Prepare to indulge in the authentic flavors of Japan with my Japanese Menchi Katsu Hamburger Cutlet recipe! This delectable fusion of ground pork and beef is expertly seasoned and coated with a crispy crust. Menchi Katsu is a beloved member of the traditional family of panko-crusted katsu dishes, and what sets my recipe apart is my dedication to using natural ingredients and the convenience of an air fryer for a stress-free cooking experience. Elevate your culinary journey with this timeless Japanese dish, crafted right in your own kitchen!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
I adore this Japanese Menchi Katsu recipe because it effortlessly brings the essence of Japanese comfort food to your home kitchen. Menchi Katsu is part of the traditional family of panko-crusted katsu dishes, alongside favorites like Tonkatsu and Chicken Katsu. But what makes this recipe so special is that I crafted this recipe with the idea of providing an easy and hassle-free way to enjoy the flavors of Japan!
This dish features a mouthwatering blend of ground pork and beef, resulting in a juicy and flavorful hamburger cutlet that’s air-fried for a crispy finish, eliminating the trouble of deep frying, something that I can appreciate! The panko crust adds a delightful texture, and when paired with my homemade Katsu sauce, it’s an irresistible taste of Japan! Give it a try, and enjoy the goodness of this recipe!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Ground Pork – fat 20% preferred.
- Ground Beef – fat 20% preferred.
- Butter – salted or unsalted.
- Onions – yellow or brown onion.
- Garlic – grated using a hand grater.
- Panko – panko bread crumbs.
- Salt – sea salt preferred.
- Black Pepper – ground.
- Egg – beaten.
- Half and Half – a blend of half heavy cream and half milk. Can substitute with milk.
- Nutmeg – a spice that can be readily found in supermarkets.
- Flour – all purpose flour for baking.
- Ketchup – regular ketchup.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Worcestershire Sauce packed in a bottle. Found in grocery stores.
- Oyster Sauce – sauce made from oyster extracts, found at grocery stores.
- Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
🍖 Ground Meat Note
Use a 50/50 blend of Ground Pork and Ground Beef with a minimum ratio of 90/10. This results in a juicy hamburger patty that avoids drying out.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Directions
Step 1 Sauté diced onions in butter and set aside.
Step 2 Combine browned onions, grated garlic, ground meats, panko, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, egg, half n half, nutmeg in a large mixing bowl. Form the mixture into patties and use your thumb to create an indent.
📄 Hamburger Note
The Indent in the hamburger patty helps it Retain its Shape during cooking.
Step 3 Prepare separate bowls for flour, beaten eggs, and panko. Coat each patty in that order and air fry at 360F until cooked through, about 13-16 minutes.
🌡 Internal Temperature Check
Ensure the internal temperature of the patties reaches 165°F to guarantee safe consumption.
Step 4 Prepare sauce with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and oyster sauce.
Step 5 Serve the Menchi Katsu with the prepared sauce.
💡 Meal Prep Pro Tip
You can Prepare Extra Hamburgers and cook them ahead of time, then freeze them for convenient meal prepping.
Recipe Variations
For a tasty twist, try using chicken instead of the ground meat mix to make an Air Fryer Japanese Chicken Katsu.
Paring Recommendations
Enhance your Menchi Katsu meal by serving it with your favorite rice, a comforting bowl of Tofu Miso Soup for warmth, and a fresh green salad featuring Miso Dressing or Japanese Wafu Dressing for a delightful contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deep fry menchi katsu instead?
Yes, you can certainly deep fry menchi katsu. Heat cooking oil to 350°F and deep fry each side for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
What does katsu mean?
'Katsu' refers to any type of meat, commonly chicken, beef, pork, or minced meat, that is coated with bread crumbs and deep-fried to achieve a crispy, flavorful exterior.
How can I make Menchi Katsu with a different flavor twist?
Try using ketchup as the sauce for a deep-fried hamburger plate. This will add a tangy and slightly sweet taste, giving your Menchi Katsu a unique and delicious twist.
Storage Tips
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate, where they’ll stay good for 5-7 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can easily reheat in the air fryer.
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Watch How To Make It
Japanese Menchi Katsu
Ingredients
Hamburgers
- 1/2 lb Ground Pork fat>20% preferred
- 1/2 lb Ground Beef fat>20% preferred
- 1/2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Chopped Onion about 1/8 of an onion
- 1 Clove Garlic
- 1 tbsp Panko
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Egg
- 1 1/2 tbsp Half & Half
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
Crust
- 1/2 Cup Flour
- 2 Eggs
- 1/3 Cup Panko
Sauce
- 2 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Dice onions. In a medium sized fry pan, add 1/2 tbsp butter on medium heat. Once butter is melted, add onion, cook until browned and set aside. Should take around 2-3 minutes.
- Grate garlic with a grinder or a garlic press. Put into a large mixing bowl.
- In the mixing bowl, add ground pork, ground beef, salt, pepper, egg, half & half, nutmeg, panko, cooked onions from step 2). Combine with hands until mixed well.
- Take 1/4 of the mix and throw from one hand to another while gently cupping the mix with the palm and hand forming a ball. Place the ball onto a plate and press down on it with the palm of your hand to form a patty. The patty should be around 1 inch thick. Afterwards, take your thumb and gently press and make an indent in the middle of the hamburger patty. This ensures the hamburger will retain its shape during the cooking process (otherwise it will expand upwards). Repeat until all the mix is used up.
- Fill 1 mixing bowl with flour, 1 mixing bowl with beaten eggs, 1 mixing bowl with panko.
- Take a patty and dip in the following order: flour > eggs > panko. Once coated, place into air fryer tray and air fry for 13-16 minutes at 360F or until internal temp reaches 165F.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, Oyster Sauce and sweetener. Mix well and set aside.
- Once menchi katsu are air fried, transfer to serving plate and enjoy with tonkatsu sauce from step 9).
