Fish Katsu Recipe: Crispy Japanese-style Fried Fish

Fish katsu is a popular Japanese dish that is easy to make and delicious to eat. It is a deep-fried dish made with fish fillets that are coated with panko breadcrumbs and served with a variety of sauces and accompaniments. Fish katsu is a great way to enjoy fish and is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

To prepare fish katsu, you will need to start by seasoning the fish fillets with salt and pepper, then coating them with flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs. The fish is then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. The dish is typically served with a variety of sauces, such as tonkatsu sauce, tartar sauce, or curry sauce, and is often accompanied by shredded cabbage and rice.

Whether you are a fan of Japanese cuisine or simply looking for a new way to enjoy fish, fish katsu is a great choice. It is easy to make, delicious, and can be customized to suit your tastes. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how tasty this dish can be?

Key Takeaways

• Fish katsu is a popular Japanese dish made with deep-fried fish fillets coated in panko breadcrumbs.
• The dish is typically served with a variety of sauces and accompaniments, such as shredded cabbage and rice.
• Fish katsu is easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes.

Preparing the Fish Katsu

Making fish katsu is easy and fun. Here are the steps to follow to ensure that your fish katsu turns out perfectly.

Choosing the Right Fish

When making fish katsu, it is important to choose the right kind of fish. You can use any type of fish, but thick, white-fleshed fish like cod, salmon, and tilapia work best. These fish are firm and hold up well during the frying process. Make sure to remove any bones and cut the fish into evenly sized pieces.

Creating the Perfect Breading

The key to making delicious fish katsu is in the breading. To make the breading, you will need panko breadcrumbs, flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Start by seasoning the fish with salt and pepper. Then, dredge the fish in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the fish into the beaten egg and then coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the fish to ensure that they stick.

Frying to Golden Perfection

To fry the fish katsu, you will need a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. Heat the oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot. Fry the fish for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fish. Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.

Fish katsu is a great source of protein and makes for a delicious meal. With these simple steps, you can make perfect fish katsu every time.

Serving and Accompaniments

When it comes to serving fish katsu, there are a few things you can do to make it a complete meal. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Side Dishes to Complement Fish Katsu

One of the most popular ways to serve fish katsu is with shredded cabbage. This is a traditional Japanese side dish that is often served with tonkatsu (pork katsu) and chicken katsu as well. The cool, crunchy cabbage provides a nice contrast to the hot, crispy fish.

Another great option is to serve the fish katsu over a bed of steamed rice. This turns it into a Japanese rice bowl dish, which is a popular lunchtime meal in Japan. You can also add some vegetables to the bowl, such as carrots, green beans, or broccoli.

Sauces and Toppings

There are several sauces and toppings that you can use to enhance the flavour of your fish katsu. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Katsu sauce: This is a sweet and tangy sauce that is specifically made for katsu dishes. It is usually made with Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, and sugar.

• Tonkatsu sauce: This is a similar sauce to katsu sauce, but it is specifically made for tonkatsu (pork katsu). It has a slightly different flavour profile than katsu sauce.

• Tartar sauce: This is a creamy sauce that is often served with fish dishes. It is made with mayonnaise, pickles, and lemon juice.

• Mayonnaise: Some people like to drizzle mayonnaise over their fish katsu for an extra creamy flavour.

• Soy sauce: This is a simple and classic topping that can be used to add some saltiness to your fish katsu.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you ensure panko adheres to the fish properly?

To make sure the panko adheres to the fish properly, it is recommended to pat the fish dry before breading it. This will help the panko to stick to the fish better. Additionally, dip the fish in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally coat it in panko breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the panko firmly onto the fish to ensure that it sticks well.

Which type of fish is ideal for frying in a katsu style?

The ideal type of fish for frying in katsu style is firm white fish such as cod, haddock, or tilapia. These types of fish have a mild flavour and a firm texture that holds up well during frying. They are also widely available and affordable.

What are the essential ingredients for a classic fish katsu?

The essential ingredients for a classic fish katsu are fish fillets, panko breadcrumbs, flour, eggs, salt, and pepper. You can also add some garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavour. To make the dish more authentic, serve it with tonkatsu sauce, which is a thick and sweet Japanese sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings.

Can you suggest a simple way to prepare fish katsu at home?

To prepare fish katsu at home, first, cut the fish fillets into pieces of equal size. Pat them dry with paper towels. Then, season the fish with salt and pepper. Dip each piece of fish in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally coat it in panko breadcrumbs. Heat some oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the fish until it turns golden brown on both sides. Serve with tonkatsu sauce and rice.

What's the secret to a delicious fish katsu sauce?

The secret to a delicious fish katsu sauce is to balance the flavours of sweet, salty, and sour. You can achieve this by using a combination of soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Adjust the amount of each ingredient to your liking.

What sides complement panko-crusted fish perfectly?

Panko-crusted fish goes well with a variety of sides such as steamed vegetables, rice, or salad. You can also serve it with some tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or pickled ginger to add some tanginess to the dish.