Chicken katsu facts for kids
Chicken katsu is a yummy Japanese dish. It is made from chicken that is fried until it is crispy. The chicken is covered in special bread crumbs called panko. People all over the world enjoy chicken katsu, especially in places like Hawaii and Australia. It is also known as panko chicken or tori katsu.
People usually eat chicken katsu with a special sauce called tonkatsu sauce. This sauce is thick and tastes a bit fruity. Sometimes, it's served with ketchup. In Hawaii, chicken katsu is often part of a "plate lunch" meal. This meal usually includes shredded cabbage, rice, or miso soup. It can be a two or three-item combo, or a full dinner with rice and vegetables.
In Hawaii, chicken katsu is very popular, just like tonkatsu (which is fried pork). You can find it in katsu curry and katsudon dishes. These are served in many restaurants, from casual places to fancy Japanese spots. Chicken katsu is also often served in a sandwich with tonkatsu sauce.
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What Does "Katsu" Mean?
The word katsu comes from the Japanese word katsuretsu. This word means "cutlet". A cutlet is a thin slice of meat. So, chicken katsu simply means "chicken cutlet".
Different Kinds of Chicken Katsu
There are a few ways to make chicken katsu, especially in the United States:
Crispy Chicken Thigh
One way uses a chicken thigh. The chicken thigh is often cut open flat, like a butterfly. Then, it is cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces or strips. The chicken is seasoned with salt and pepper. Next, it is covered in a light flour, dipped in an egg mixed with a little mirin (a sweet cooking wine), and then coated in panko bread crumbs. Finally, it is cooked by deep-frying until it is golden and crispy.
Pan-Fried Chicken Breast
Another way uses a chicken breast. The chicken breast is pounded to make it thinner. Then, it is cut into strips, often called "tenders." These tenders are covered in a light flour, dipped in a seasoned egg, and coated with seasoned panko. Instead of deep-frying, these are usually cooked in a pan with a little oil, which is called pan-frying.
Panko Chicken Tenders
A third way is similar to the pan-fried chicken breast. The chicken tenders are not pounded as thin. This style is often called panko chicken. However, any type of chicken katsu can be called panko chicken because it uses panko bread crumbs.
Katsu in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, when people say "katsu," they often mean the special Japanese curry sauce. They might not be talking about the breaded meat itself.
See also
In Spanish: Torikatsu para niños
