Today, I'm excited to show you how I make my delicious vegan Tonkatsu Sauce. It's got a real Japanese touch that'll add a bit of magic to so many savory meals. Think of it as a super tasty topping for all your vegan favorites, and one that you can whip out of the fridge whenever you need it. Whether you're dunking stuff in it or mixing it with other sauces for some extra pizzazz, a classic tonkatsu sauce is a true vegan Japanese staple. And hey, all the stuff you need is probably already in your cupboard. So, let's head into the kitchen and whip this up together.
This vegan tonkatsu sauce is a super versatile condiment that you can try with a variety of dishes. Drizzle it over rice, pickles, and gyoza; use it as a dip for crispy tempura, or whenever you feel a meal could use some extra flavor!
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Ingredients
Makes 1 small bottle ~150 mL | Prep time 10 minutes | Cooking time 0 minutes
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon allspice
- Optional: a few dashes of Tabasco or Frank's hot sauce for some heat
Instructions
Step 1: Add all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Whisk well, until the sauce is smooth and all the ingredients are fully combined.
Step 3: Allow the sauce to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Transfer the tonkatsu sauce to an airtight jar or bottle for storage.
Hint: Achieving a balance of flavors is key. Be sure to taste your tonktasu sauce as you go along and adjust the ingredients to your liking. Once ready, it should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
How to serve tonkatsu sauce
Here's a few of my favorite ways to enjoy tonkatsu:
- Drizzle over crispy tofu cutlets or croquettes (korroke)
- Add a spoonful to stir-fries or noodle dishes for a burst of smoky, sweet and sour flavors
- Blend it into vegan mayo or aioli to create a tangy and creamy condiment for burgers or sandwiches
Substitutions
- Gluten-free: Replace regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Low-Sodium: Opt for a low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall salt content.
- Sugar-Free: Substitute brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener of your choice. Stevia or Erythritol could be great options.
Variations
If you want a spicier tonkatsu sauce, add a few extra drops of your favorite hot sauce. For a more subtle heat, try adding just a few drops of tabasko. Be sure to mix in well.
Storage
Store tonkatsu sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep fresh. The vinegar, sugar, and ketchup act as natural preservatives, so as there are no fresh ingredients in the mix, it can last a couple of weeks. Ensure to check for any changes in smell or color over time as an indication of spoilage. Enjoy the convenience of having a tasty home-made tonkatsu at your disposal anytime you need it!
Top tip
A great tip is to make extra sauce, creating a big batch all at once. If you double or even triple the ingredients, you'll have plenty of sauce for all your Japanese meals. This saves time for later and makes the sauce taste even better when you use it as the flavors have had more time to meld.
FAQ
Tonkatsu sauce has a mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Some like it more savory or peppery (add more mustard and garlic powder), others prefer sweeter (add more ketchup and sugar). The key is to experiment with the recipe and find the balance of ingredients that satisfies you!
Katsu sauce and tonkatsu sauce are essentially the same, with the term "katsu" being a shortened reference to "tonkatsu."
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with vegan tonkatsu sauce:
Tonkatsu Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon allspice
- Optional: a few dashes of Tabasco or Frank's hot sauce for some heat
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk well, until the sauce is smooth and all the ingredients are fully combined.
- Allow the sauce to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Transfer the tonkatsu sauce to an airtight jar or bottle for storage.
Food safety
- Sterilization of Containers: Before storing any food items, especially sauces, it is essential to sterilize the containers. This can be done by washing the container with hot soapy water and then drying it in a preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes. Ensure the container cools down before using it to store the sauce.
- Keep Utensils Clean: Use clean utensils whenever you dip into the sauce to avoid introducing any bacteria into the mix.
- Check Regularly: Even though tonkatsu sauce contains natural preservatives, always check it for any changes in smell, color, or consistency before use. If you notice any signs of spoilage, it's safer to discard the tonkatsu and make a fresh round.
Refrigerate: Always store tonkatsu sauce in the refrigerator, even if it's a small batch. This slows down the growth of microbes and helps the sauce stay fresh longer.
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