Description

This Crispy Tofu Menchi Katsu recipe combines ground pork and firm tofu to create delicious Japanese meat cutlets with a light, crunchy panko breadcrumb coating. Perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, these patties make an excellent appetizer or main dish served alongside tonkatsu sauce or Japanese-style Worcestershire sauce for an authentic taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Menchi Katsu Patties

7 oz ground pork
1/2 block firm tofu
1/4 onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise
1/2 tbsp sake (or dry white wine)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste

Batter and Coating

1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp water
Panko breadcrumbs, as needed

Frying

Frying oil, as needed (about 1/2 inch / 1 cm deep)

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Instructions

Drain the tofu: Wrap the tofu block in paper towels, place a small weight on top, and let it drain for about 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Prepare the mixture: Mash the drained tofu with a whisk until smooth. Add the finely chopped onion, ground pork, Japanese mayonnaise, sake, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes sticky, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
Shape the patties: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Squeeze out any trapped air and shape each portion into a patty approximately 2 cm (¾ inch) thick.
Make the batter and coat: In a bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, all-purpose flour, and water to create a smooth batter. Dip each patty into the batter, then coat generously with panko breadcrumbs to ensure a crispy texture.
Fry the patties: Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of frying oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (180°C). Carefully fry each patty for approximately 2 1/2 minutes on each side, then flip and fry for an additional 1 minute per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain the cooked patties on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serve: Plate the crispy tofu menchi katsu and serve with your favorite tonkatsu sauce or Japanese-style Worcestershire sauce for dipping.

Notes

Draining the tofu thoroughly is essential to prevent soggy patties and ensure proper texture.
Adjust seasoning according to taste; you can add a bit more Worcestershire sauce or salt if desired.
Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (180°C) for even frying and a crispy crust.
These patties can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
Ensure patties are firm before frying to prevent breaking apart in the oil.