Protein
Thick-Cut Pork Loin (Tonkatsu Cut)
Availability:
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★
★
★
☆
(Local supermarket)
What is it?
Boneless pork loin cut about 2 cm thick. It has a strip of fat on one edge. That fat keeps tonkatsu juicy and full of flavor.
Substitution Guide
✅
Best Substitute
Boneless pork chops, 2 cm thick
They are the same cut with a different name. Check the thickness before you buy.
⚠️
Acceptable
Pork tenderloin, cut 3 cm and pressed to 2 cm
It is leaner and very tender. It has less flavor, so salt it well.
🚫
NEVER Use
Thin-sliced pork under 1 cm
It cooks through before the crust browns. The meat turns dry and tough.
Related Ingredients
Did you know?
🔬Japanese butchers sell pork loin already cut for tonkatsu. The pack often says tonkatsu-yo, meaning for tonkatsu.
Sensory Profile
Pale pink meat with a creamy white fat edge. Cooked, the fat turns soft and sweet.
