5-Minute Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce
This quick homemade Tonkatsu sauce (or katsu sauce) is a Japanese classic, combining ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce into a rich, sweet, and tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with fried dishes like pork cutlets or chicken katsu.
Ingredients
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mirin or honey
Instructions
- Combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a bowl.
- Stir in mirin (or honey) until smooth.
- Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
RECIPE TIPS
- Make ahead: Tonkatsu sauce gets better as it sits. You can make it 3–5 days in advance.
- Store in the fridge: Keep in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
- Substitutes: No mirin? Use honey, maple syrup, or even a splash of apple juice.
- Adjust sweetness: Add more ketchup or a bit of extra brown sugar to make it kid-friendly.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha if you want some heat.
SERVING IDEAS
- Drizzle over tonkatsu, chicken katsu, or tofu katsu
- Use as a dipping sauce for Japanese croquettes (korokke) or tempura
- Spread on sandwiches (especially katsu sando)
- Serve with fries, onion rings, or roasted vegetables
- Mix into stir-fries or use as a glaze for grilled meats
NUTRITION FACTS (Per 1 tablespoon serving)
- Calories: 25 kcal (1% DV)
- Carbohydrates: 6g (2% DV)
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 160mg (7% DV)
- Sugars: 5g