Katsu udon

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Katsu udon is a comforting Japanese dish that combines crispy, breaded pork cutlets (tonkatsu) with udon noodles served in a flavorful broth. It’s a satisfying and hearty meal that’s perfect for a chilly day. Here’s how to make katsu udon:

Ingredients:

For the Tonkatsu (Breaded Pork Cutlets):

• Pork Loin or Pork Tenderloin: Cut into thick slices.
• Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used for dredging the pork.
• Eggs: Beaten eggs to coat the pork.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs that create a light and crispy crust.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying the pork.

For the Udon Noodles and Broth:

• Udon Noodles: Fresh or dried udon noodles are suitable.
• Dashi Stock: A Japanese stock made from ingredients like dried bonito flakes and kombu seaweed. You can make dashi from scratch or use dashi powder or granules.
• Soy Sauce: Provides saltiness and umami flavor to the broth.
• Mirin: A sweet rice wine that adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Sugar: A small amount of sugar balances the flavors in the broth.
• Salt: For seasoning.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions for garnish.

Preparation:

Here’s how to make katsu udon:

For the Tonkatsu (Breaded Pork Cutlets):

1. Season the pork slices with salt and black pepper.
2. Dredge each pork slice in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
3. Dip the floured pork slices into beaten eggs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Coat the pork slices with panko breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the meat to adhere.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
6. Fry the breaded pork slices until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.

For the Udon Noodles and Broth:

1. Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside.
2. In a separate pot, combine dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

Assembling Katsu Udon:

1. Place cooked udon noodles in a serving bowl.
2. Ladle the hot dashi broth over the noodles.
3. Slice the tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlets) into strips and place them on top of the udon noodles.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions.
5. Serve katsu udon hot.

Katsu udon is a comforting and satisfying meal that combines the crispy texture of tonkatsu with the comforting warmth of udon noodles and a flavorful broth. It’s a popular choice in Japanese restaurants and is perfect for those looking for a filling and delicious dish.