Tonkatsu sauce is a thick, sweet-savory Japanese condiment most commonly served with breaded pork cutlets and other deep fried foods. Made with only 4 ingredients, this homemade version delivers the same tangy, umami-rich flavor youโd find in Japanese restaurants โ and only takes 5 minutes to make.
This homemade tonkatsu sauce is sweet, smokey, and tangy – just like the Japanese original. I always keep a bottle of it in my fridge because of its versatility. Beside being used for katsu dishes, it’s also delicious with fries, korokke (croquettes), and as a bbq sauce for sandwiches.
While bottled versions are widely available in Japan, homemade tonkatsu sauce is easy to make and allows you to control the balance of flavors using ingredients that are easy to find.
Why this Recipe Works
- Quick to make. Only 4 ingredients and 5 minutes needed.
- Versatile and kid friendly. Works with both Japanese and Western recipes. Because it’s fruity and ketchup-like, kids love the flavor – especially with nuggets.
- Long shelf life. This tonkatsu sauce can be kept in the fridge for months because the ingredients used have a long shelf life.
Table of contents
What is Tonkatsu Sauce?
Tonkatsu sauce (ใจใใใคใฝใผใน), sometimes called katsu sauce, is a thick, sweet, and tangy Japanese condiment. Itโs traditionally served with tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlets) but is also used with chicken katsu, korokke (croquettes), karaage and other fried foods. It’s the Japanese version of barbecue sauce, made of various fruits and vegetables, spices, and seasonings such as soy sauce and rice vinegar.
The word tonkatsu translates to pork cutlet, so the literal translation for tonkatsu sauce is pork cutlet sauce. The Bulldog brand is by far the most popular tonkatsu sauce and is sold in three different flavors – Worcestershire (a spicier version), semi-sweet, and classic.
Flavor Profile
Tonkatsu sauce is sweet, fruity, tangy, smoky, and savory. It’s similar to barbecue sauce but with more complex flavors leaning more to the savory and smoky side.
Tonkatsu Sauce Ingredients
- Ketchup: Ketchup is sweet and fruity and tangy.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds smokiness and something peppery.
- Sugar: A little sugar is included to balance the savory and tangy elements.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds depth of flavor and umami.
New to Japanese food? Here are 14 Essential Japanese Ingredients to get started with so you can make delicious homemade meals in minutes.
How to Make Tonkatsu Sauce
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe.
- Whisk the ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Serve the sauce with deep fried foods or use it as a sauce for sandwiches. It’s that simple!
Recipes Tips and Variations
I created this recipe to mimic the taste of Bulldog’s classic tonkatsu sauce as closely as possible. Here are a few options to adjust the flavor to your preference:
- Bolder. Add a little more Worcestershire sauce. It’s a complex blend of umami, tangy, sweet and peppery.
- Sweeter. Add more ketchup and a sprinkle of sugar. You could also substitute honey for sugar.
- Vegan. Use vegan Worcestershire sauce instead of the regular type, which contains anchovies.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store this tonkatsu sauce in a jar or other airtight storage container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 months.
To freeze, save the sauce in an airtight storage container and freezer for up to 6 months. It’s best to save the sauce in small batches for easy thawing (overnight in the fridge). The sauce may have separated once thawed so make sure to give it a good stir before using.
If you like this tonkatsu sauce, check out my collection of 15 Popular Homemade Asian Sauces.
Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce
Meet Japan’s version of barbecue sauce! This is a deliciously sweet and smoky Japanese tonkatsu sauce made with just 4 ingredients, and ready in 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 1/2 cup 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Mixing Bowl
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and serve.
Notes
Refrigerate in a jar or covered container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 6.9g
- Sodium: 399.3mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9.7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
How to Use Tonkatsu Sauce
While tonkatsu sauce is best known as a seasoning for pork cutlets, it pairs well with many dishes, including:
- Chicken katsu
- Tempeh katsu sandwich
- Breaded tofu
- Tofu patties
- Okonomiyaki
- Takoyaki
Itโs also commonly served alongside shredded cabbage, rice, and Japanese mustard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tonkatsu sauce is part of a triumvirate of Japanese style sauces. While the tastes of these sauces may be slightly different, many of the base ingredients are the same. You can use usuta sauce (ใฆในใฟใผใฝใผใน), which is a thinner and more watery version, or chuno sauce (ไธญๆฟใฝใผใน), which is more of a split-the-difference type of sauce in terms of viscosity.
No. Tonkatsu sauce is not spicy. Itโs sweet, tangy, and savory, making it family-friendly and mild enough for all ages.
Yes. Tonkatsu sauce works well as a quick marinade for pork, chicken, fish, or tofu, especially for grilling or pan-frying. Because it contains sugar, itโs best used for short marinating times.
Tonkatsu sauce is fairly easy to find. In bigger cities like New York and Los Angeles, you might be able to find it at regular grocery stores. If not, Asian supermarkets and Japanese grocery stores will have it. Or, you can order tonkatsu sauce online.
They are very similar. Okonomiyaki sauce is usually slightly sweeter and thicker, while tonkatsu sauce has a more savory balance.
Did you like this recipe? Are there changes you made that you would like to share? Share your tips and recommendations in the comments section below!
This is my favorite katsu sauce. I do add garlic and ginger.