Menchi Katsu – メンチカツ

By Lee Jackson ↣ Published on: October 23, 2020

For a juicy, crunchy texture there’s nothing like this Japanese Menchi Katsu. It’s a breaded, deep-fried minced meat patty that delivers great flavour and satisfying crispiness.

I’m a long-time fan of Japanese katsu dishes. Menchi Katsu is my latest favourite: a juicy meat patty coated in panko and fried to a crisp golden finish. It’s part of my Asian and Asian Street Food collections, and it’s perfect comfort food served with shredded cabbage and a simple salad.

What’s Ahead?

What is Menchi?

Menchi Katsu translates roughly as “minced cutlet.” It’s made from ground pork and beef mixed with seasonings, shaped into patties, coated in panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried. The combination of crunchy panko and juicy meat creates a delightful contrast in texture. Menchi katsu (ミンチカツ) is commonly found in bento boxes, served with shredded cabbage, or enjoyed on its own as a snack or main course.

Why Menchi works

Menchi Katsu is beloved for several reasons:

1. Juicy, well-seasoned meat.
2. Crunchy panko coating from deep-frying.
3. Pairs perfectly with savoury Japanese sauces.

Japanese mayonnaise and takoyaki sauce are popular accompaniments. Takoyaki sauce is milder than tonkatsu sauce and many people prefer its rounded, sweet-savory profile. Choose the sauce you like best or offer both for dipping.

Stuff You’ll Need

Menchi Katsu calls for simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Sauces can be purchased from Asian grocery stores or specialty online retailers.

• For the patties: ground pork and beef, onion, panko breadcrumbs, soy sauce, nutmeg, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, egg, salt and pepper.
• For breading: all-purpose flour, beaten egg (with a splash of water), and panko crumbs.
• Frying oil: neutral oil such as canola or sunflower for deep frying.
• Garnish: shredded cabbage, mixed salad leaves and cherry tomatoes.
• Sauces: takoyaki or tonkatsu sauce and Japanese mayonnaise to serve alongside.

Step by Step

Follow these straightforward steps to make Menchi Katsu at home.

1. Step 1 – Fry finely diced onion in a little oil until softened and lightly golden, then allow to cool. In a bowl combine the onion with ground pork and beef, panko, soy sauce, nutmeg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, egg, salt and white pepper. Mix with your hands until sticky and well combined.
2. Step 2 – Divide the mixture into portions (about the size of a small lemon), shape into balls and flatten into oval patties.
3. Step 3 – Set up a breading station: flour, beaten egg (with a little water), and panko breadcrumbs. Coat each pattie in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg, then press into panko to fully cover.
4. Step 4 – Place breaded patties on a plate, cover loosely and chill for 30 minutes (this helps the coating adhere). You can prepare up to two days ahead and refrigerate.
5. Step 5 – Heat oil to about 160ºC/320ºF (roughly 3 inches deep in a pan). Fry the menchi in batches for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown. Drain on paper towels and keep warm in the oven while you finish the rest.

Serve with shredded cabbage, a simple salad and your choice of sauces. For presentation, drizzle sauces in a cross-hatch pattern or serve them on the side for dipping.

Pro Tips and storage suggestions

• Meat variations: Pork and beef together give great juiciness, but you can use only one type or try chicken, turkey, or lamb.
• Freeze before frying: Freeze formed, breaded patties on a tray until solid, then bag. Thaw fully before deep frying.
• Freeze after frying: Cook, cool, freeze on a tray, then bag. Reheat from thawed in a 200ºC/400ºF oven for about 10 minutes until hot.
• Fridge storage: Prepare through the breading stage and refrigerate (covered) up to 2 days. Cooked leftovers keep 3–4 days and crisp up again in the oven.

Ready to get cooking?

With simple ingredients and an easy method, Menchi Katsu is a quick way to enjoy deep-fried, comforting Japanese flavours at home. Enjoy!

More delicious Japanese recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, try more Japanese favourites like Katsu Curry, Chicken Katsudon, Japanese Miso Mushrooms, Salmon Soba Noodles with Miso Dressing, Buta Kakuni, Chashu Don and others for a range of comforting flavours.

Any Questions? (FAQ)

Have a question about Menchi Katsu? Let me know in the comments.