These tofu menchi katsu are crispy on the outside and soft, juicy, and fluffy on the inside!
By replacing half of the meat with tofu, you get a lighter, budget-friendly, and healthier version of the classic Japanese minced meat cutlet.
Despite being lower in calories, they’re still incredibly satisfying — even meat lovers will be impressed!
20 minutes
Rinaty
PROFILE
INGREDIENTS
SERVES 2
Original recipe (1X) yields 2 servings
When scaling the recipe, the ratios of some ingredients may require slight adjustments. Adjust as necessary and season to taste.
- 7 oz ground pork
- 1 /2 block firm tofu
- 1 /4 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp. Japanese mayonnaise
- 1/2 tbsp. sake (or dry white wine)
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp. water
- Panko breadcrumbs, as needed
- Frying oil, as needed
INSTRUCTIONS
- 1
Wrap the tofu in paper towels, place a small weight on top, and let it drain for about 30 minutes.
- 2
Mash the drained tofu with a whisk until smooth. Add onion, ground pork, mayonnaise, sake, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper. Mix well until the mixture becomes sticky.
- 3
Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions, squeeze out any air, and shape into patties about 2 cm (¾ inch) thick.
- 4
In a bowl, whisk together the egg, flour, and water. Dip each patty into the batter, then coat generously with panko.
- 5
Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (180°C). Fry each side for about 2 1/2 minutes, then flip and fry for another 1 minute per side until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- 6
Plate and serve with your favorite tonkatsu sauce or Japanese-style Worcestershire sauce.
RecipeID
448
Tips & Notes
・Be sure to drain the tofu thoroughly — excess moisture can make the mixture too soft to shape.
・Whisking the tofu helps it blend smoothly with the meat, creating a light and fluffy texture.
・You can also make these ahead and freeze them before frying for a quick meal prep option.
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About Me I was born and raised in Fukuoka in 1995. I love discovering delicious food just as much as I love eating it! As of January 2025, I’m grateful to have around 850,000 followers on Instagram—thank you so much for your amazing support. My Recipe Philosophy Through cooking, I hope to share many moments of happiness. Whether you’re someone who cooks daily for your family despite a busy schedule, or someone who wants to prepare a delicious meal for a loved one, I want my recipes to be your go-to. I focus on recipes that are easy to make using familiar ingredients and everyday seasonings found in any home. My dishes are not so much “fancy” in flavor as they are warm, home-style meals—simple, quick, and budget-friendly. I would be delighted if my recipes could bring a small sense of warmth and joy to both those who cook and those who eat. The happiness of making something tasty, the joy of hearing “It’s delicious!”, the smiles around the dining table, and the fun of cooking together with children—these are the heartwarming little moments I hope to deliver through my cooking."