Katsu Curry

Instructions

1. Prepare the cutlets
   Season the pork or chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each cutlet in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly with panko, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.
2. Fry the cutlets
   Heat about 1cm of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until it reaches 170°C (340°F). Carefully place the breaded cutlets in the hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 75°C/165°F). Transfer to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
3. Start the curry sauce
   In a separate large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the diced carrots and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Add aromatics
   Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan with the vegetables. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the curry powder and cook for another minute to toast the spices and release their flavors.
5. Thicken the sauce
   Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the soy sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Simmer and reduce
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer the curry sauce for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a gravy-like consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more stock or water. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve
   Slice the fried cutlets into strips and arrange them over steamed white rice on serving plates. Generously ladle the curry sauce over the cutlets and rice. Serve immediately with Japanese pickles or a simple side salad if desired.