Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce Recipe

If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, you’ve likely come across the crispy, juicy delight known as Tonkatsu—a deep-fried breaded pork cutlet. But what takes this dish to the next level is the homemade Tonkatsu sauce that’s tangy, savory, and just a little sweet. Whether you’re making cutlets at home or looking to dip your fries into something new, this Tonkatsu sauce recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to make a katsu sauce homemade using simple pantry ingredients. It takes just 5 minutes to prepare and tastes better than anything you’ll find in a bottle.

Prep time: 5 minutesCook time: minutesRest time: minutesTotal time: 5 minutesServings: 6–8 tablespoons servings Best Season:Available

What is Tonkatsu Sauce?

Tonkatsu sauce, sometimes referred to as Japanese BBQ sauce, is a thick and flavorful condiment originally created to complement Tonkatsu. It has a balanced flavor profile—sweet from fruits, tangy from vinegar, and savory from soy sauce and spices. While it’s traditionally served with pork cutlets, you’ll find it pairs wonderfully with chicken katsu, fried shrimp, vegetables, sandwiches, and even burgers.

Why Make Tonkatsu Sauce at Home?

Most store-bought Tonkatsu sauces come with preservatives, added sugars, and artificial ingredients. Making a homemade Tonkatsu sauce allows you to control what goes in—and what doesn’t. You get all the authentic flavor without the chemicals. Plus, it’s cheaper and can be customized to your taste (spicy, extra sweet, or bold and savory).

Ingredients

3 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon mirin (sweet Japanese rice wine)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar (optional — reduce or skip if mirin is sweet)
½ teaspoon Dijon or yellow mustard (optional for extra tang)
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for flavor depth)

All of these are easy to find in most kitchens or local grocery stores. The combination of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce creates a fruity, umami-rich base, while soy sauce and vinegar add depth and acidity.

How to Make Katsu Sauce Homemade

Step 1:

Mix All Ingredients In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients. Whisk until smooth and fully blended. Make sure the sugar dissolves and all sauces are well incorporated.

mix ingredients including sauces and spices to make katsu sauce at home

Step 2:

Taste & Adjust: Taste your sauce and adjust sugar, vinegar, or mustard based on how sweet, tangy, or spicy you want it.

Step 3:

Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the sauce rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop fully. Drizzle over Tonkatsu, chicken katsu, or use it as a dipping sauce.

breaded fried cutlet served in a white ceramic plate drizzled with tonkatsu sauce on top

Tips for the Best Flavor

Use good-quality soy sauce for a deeper umami flavor.
Let it rest – Flavors develop better after a little time in the fridge.
Experiment – Add grated apple or ginger for a fruity/spicy twist.
Make it vegan – Skip the oyster sauce or use a mushroom-based alternative.

Delicious Ways to Use Tonkatsu Sauce

Although created for Tonkatsu, this sauce is versatile. Try it with:

Chicken Katsu – Just as tasty and lighter than pork
Ebi Fry (Fried Shrimp) – A sweet and savory combo
Sandwiches – Add it to grilled cheese or meat sandwiches for a tangy punch
Burgers – A great alternative to BBQ sauce
Stir-Fried Noodles – Mix it in for extra flavor
French Fries or Potato Wedges – A fun and flavorful dip

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 25kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.1g1%
Total Carbohydrate 6g2%
Protein 0.3g1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Your Cutlet Experience Isn’t Complete Without This Sauce

This quick and easy homemade Tonkatsu sauce is the ultimate condiment to elevate your cutlet game. Whether you’re making crispy pork Tonkatsu, chicken katsu, or experimenting with new dishes, this flavorful sauce will become your go-to.

To enjoy the full experience, pair this sauce with our crispy and juicy Japanese Tonkatsu Pork Cutlets—they’re a match made in culinary heaven. At Cutlets King, we’re passionate about all things golden and delicious. This Tonkatsu sauce recipe is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more recipes, kitchen tips, and flavor-packed ideas to enhance your cooking journey.

FAQs

Can I store homemade Tonkatsu sauce?

Yes! Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed jar or container for up to one week.

Is Tonkatsu sauce the same as BBQ sauce?

Not exactly. While it shares a similar sweet and savory profile, Tonkatsu sauce is thinner and has more umami from soy sauce and Worcestershire.

Can I make this without oyster sauce?

Absolutely. You can replace oyster sauce with a mix of hoisin sauce and a pinch of soy sauce or use a vegan mushroom sauce.

Can I use Tonkatsu sauce as a marinade?

While Tonkatsu sauce is primarily used as a dipping or finishing sauce, you can use it as a quick marinade for meats like pork, chicken, or tofu. However, because it contains sugar, it may burn easily during high-heat cooking, so grill or sear with caution and avoid overexposure to direct flame.