Donkatsu Brown Sauce (for Korean Pork Cutlet)

Inspired recipe for a Korean drama series called K-drama "Moving" (Korean: 무빙) a Disney+ original.



Donkatsu brown sauce

This sauce recipe takes inspiration from the Korean drama series "Moving." It's the same sauce that Doo-sik and Mi-hyun enjoyed (I guess (>ω^) ) on their first date in episode 8. Doo-sik ordered  King Donkatsu for them, and Mi-hyun got to taste it too. Doo-sik was really curious about the sauce's ingredients and even called it magical. Mi-hyun, with her super sensitive taste buds, could actually pinpoint each ingredient as she savored it.

What is Donkatsu brown sauce?


Donkatsu brown sauce, also known as tonkatsu sauce, is a flavorful condiment commonly served with donkatsu (Korean pork cutlet) and tonkatsu (Japanese pork cutlet). It's a thick, savory, and slightly sweet sauce that adds a delicious contrast to the crispy fried pork. The sauce typically contains ingredients like soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and sometimes vinegar and spices. It has a rich umami flavor and is often used to drizzle over the cutlet or as a dipping sauce to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

What is Donkatsu?


Donkatsu, also called Donkkaseu, is a popular Korean dish influenced by Japanese cuisine. It features a crispy pork cutlet that's coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and then deep-fried until it's wonderfully crispy. It's usually served with a tasty sauce, shredded cabbage, and rice. People all around the world, especially in Japan, really love this delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 medium-sized  apple, diced
  • 1 medium-sized onion, diced
  • 1 medium-sized carrot, diced
  • 4 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 4 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tbsp  soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup apple vinegar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon, ground
  • 4 pieces. bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in ½ cup water
  • 4 cups water

Procedure:






Donkatsu Brown Sauce:

  1. Heat a sturdy pot over medium-low heat and add oil and unsalted butter. 
  2. Add in the onions and garlic and sauté them until they turn caramel-colored. 
  3. Next, include the diced carrots and apples. This step is important to enhance the sweetness and bitterness by giving them some color. Browning the veggies nicely will also give the sauce its unique brown hue.
  4. After the veggies are caramelized, mix in the tomato ketchup to get rid of some of the strong flavors. 
  5. Once the veggies and tomato puree have turned a nice brown, add ground cinnamon, bay leaves, ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and water.
  6. Let everything cook on medium heat for 30 minutes so that the spices can infuse and the vegetables can cook through. This step is crucial for developing the flavors. To achieve a smooth, shiny, and brown sauce, it's important to cook the vegetables down.
  7. Dissolve cornstarch in a cup of water and add it to the sauce. After adding the cornstarch, simmer the sauce on low heat for 15 minutes. 
  8. Remove the bay leaves. Put the sauce in the blender and blend on high until it's smooth and shiny. If it's still grainy, blend it again or cook for 15 minutes, then blend again.
  9. Taste and season with salt as needed, and adjust the thickness with water if it's too thick. 



To store leftover donkatsu brown sauce properly, follow these steps:


  • Cool It Down: Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature if it's still hot from use. This helps prevent condensation inside the container, which can lead to spoilage.
  • Choose an Airtight Container: Transfer the leftover sauce to an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the sauce.
  • Seal It Well: Ensure the container's lid is sealed tightly to prevent air from getting in, which can cause the sauce to spoil or lose flavor.
  • Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator. The cold temperature will help preserve the sauce. Keep it in the fridge for up to a few weeks.
  • Label and Date: It's a good practice to label the container with the contents and the date you stored it. This helps you keep track of freshness.
  • Avoid Cross-Contamination: If you dipped utensils or used the sauce while eating, make sure not to put them back into the main container to prevent contamination. Instead, use a separate, clean utensil each time you take some sauce.
  • Freezing (Optional): If you want to store the sauce for a longer period, you can freeze it. Use an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Remember to check the sauce for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, unusual color, or mold, before using it after storage. If you notice any of these signs, it's safer to discard the sauce rather than risk foodborne illness.

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