Japanese Beef Katsu Bowls
Japanese Beef Katsu Bowls feature crispy, breaded beef cutlets fried to golden perfection, served over steamed Japanese rice and drizzled with a tangy-sweet katsu sauce. This quick and easy dish balances rich, savory flavors with a satisfying crunchy texture, perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner. Garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a versatile, flavorful meal inspired by classic Japanese comfort food.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Contains Gluten
Beef Cutlets
- 1 lb beef sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1-2 cups)
Rice
- 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice (cooked according to package instructions)
Katsu Sauce
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp mirin or sugar (optional)
Garnishes (Optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Pickled ginger (optional)
- Prepare the Beef Cutlets: Trim the beef slices to an even thickness for consistent cooking. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavor.
- Bread the Beef: Coat each piece first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally press into panko breadcrumbs to form an even, crispy crust.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each breaded beef cutlet until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Rice: While frying, cook Japanese short-grain rice according to package instructions until fluffy and slightly sticky, creating the perfect bed for the cutlets.
- Assemble the Bowl: Place a generous scoop of steamed rice in a bowl, slice the fried beef cutlets and lay them neatly on top. Drizzle with katsu sauce and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
- Keep oil temperature steady at medium-high to avoid greasy cutlets and ensure even cooking.
- Press panko firmly onto the beef to ensure a thick, crunchy crust that holds up well over rice and sauce.
- Let fried cutlets rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juiciness and prevent the sauce from soaking the crust too quickly.
- Use Japanese short-grain rice for its sticky texture that pairs perfectly with crispy beef.
- Make your own katsu sauce by mixing ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and mirin for fresher flavor than store-bought versions.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days; store sauce separately to maintain crispiness.
- For reheating, use an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness instead of microwaving.
- To bake instead of fry, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: beef katsu, Japanese beef katsu, katsu bowl, fried beef cutlets, Japanese cuisine, comfort food, panko crust, katsu sauce