Tonkatsu Sauce Recipe | Easy Homemade Japanese Classic

Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce Recipe with Simple Ingredients

A good Tonkatsu Sauce Recipe brings together sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in perfect balance. It’s a Japanese-style condiment often served with sushi, but it also works beautifully with chicken katsu, sandwiches, or even fries. The key is to blend the ingredients smoothly and let the sauce rest for a few minutes so the flavors can combine fully.

This recipe shows you how to make homemade Japanese tonkatsu sauce with simple pantry ingredients in just a few minutes.

Difficulty: Easy

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 About 1 cup

Course: Dessert, Dinner, Lunch, Snack, Appetizer, Main Course, Sauce

Cuisine: Italian, Japanese

Calories: 25

Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar adjust to taste
• 1 tbsp mirin optional, adds mild sweetness
• 1 tsp Dijon or yellow mustard optional, for depth

Method

 

Combine ingredients

1. In a small bowl, add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. Stir until everything is well blended.

Adjust the flavor

1. Taste the sauce and adjust it to your preference. Add a little more sugar for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness.

Rest and serve

1. Let the sauce sit for 5–10 minutes at room temperature. This helps the flavors come together before serving.

Video

Notes

Taste balance: The sauce should taste sweet first, then tangy, with a savory finish.

Consistency: For a thicker sauce, use less Worcestershire or simmer gently for 1–2 minutes.

Storage: Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Mirin: Adds smooth sweetness but can be skipped if unavailable.

Mustard: Optional, but adds a mild sharpness that balances fried foods.

Tips & Tricks

• Shortcut: Use Japanese-style Bulldog or Otafuku brand sauce as a base and adjust flavors.
• Homemade depth: Add a dash of grated apple or a few drops of rice vinegar for a rounder taste.
• Vegan version: Ensure all Worcestershire sauces are vegan-friendly (some contain anchovies).
• Thicker dip: Mix in a teaspoon of cornstarch and heat gently until slightly thickened.
• Best served: Slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic pairing: Serve with tonkatsu, chicken katsu, or korokke (croquettes).
• Sandwiches: Use as a spread for Katsu sandwiches.
• Dipping sauce: Try with fries, onion rings, or tempura.
• Rice bowls: Drizzle over katsu donburi or rice with fried chicken.
• Snacks: Works surprisingly well with fried tofu or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition (per tablespoon, approximate)

• Calories: ~25
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Carbs: 6 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Sugar: 4 g