Ham Katsu
Try this Ham Katsu recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Ham Katsu recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 large egg
- neutral flavor oil (vegetable canola, etc) ((for deep frying))
- 8 slices hams ((i use 2 mm-thick black forest ham))
- â¼ cup all-purpose flour ((â¼ cup = 4 tbsp))
- 1 cup panko (japanese breadcrumbs)
- japanese karashi hot mustard ((to serve))
- tonkatsu sauce ((to serve see notes for homemade recipe))
- Carbohydrate 40.40505 g
- Cholesterol 52.875 mg
- Fat 4.2105 g
- Fiber 2.52 g
- Protein 9.0485 g
- Saturated Fat 1.061055 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Ham Katsu (68g)
- Sodium 427.42 mg
- Sugar 37.88505 g
- Trans Fat 0.776215 g
- Calories 239 calories
Step-by-step
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Stack two slices of ham and season with freshly ground black pepper.
- To increase the fluffy and crispy texture of panko, spray some water on panko and fluff it up with hands.
- Dip the ham into the flour, then shake off the excess.
- Run the ham through the egg to coat it on both sides.
- Lay the ham in the panko, turn it over and gently press it into the breading to coat.
- Add the oil in a heavy-bottom pot and heat the oil to 340F (170C).
- Gently drop the panko-coated ham in the oil and deep fry for 1 minute on the bottom side.
- Once the bottom side is nice golden brown, flip and cook for about 45 seconds on the other side.
- Drain the excess oil and remove from the pot.
- Transfer to the wire rack or plate lined with paper towel.
- Before you start the next batch, always pick up the crumbs in the oil.
- Once they are cool enough to handle, cut in half and serve immediately.
- Garnish with parsley.
- Put a small amount of Japanese karashi mustard on the plate.
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: Ham Katsu and a Midnight Diner Moment
As a busy working mom, my evenings are usually a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present dinner dilemma. Finding time to cook anything beyond the usual pasta or stir-fry feels like a luxury. But last week, something incredible happened: I discovered Ham Katsu. It started innocently enough, a simple recipe I stumbled upon while browsing late one night. The image of those golden-brown, crispy cutlets, glistening under the kitchen light, captivated me. It was a far cry from the usual weeknight routine.
The recipe itself was surprisingly easy to follow. I loved the way the panko breadcrumbs created a perfectly crunchy exterior, while the ham inside remained tender and juicy. The deep-frying process, initially daunting, became a surprisingly meditative experience. The sizzle of the oil, the delicate dance of flipping the cutlets, it was oddly calming. I found myself completely absorbed in the process, a welcome respite from the everyday chaos.
The final product was even better than I imagined. The Ham Katsu were absolutely delicious; a delightful blend of savory and crispy textures. I served them with a simple side salad, following the inspiration from a favorite Japanese drama. The drama featured the dish in Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories and it added a touch of elegance and authenticity.
More than just a delicious meal, making Ham Katsu felt like a small act of rebellion against the monotony of my routine. It was a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's room for moments of quiet joy and culinary creativity. I encourage everyone to try this simple yet deeply satisfying dish. It’s a perfect way to escape the mundane, even if only for a little while. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, carefully prepared, to transform an ordinary weeknight into something truly special. The crispy texture, the juicy ham, the delightful combination of flavors, and the quiet satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch—this recipe has become a treasured addition to my repertoire.
The experience also reminded me of the importance of slowing down and taking pleasure in the small things. The act of carefully breading each piece of ham, the precise timing of the deep-frying process, the careful plating of the final dish—these were moments of mindful engagement that brought a sense of peace and accomplishment.
So, if you're looking for a new culinary adventure, I highly recommend trying Ham Katsu. It's a surprisingly easy dish to make, even for a busy mom like me. And who knows, you might just discover a hidden talent for deep-frying, or at least a new way to find joy in the midst of a busy week.
Ingredients: The ingredient list is remarkably straightforward, consisting of easily accessible pantry staples. A quick trip to the local grocery store, and you're ready to embark on this tasty journey.
Serving Suggestions: While I enjoyed my Ham Katsu with a simple side salad, the possibilities are endless. You can experiment with different dipping sauces, side dishes, and garnishes to create your perfect Ham Katsu experience. The recipe offers suggestions such as Japanese karashi hot mustard, or tonkatsu sauce, adding a delightful touch of cultural exploration to your culinary adventure. This makes it a versatile and adaptable dish, perfect for catering to different tastes and preferences.
My culinary journey with Ham Katsu has been more than just a recipe; it’s been a discovery of unexpected joy and a reminder to embrace the simple pleasures in life.
