Katsudon is more than just a bowl of rice topped with fried pork cutlet—it’s one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods. Crispy, savory, and gently simmered with eggs and onions in a flavorful broth, this dish combines texture and umami in every bite. Whether you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine or looking for something new to try at home, katsudon offers the perfect balance of simplicity and satisfaction.
What Is Katsudon?
Katsudon (カツ丼) is a Japanese dish made by placing a fried pork or chicken cutlet (called katsu) on top of a bowl of steamed rice (donburi), then simmering it briefly in a savory-sweet sauce with eggs and onions.
The name comes from the words katsu (cutlet) and donburi (rice bowl). It’s warm, hearty, and comforting—often eaten as a post-exam meal or when someone needs an emotional boost.
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Katsudon vs Tonkatsu – What's the Difference?
Though they start with the same breaded cutlet, tonkatsu is served on its own with shredded cabbage and sauce, while katsudon turns that crispy cutlet into a full rice bowl meal by simmering it with egg and broth.
In short:
- Tonkatsu = standalone cutlet
- Katsudon = cutlet + egg + rice bowl
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Katsudon Variations to Try
The original and most popular version. Thin slices of breaded pork loin (tonkatsu) are fried until golden and then simmered with onions, broth, and lightly beaten eggs before being placed over a bowl of rice. This version is rich, flavorful, and deeply comforting.
Pork katsudon calories vary, but average between 700–900 depending on portion size and ingredients.
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Chicken Katsudon
A lighter take that swaps pork for chicken breast or thigh. It’s still crispy and delicious, but slightly leaner in flavor and texture.
Beef Katsudon
Less traditional but gaining popularity. Thin beef cutlets are breaded and fried, then treated to the same simmering sauce-and-egg combo. Great for those looking for a red meat option with a twist.
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Katsudon Sauce & Flavors
The key to a great katsudon lies in the katsudon sauce—a blend of soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and dashi. This mixture gives the dish its signature balance of salty and slightly sweet flavors.
Pro tip: You can use store-bought tsuyu (soup base) for a quick version, or experiment with your own ratio of sweet and salty ingredients.
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Tools & Techniques – Choosing the Right Katsudon Pan
A shallow non-stick skillet or small saucepan works best—often referred to as a katsudon pan in Japanese kitchens. These pans are just the right size to simmer a single serving at a time, making it easy to control texture and cook the egg gently without overcooking the cutlet.
Katsudon Ingredients
While traditional katsudon sticks to the basics, feel free to customize your bowl. Here are some katsudon ingredients worth experimenting with:
- Onions (classic)
- Shredded nori or scallions (garnish)
- Kimchi (for spice lovers)
- Mushrooms or spinach
- Extra egg or soft-boiled egg on top
- Alternative proteins like tofu or plant-based cutlets
The flexibility of the ingredients katsudon uses is part of what makes it so fun to personalize.
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With its crispy exterior, silky eggs, and umami-rich sauce, katsudon is more than just a rice bowl—it’s a satisfying, soul-warming dish perfect for any season. Whether you choose pork katsudon, chicken katsudon, or mix things up with beef katsudon, there’s always room to make it your own.
From busy weeknights to cozy weekend meals, katsudon offers comfort in every bite.
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