Tonkatsu sauce is a thick, tangy and sweet Japanese sauce. It is the classic partner for katsu dishes, and it is made from fruit and vegetable purees, vinegar and spices rather than tomato.
Where to find it
Look in the Japanese section of the world food aisle, near soy sauce, mirin and katsu curry sauce. Many larger supermarkets stock it, but ranges are smaller than at a Japanese grocer.
Tonkatsu sauce or katsu curry sauce
These two are often shelved side by side and look similar. Tonkatsu sauce is a thick dipping and brushing sauce. Katsu curry sauce is a thinner, curry flavoured sauce that you heat in a pan. Check the name on the label before you buy.
Choosing a bottle
A Japanese grocer usually stocks more than one brand, with differences in sweetness and thickness. Compare the ingredients if you want a less sugary sauce. Larger bottles are better value if you cook katsu dishes often.
How to use it
Spoon it over crispy fried pork or chicken, or mix a little with mayonnaise for a quick dipping sauce. A small amount goes a long way, since the flavour is strong.
Storage
Keep the bottle sealed in a cupboard until opened, then keep it in the fridge if the label says so.
For a dish to serve it with, try our chicken katsu recipe or our katsu sando. For the creamy sauce many people serve alongside, read our Kewpie mayo guide.