Make your own Tonkatsu Sauce to enjoy tonkatsu even more deliciously. You don't have to buy it at the store; you can easily and quickly prepare it at home, and it tastes great.
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What is Tonkatsu Sauce?
Tonkatsu Sauce is a condiment that adds richness and slight sweetness to tonkatsu. Broadly speaking, it is classified as a type of Worcestershire sauce and is also known for its high viscosity, giving it a thick consistency. In Japan, it is also used in fried dishes other than tonkatsu and as a secret ingredient in various recipes.
Commercially available tonkatsu sauce often contains a variety of vegetables, fruits, and spices, but when making it at home, it typically includes ground sesame seeds, ketchup, and Japanese Worcestershire sauce as the primary ingredients. This results in a flavor similar to that found in Japanese tonkatsu restaurants, so I encourage you to give it a try.
To learn more about making tonkatsu, please refer to the linked page.
Making ground sesame seeds
To make flavorful tonkatsu sauce at home, it is advisable to use ground sesame seeds, as they enhance the flavor. These are commonly available in Japan, but how about in your local area?
If you can only get raw or toasted sesame seeds, you need to (toast and) grind them. It doesn't take much effort, so follow these steps to try making ground sesame seeds. The freshly ground sesame seeds have an exceptional flavor, so even if you already have some, it is worth making them to enjoy a savory flavor.
Step 1
Put the raw sesame seeds in a pot or pan and toast them over low heat. Shake the pot (or pan) constantly to prevent burning until a few sesame seeds start to pop, which should take 5-10 minutes.
Step 2
Grind the toasted sesame seeds with a mortar and pestle (or a food processor) until they reach a coarse consistency.
When using toasted sesame seeds, you only need to follow step 2. However, if you want to enhance the flavor of the sesame seeds, toast them over very low heat before step 2, shaking the pot or pan constantly to prevent burning, for about 2 minutes until you smell a savory aroma.
It is best to avoid using a non-stick coated pot or pan when toasting them because sesame seeds are so small that heating them in such a pot or pan is almost like heating an empty pot (or pan), which could potentially release harmful chemicals.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp ground sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- ½ Tbsp Japanese Worcestershire sauce (such as Kagome or Bull-Dog brand)
- ½ Tbsp sugar
- ¾ Tbsp soy sauce
Step-by-step instructions
🕒 Total 2 mins
Step 1
In a bowl, put all the ingredients (ground sesame seeds, water, ketchup, Japanese Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and soy sauce), and mix them together.
To Store
You can keep it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Recipe Card
Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp ground sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- ½ Tbsp Japanese Worcestershire sauce (such as Kagome or Bull-Dog brand)
- ½ Tbsp sugar
- ¾ Tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, put all the ingredients (ground sesame seeds, water, ketchup, Japanese Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and soy sauce), and mix them together.
Notes
- You can keep it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
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