
- And don’t forget to pair your chicken katsu with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal.
Chicken katsu is a popular Japanese dish that consists of breaded and fried chicken cutlets. It’s often served with a variety of sauces and dips, but does it come with sauce by default? The answer is… it depends.
When Does Chicken Katsu Come with Sauce?
In Japan, chicken katsu is typically served with a thick, sweet-and-savory sauce known as tonkatsu sauce. This sauce is made from a combination of soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and other ingredients. Chicken katsu is also sometimes served with a simple dipping sauce made from soy sauce and grated daikon radish.
When Does Chicken Katsu Not Come with Sauce?
In some cases, chicken katsu may not come with sauce. This is more likely to be the case if the chicken katsu is served as part of a larger meal, such as a bento box or a set menu. In these cases, the chicken katsu is usually meant to be eaten with other dishes, such as rice, miso soup, and pickles.
What Sauces and Dips Can I Serve with Chicken Katsu?
If your chicken katsu doesn‘t come with sauce, there are a variety of sauces and dips that you can serve it with. Here are a few popular options:
- Tonkatsu sauce: This is the classic sauce for chicken katsu. It’s sweet, savory, and slightly tangy.
- Bulldog sauce: This is a popular Japanese Worcestershire sauce that’s similar to tonkatsu sauce. It’s slightly sweeter and less tangy.
- Soy sauce: This is a simple but versatile dipping sauce that pairs well with chicken katsu.
- Ponzu sauce: This is a citrus-based dipping sauce that’s made with soy sauce, mirin, and rice vinegar. It’s light and refreshing.
- Japanese mayonnaise: This is a thick, creamy mayonnaise that’s made with rice vinegar. It’s a popular condiment in Japan and pairs well with chicken katsu.
How to Make Tonkatsu Sauce
If you want to make your own tonkatsu sauce, here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon sake (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine all of the ingredients in a small saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Katsu
Chicken katsu can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few popular options:
- On its own: Chicken katsu can be served on its own as a main course.
- With rice: Chicken katsu is often served with a side of rice.
- In a bento box: Chicken katsu is a popular ingredient in bento boxes, which are Japanese lunch boxes.
- As part of a set menu: Chicken katsu is sometimes served as part of a set menu, which includes other dishes such as miso soup and pickles.
What to Serve with Chicken Katsu
Chicken katsu can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few popular options:
- Rice: Rice is a classic side dish for chicken katsu.
- Miso soup: Miso soup is a traditional Japanese soup that’s made with miso paste, tofu, and seaweed.
- Pickles: Pickles are a popular side dish in Japan. They’re often made with cucumbers, carrots, or daikon radish.
- Cabbage salad: Cabbage salad is a light and refreshing side dish that’s made with shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and other ingredients.
Takeaways: Enhancing the Chicken Katsu Experience
Whether you choose to serve chicken katsu with sauce or not, there are many delicious options to enhance your dining experience. Experiment with different sauces and dips to find your favorite combination. And don’t forget to pair your chicken katsu with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal.
What You Need to Learn
Q: What is the best sauce for chicken katsu?
A: The best sauce for chicken katsu is a matter of personal preference. Tonkatsu sauce is the classic choice, but you may also enjoy bulldog sauce, soy sauce, ponzu sauce, or Japanese mayonnaise.
Q: Can I make chicken katsu at home?
A: Yes, you can make chicken katsu at home. There are many recipes available online.
Q: What is the difference between chicken katsu and chicken karaage?
A: Chicken katsu is breaded and fried, while chicken karaage is marinated and fried. Chicken katsu is also typically served with a sauce, while chicken karaage is not.
Q: Is chicken katsu healthy?
A: Chicken katsu is not typically considered a healthy dish, as it is high in calories and fat. However, you can make it healthier by using lean chicken breasts and baking or air frying it instead of deep frying it.
Q: What are some good side dishes for chicken katsu?
A: Some good side dishes for chicken katsu include rice, miso soup, pickles, and cabbage salad.
