Step 2: Fill with Cheese
Place a slice of cheese in the center of each chop. Fold them carefully to seal the cheese inside, using toothpicks to ensure it doesn’t come out during cooking.
Step 3: Breading the Chops
Prepare three plates: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and the last with panko. Dip each chop first in the flour, then in the beaten egg and finally coat them in the panko, making sure they are well breaded for a crispy texture when frying.
Step 4: Frying the Chops
Heat enough oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is at the right temperature (approximately 170-180°C), fry the chops for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy. Place them on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
Step 5: Gratin
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the fried cutlets on a baking sheet and add an additional slice of cheese (or grated cheese if you prefer) on top of each cutlet. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned on top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the cutlets from the oven and serve immediately. Pair this gratin tonkatsu with white rice, a fresh cabbage salad, or a tonkatsu sauce for a more authentic taste.
Additional Tips to Perfect the Dish:
Cheeses Variation: Try a mix of cheeses if you want a deeper flavor. For an extra creamy touch, use Swiss or Brie, and if you prefer a rich flavor, add Parmesan or blue cheese to gratin.
Flavor-Enhancing Toppings: In addition to tonkatsu sauce, you can pair the dish with Japanese mayonnaise or sweet soy sauce to add an extra dimension of flavor.
Oil Temperature: Keep a close eye on the oil temperature to ensure the outside is golden and crispy without burning. If the oil is too hot, the outer layer will burn before the inside is cooked, so it’s best to keep the oil between 170-180°C and use a thermometer if possible.
Prevent Cheese from Spilling: If you prefer a perfect presentation, make sure to seal the edges of the cutlet well to prevent cheese from spilling out when frying.
Extra Tip:
By using panko, you’ll achieve an airier, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs. This is key to creating the ideal experience by combining the crunchiness of the breading with the creaminess of the melted cheese.
