DONKATSU (Korean Pork Cutlet)

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

My friends, viewers, and followers know me for creating recipes inspired by K-dramas and animes. While enjoying the K-drama series "Moving" on Disney+, I stumbled upon a delightful recipe that I would love to share with you. The Donkatsu dish is simply amazing and I believe it will bring you just as much joy as it did for me. I highly recommend giving it a try and prepare to be pleasantly surprised!

The television series "Moving" (Korean: 무빙), directed by Park In-je, has gained immense popularity. It is a Disney+ original starring Ryu Seung-ryong, Han Hyo-joo, Zo In-sung, Cha Tae-hyun, Ryoo Seung-bum, Kim Sung-kyun, Lee Jung-ha, Go Youn-jung, and Kim Do-hoon. The show is a supernatural drama based on the webtoon of the same name by Kang Full. It follows three high school students and their parents as they discover their superpowers. The series premiered on August 9, 2023, and within just seven days of streaming, it became the most-watched Korean original series on Disney+ globally and on Hulu in the United States, based on hours streamed.

On their first date, Kim Doo-sik (Zo In-sung) and Lee Mi-hyun (Han Hyo-joo) chose a dish that stood out: the Donkatsu. This meal marked a turning point in their lives. Later, when they were married, Doo-sik pledged to Mi-hyun that they'd start a Donkatsu restaurant when their son grew up. Building on this special memory, Lee Mi-hyun opened Namsan Donkatsu in Namsan. The standout dish to try there is the renowned King Donkatsu.

What is Donkatsu?

Donkatsu is one of the popular Korean dishes also known as Donkkaseu. You absolutely can't go wrong with donkatsu, also known as "tonkatsu"  inspired by Japanese cuisine. This dish boasts a crispy pork cutlet that's been coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and then expertly deep-fried to crispy perfection. To perfectly complement the dish, it's typically served alongside a savory and slightly sweet tonkatsu sauce, as well as some shredded cabbage and rice. Donkatsu is a genuinely satisfying and enjoyable meal that people worldwide, particularly those in Japan, simply adore.

Recipe Video:

Ingredients:

• 700g pork loin, slice
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper, ground
• 2 large eggs
• panko breadcrumbs
• cooking oil

Procedure:

1. Start by pounding the pork chops slightly to tenderize them. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Set up a breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.
3. Dredge each pork chop in flour, shaking off any excess.
4. Dip the floured pork chop into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off.
5. Press the pork chop into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it's coated evenly on all sides. Press the breadcrumbs onto the meat to help them adhere.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C).
7. Carefully place the breaded pork chops into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Make sure the pork is cooked through.
8. Once done, transfer the fried pork chops to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Slice the fried pork into strips.
10. Serve the donkatsu with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of tonkatsu sauce. You can also serve it with rice if desired.

What is the difference between Korean Donkatsu vs Japanese Tonkatsu?

Korean and Japanese tonkatsu involve breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets but differ in preparation, flavors, and accompaniments. Here are the key distinctions:

Breading Style:

• Japanese Tonkatsu: When it comes to Japanese tonkatsu, the traditional method involves coating the pork with flour, dipping it in a beaten egg, and then coating it with panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are coarser and lighter, giving the tonkatsu a delicious crunch.
• Korean Donkatsu: For Korean donkatsu, the pork is also coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, but the breadcrumbs used in Korea might differ slightly from the Japanese version. Additionally, Korean chefs may add different seasonings to the breading mix for added flavor.

Flavor Profile:

• Japanese Tonkatsu: For Japanese Tonkatsu, pork is seasoned with salt and pepper before being breaded. The emphasis is on the natural flavor of the pork, while the sauce provides a balance of savory and sweet flavors. 
• Korean Donkatsu: In Korean Donkatsu, the breading may be slightly more seasoned, and the sauce tends to be sweeter and tangier compared to the Japanese version.

Sauce:

• Japanese Tonkatsu Sauce: When enjoying Japanese tonkatsu, it is typical to have it served with a thick, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce known as tonkatsu sauce. This sauce is created from a combination of ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, and sugar.
• Korean Donkatsu Sauce: On the other hand, Korean donkatsu is usually accompanied by a sauce that is similar to tonkatsu sauce but may contain variations, such as additional spices or a higher amount of soy sauce.

Accompaniments:

• Japanese Tonkatsu: When it comes to Japanese Tonkatsu, it is typically served with a side of shredded cabbage, along with rice and miso soup. 
• Korean Donkatsu: Meanwhile, Korean Donkatsu is also usually accompanied by shredded cabbage, but it may be served with pickled radishes and other traditional Korean side dishes.

Cultural Influence:

• Japanese Tonkatsu:  Japanese Tonkatsu is a traditional and popular dish in Japan. It has a rich history in Japanese cuisine.
• Korean Donkatsu: Similarly, Korean Donkatsu is a dish that takes inspiration from Tonkatsu, but it has been adapted to cater to Korean tastes and is commonly found in Korean restaurants and households.

Both Korean donkatsu and Japanese tonkatsu are breaded and fried pork cutlets, but they have unique characteristics, breading styles, flavors, and cultural influences.