Japanese Katsudon

Discover this authentic Japanese Japanese Katsudon recipe — a satisfying weeknight dish that's moderately challenging but rewarding. Made with vegetable oil, onion, pork and 7 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 2 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this japanese classic is sure to impress.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026
1 views

15

Prep Time (min)

30

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

440

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Japanese Katsudon

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 tbs Vegetable Oil
  • 1 large Onion
  • 1 chopped Pork
  • 150 ml Vegetable Stock
  • 1 tbs Soy Sauce
  • 1 tsp Mirin
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 2 Beaten Eggs
  • 200 g Sushi Rice
  • Chopped Chives

Instructions

2 steps · ~11 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Heat the oil in a pan, fry the sliced onion until golden brown, then add the tonkatsu (see recipe here), placing it in the middle of the pan. Mix the dashi, soy, mirin and sugar together and tip three-quarters of the mixture around the tonkatsu. Sizzle for a couple of mins so the sauce thickens a little and the tonkatsu reheats.

    8 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  2. Step 2

    Tip the beaten eggs around the tonkatsu and cook for 2-3 mins until the egg is cooked through but still a little runny. Divide the rice between two bowls, then top each with half the egg and tonkatsu mix, sprinkle over the chives and serve immediately, drizzling with a little more soy if you want an extra umami kick.

    3 minutes
    Use room-temperature ingredients for better volume when whisking.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Japanese recipe for Japanese Katsudon is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Protein swap: Try substituting the main protein with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different take on this dish. • Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Gluten-free: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives or zucchini noodles. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Japanese cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your japanese meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice
🍽️Miso soup
🍽️Pickled ginger

About This Dish

Japanese Katsudon is a beloved dish from Japanese cuisine, originating in Japan. With a total preparation time of about 45 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Japanese cuisine (washoku) is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. It emphasizes seasonal ingredients, beautiful presentation, and the harmonious balance of five flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Katsudon is a popular Japanese dish that consists of a bowl of rice topped with a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet (tonkatsu), eggs, and a savory sauce.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories440kcal
Total Fat20g
Sodium454mg
Total Carbohydrates48g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein53g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineJapanese
CategoryRice Dishes
CountryJapan