Menchi-katsu

Menchi-katsu is a cherished Japanese dish consisting of a breaded and deep-fried ground meat patty. It typically features ground beef, pork, or a combination of both. This delicious treat is often found in affordable bento boxes and teishoku meals.

To prepare menchi-katsu, you begin by combining ground meat with chopped onion, salt, and pepper. You then shape the mixture into patties. Next, you coat each patty with flour, dip it in beaten eggs, and cover it with panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are distinctive due to their dehydration and coarser texture compared to regular breadcrumbs. Finally, you deep-fry the patties until they achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior.

Menchi-katsu is typically served with Japanese Worcestershire sauce or tonkatsu sauce, complemented by a side of sliced cabbage for a refreshing crunch.

The name "menchi-katsu" is derived from the words "mince" (referring to ground meat) and "cutlet." In Japan, "katsu" is a general term for deep-fried meat cutlets that are coated with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Menchi-katsu is part of yōshoku, Japanese dishes influenced by Western cuisine.

Interestingly, the term for this dish varies by region in Japan. In eastern Japan, it is called menchi-katsu, while in western Japan, it is known as minchi-katsu. This regional variation adds a unique twist to an already popular dish.