Tonkatsu Sauce Recipe
Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce takes just 5 minutes to make and offers a sweet, tangy, and savory upgrade to store-bought.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 6 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a medium-sized bowl.
- Whisk together until it is combined.
- Store or serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
This is one of those sauces that you’ll need to taste and adjust as you go. If it isn’t as sweet as you like or it’s on the acidic side, whisk in a little more sugar. If you prefer a tangier flavor, an extra splash of Worcestershire sauce or vinegar will do the trick.
Adjust the consistency: Just like the flavors, the consistency of your sauce is also easy to play with. Whisk in a little water at a time if it’s too thick or isn’t pourable. Or, if it’s too thin, add a little more ketchup or tahini.
Make it ahead: If you have the time, I recommend whisking the sauce together and leaving it to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop even further and helps the sauce thicken.
Gluten-free sauce: Use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce (some brands contain barley), and swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
Vegan tonkatsu: Since most Worcestershire sauces contain anchovies, you’ll need to use a vegan-friendly Worcestershire sauce. If you can’t find one, you can make a DIY version by whisking together soy sauce, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar.
Add extra flavor: Feel free to stir in a clove of finely grated garlic or 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger for a bolder, more aromatic sauce. For a spicy kick, whisk in some chili paste, sriracha, or a pinch of cayenne.
Make-Ahead: The sauce can be whisked together up to 30 minutes ahead of serving. Chill it in the fridge to allow the flavors to deepen.
How to Store: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in an ice cube tray. Simply thaw as many cubes as you need before serving with your desired recipe.
Nutrition
Calories: 56kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 861mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 93IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg