Baked Tonkatsu
Baked Tonkatsu is a healthier take on a beloved Japanese classic, featuring juicy pork tenderloin medallions coated in golden panko and baked to crispy perfection. Served with a tangy homemade tonkatsu sauce and crisp shredded cabbage slaw, this 20-minute dish is easy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Japanese-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 510 kcal
- 2 cups panko
- 4 Tbsp olive oil divided
- 2 large eggs
- Kosher salt
- 1 lb pork tenderloin trimmed and cut crosswise into 8 pieces
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp apple cider vinegar divided
- 1/4 tsp honey
- 1/4 small green cabbage about 12 oz, cored and shredded
- 1/4 small red cabbage about 9 oz, cored and shredded
Preheat oven to 450°F. Place a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet.
On a separate baking sheet, toss panko with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Bake for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a shallow bowl.
In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
Pound each pork medallion to 1/4-inch thickness and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Dip each piece in egg, letting excess drip off, then press into toasted panko. Transfer to prepared rack.
Roast the breaded pork at 450°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix ketchup, Worcestershire, soy sauce, and 1 tsp vinegar to make tonkatsu sauce.
In a large bowl, whisk honey with remaining 1 Tbsp vinegar and 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add both cabbages and toss well to coat.
Serve pork with slaw and a side of tonkatsu sauce for dipping.
- Use pre-toasted panko to save time or toast in advance and store for future use.
- Don’t skip pounding the pork—it ensures even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Store leftover pork and slaw separately to keep breading crisp.
- Tonkatsu sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- This recipe works well with chicken breast if you prefer poultry over pork.
Keyword baked tonkatsu, oven-fried pork