Make delicious homemade tonkatsu sauce with just four ingredients! Perfect for drizzling over katsu or as a dipping sauce. Quick, easy, and packed with flavour!

I’ve been using storebought Tonkatsu sauce for the longest time – until I chanced upon this recipe by JustOneCookbook (full credits for this goes to them!). I was sceptical that this would be as good… until I tried it out, made a few tiny adjustments, and found that this tasted BETTER than the storebought version! Whether you’re making Katsudon, or even using it as a dip for your favourite fried dishes, this homemade Tonkatsu sauce is a game-changer.
What is Tonkatsu Sauce?

Tonkatsu Sauce, or Katsu sauce, is a Japanese bbq sauce condiment that sweet, savoury, and tangy. It’s traditionally served with katsu, a breaded and deep-fried pork or chicken cutlet, but its versatility makes it perfect for many dishes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a breeze to whip up.
- Versatile: Perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes, from fried cutlets to sandwiches and more.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or spice to suit your taste preferences.
- No Preservatives: Homemade means you control what goes into your sauce, ensuring it’s free from unnecessary additives!
Key Ingredients for Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy depth and umami! This is a key ingredient, and quite irreplaceable with any other.
- Tomato Ketchup: The same one you dip your fries in! This provides a sweet and tangy base.
- Oyster Sauce: Enhances the umami savoury notes. You can also replace with Soy Sauce.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity with sweetness.
Key Steps to Making Tonkatsu Sauce
1. Combine Ingredients

- In a small mixing bowl, combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce and sugar.
2. Whisk Together

- Whisk the ingredients together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Taste and Adjust
- Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or tanginess as needed! Simply put, the sauce should taste good! I prefer my sauce not so sweet (tomato ketchup has sugar as well), so I prefer adding less sugar.
- If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more sugar. If you want more tang, add a bit more Worcestershire sauce.
4. Store

- Transfer the sauce to an airtight container or jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
How to Serve

Tonkatsu Sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in many ways:
- With Fried Cutlets: Drizzle over Chicken Katsu, Tonkatsu, or any breaded and fried cutlets.
- As a Dip: Use as a dipping sauce for fries, or finger foods.
- In Sandwiches: Spread on sandwiches or burgers for an extra layer of flavor.
- With Rice or Noodles: Mix into rice or noodle dishes for a tangy twist… or as a main seasoning sauce for Yakisoba or Yaki Udon!
- As a Glaze: Use as a glaze for grilled meats or vegetables.
Tips and Tricks
- Infusion: For a deeper flavour, let the sauce sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before using.
- Spice Level: Add a bit of hot sauce, sriracha, chilli sauce, or chili powder if you like a spicier kick!
- Stir Fry Magic: You can also use this in stir fries! This sauce would be perfect for making Yakisoba, but will also work for a lot of stir fries.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
Storing
Store the tonkatsu sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 weeks – though I doubt it will last this long!
Reheating
Tonkatsu sauce is typically served at room temperature or slightly warm. If needed, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also give it a quick blitz in the microwave.
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