Katsudon From Yuri On Ice

Hey there, fellow foodies and anime lovers! I’m so excited to be back with a super delicious recipe from one of my all-time favorite anime shows, Yuri on Ice. If you haven’t seen this ice skating anime yet, it’s a must-watch! It’s filled with inspiring characters, incredible music, and of course, some amazing food. Today, we’re making one of the most iconic dishes featured in the series – Katsudon. This crispy, golden pork cutlet over a bed of rice is not only Yuuri’s favorite food, but it also plays a significant role in his journey (no spoilers here, promise!). So, let’s get cooking!

Method

Prepare the Pork

Start by preparing the pork loin. To make the cutlet tender, slice the fat of the pork along the edges. Then, take a meat mallet or a rolling pin and gently beat the pork to tenderize it. This step helps break down the fibers in the meat, making it juicy and easy to bite into once fried.

Season the Pork

Once your pork is prepared, it’s time to season it. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on both sides of the pork to enhance its natural flavor. Make sure you coat every part of the meat, as seasoning is key to a tasty and well-balanced dish.

Bread the Pork

To achieve that signature crispy exterior, start by dipping the seasoned pork into a bowl of egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dredge the pork in flour to give it a dry base before dipping it back into the egg. Finally, coat the pork in panko breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs will create a crunchy, golden crust once fried, giving the katsudon its signature texture.

Fry the Pork

Heat a generous amount of neutral oil in a frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded pork into the oil. Fry the pork for about 5 minutes, turning it occasionally, until it becomes golden brown and crispy. The breading should be perfectly crisped, and the pork should be fully cooked on the inside. Once done, remove the pork from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil, letting it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Prepare the Sauce

While the pork is resting, it’s time to make the sauce. In a saucepan, combine 1/3 cup of water, 1/2 tsp of dash powder, soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Stir the ingredients together and heat over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a slight simmer and add the thinly sliced onions. Let the onions cook and soften in the sauce, which will add sweetness and depth of flavor.

Cook the Eggs

Once the onions have softened, it’s time to add the fried pork cutlet into the sauce. Place the sliced pork into the simmering sauce, then drizzle the beaten eggs evenly over the pork. Cover the saucepan with a lid and allow the eggs to steam and cook. Depending on your preference, let the eggs cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute. If you like runny eggs, cook for a shorter time, and if you prefer firmer eggs, let them steam for a bit longer.

Assemble the Katsudon

Now that the pork and eggs are cooked, it’s time to put everything together. Spoon some warm, freshly cooked rice into a bowl. Place the sliced pork with the sauce and eggs on top of the rice. Finish by adding a few green peas for a pop of color and a bit of extra flavor. The combination of crispy pork, savory sauce, and soft eggs makes for a delightful dish that’s sure to warm your belly.

Necessary Tools 

• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Bowl
• Wire rack (for resting the fried pork)
• Knife (for slicing)
• Serving bowl

Serving Suggestions 

• This katsudon is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of miso soup or pickled vegetables for extra flavor.
• For a lighter version, try using chicken instead of pork for the tonkotsu, or add more veggies for a delicious twist.

Fun Fact 

Did you know that Katsudon is considered a lucky dish in Japan? The word “katsu” in Japanese

sounds like the word for “victory,” so many people eat it before an important event, like exams or sports competitions, to bring good luck!

Conclusion 

This katsudon is the perfect comfort food, and it brings a taste of Yuri on Ice right into your kitchen! Whether you’re a fan of the anime or just love a good, hearty meal, this dish will not disappoint. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce a new dish to your family or friends. So, go ahead and give it a try you’ll be hooked after the first bite! Happy cooking, and enjoy!