Tonkatsu Gratin with Melted Cheese 🧀✨
A Japanese-Western fusion dish that combines crispy tonkatsu with creamy béchamel sauce, melty cheese, and a golden-brown crust! Perfect for a comforting meal.
✅ Prep Time: 20 mins
⏳ Cook Time: 25 mins
🍽 Servings: 2-3
📝 Ingredients
For the Tonkatsu (Japanese Fried Pork Cutlet)
2 boneless pork loin chops (or chicken breast for a variation)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup flour
1 egg, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Oil for frying
For the Béchamel Sauce (White Sauce)
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 cup milk
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ cup Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
For the Topping
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
¼ cup cheddar cheese (for a sharp flavor)
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
1 tbsp butter, melted (to mix with panko for a golden crust)
1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
🔥 Instructions
Next Page
🔥 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tonkatsu
Season pork chops with salt and black pepper.
Coat in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a pan and fry until golden brown and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute.
Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Cook until the sauce thickens (3-5 minutes), then season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 3: Assemble the Gratin
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Slice tonkatsu into strips and arrange in a baking dish.
Pour the béchamel sauce over the tonkatsu.
Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, and panko breadcrumbs on top. Drizzle with melted butter for an extra crispy crust.
Step 4: Bake & Serve
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot!
💡 Tips & Variations
✔ Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of tonkatsu sauce or spicy mayo before serving.
✔ Healthier Option: Air-fry the tonkatsu instead of deep frying.
✔ Extra Flavor: Mix a little mustard into the béchamel sauce for a tangy twist.
🔥 Enjoy this creamy, crispy, cheesy Tonkatsu Gratin! 😍🧀