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Chicken Katsu Don Recipe

Chicken Katsu Don Recipe - Friendsgiving Food Ideas

Let’s take a trip down memory lane. Picture a bustling Japanese izakaya, the aroma of fried chicken wafting through the air. My first encounter with Chicken Katsu Don was there, and oh, what an experience it was! 
The crispy chicken, fluffy rice, and rich sauce left a mark on my taste buds I'll never forget. Since then, I’ve made it at home countless times, experimenting with the recipe until it became a star at my dinner table.
But what is Chicken Katsu Don? Let’s dive into it together.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 749
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sauce:
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup dashi stock
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
Batter:
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup chilled water
  • 1 large egg
Serving:
  • Cooked jasmine rice for serving
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • Chopped green onion, for garnish

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
  1. Start with boneless chicken breasts. Tenderize the meat slightly for even cooking. Slice them into cutlets and season with salt and pepper. Remember, a good seasoning here will set the stage.
Step 2: Prepare the Dipping Station
  1. Set up a dipping station with three bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. The second bowl holds a whisked egg, and in the third, pour the panko breadcrumbs. This part is crucial—each chicken piece should have a proper coating.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
  1. Take a piece of chicken and dip it into the flour. Shake off the excess, then coat it in the egg wash. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until well-coated. Repeat for each cutlet. The key is to ensure an even layer for that perfect crunch.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
  1. In a deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place your breaded chicken in the oil. Fry until golden brown on one side, then flip to finish cooking. Aim for about 4-5 minutes per side.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
  1. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, sauté the sliced onion until it's translucent. Add dashi stock, soy sauce, and mirin. Bring this to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Add the Eggs
  1. Once the sauce is bubbling, gently pour in the whisked eggs. Stir lightly to create ribbons of cooked egg while allowing it to thicken a bit into a silky sauce.
Step 7: Assemble the Dish
  1. In a bowl, place a generous scoop of fluffy jasmine rice. Slice the fried chicken and lay it atop the rice. Pour the sauce with the egg over the chicken. Finally, sprinkle grated ginger and green onions on top for that fresh pop.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Get ready for the smiles as you serve your Chicken Katsu Don. Enjoy it hot, because that’s when it shines!

Notes

  • Use Cold Water for Batter: It helps keep the batter light and airy. Warm water can lead to a soggy texture.
  • Watch Your Oil Temperature: If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the chicken is cooked. Try to keep it around 350°F for optimal frying.
  • Double Fry for Extra Crunch: For an indulgent twist, fry the chicken a second time after letting it rest. This adds some serious crunch!
  • Be Generous with Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to sprinkle salt on every layer. It enhances the flavor throughout the dish.
  • Garnish Matters: Use fresh ingredients for garnish. Chopped green onions or sesame seeds add texture and appeal.