Tofu Katsu Recipe (Japanese Vegan Steak) (2024)

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This easy vegan Japanese Tofu Katsu recipe tastes as delicious as the popular crispy crusted sweet and sour chicken steak from your favorite Asian restaurant! Serve it with sweet chili sauce or tonkatsu sauce over rice and napa cabbage for a satisfying lunch or dinner that’s better than takeout!

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What is “katsu”?

Katsu is a popular dish in Japan that can be served in a variety of ways. The popular Japanese “Chicken Katsu” is basically a simple dish of crispy fried chicken fillets with panko breading that’s often served with a sweet and fruity Katsu curry sauce. Another popular variation is the “tonkatsu” of pork cutlet that’s traditionally served with a sweet-and-sour sauce over rice and chopped napa cabbage, similar to my vegan tofu katsu.

However, there are many more different Katsu variations in Japan, like “Menchikatsu” made of minced meat, “Gyukatsu” made of beef, up to Katsu recipes with ham, cheese, fish and seafood or vegan with tofu – the possibilities are endless!

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Tofu Katsu Curry and Tonkatsu

Basically, you can serve your tofu katsu with any Japanese sauce and side dish, because the crispy crusted vegan steak goes well with everything! With all these various possibilities, my tofu katsu recipe is inspired by the Tonkatsu serving suggestion with rice and napa cabbage. While I haven’t served this dish with a classic Katsu Curry or Tonkatsu sauce, I created my own version with homemade sweet chili sauce because I love this combination so much!

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Sweet and sour tonkatsu chili sauce

The traditional tonkatsu sauce is basically a Japanese-style BBQ sauce for roasted or grilled meat. The main ingredients are ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and other spices such as garlic and chili. It tastes sour, salty, and sweet at the same time – so pure umami flavor!

Since Worcestershire sauce often contains fish sauce and is therefore not vegan, I recommend checking the list of ingredients when buying it. Alternatively, you could also skip it and use a little more soy sauce or tamari. Instead of ketchup, I prefer to use my homemade sweet chili sauce, because it gives the dip more spicy flavor. So even though my Tofu Katsu is probably not served exactly the same way as the traditional original recipe from Japan, it is absolutely delicious with 100% flavor!

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How to make Tofu Katsu (Easy Vegan Steak)

Step 1: Slice tofu and press dry

First, cut the tofu into 3 slices. Then wrap it in paper towels (or in a clean tea towel) to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. I highly recommend watching the recipe video to see how to make it.

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Step 2: Bread the tofu

To make the tofu breading, you need 2 shallow bowls. In one bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the flour mixture (soy milk, flour, cornstarch, paprika powder, and salt). Place the Panko breadcrumbs in the other bowl.

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First, dip the tofu slices into the flour mixture and then roll them in the Panko breadcrumbs, until they’re evenly coated. Then place the Tofu Katsu Steaks on a plate.

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Step 3: Fry the Tofu Katsu & prepare side dishes

Now heat some oil in a large pan and fry the breaded tofu schnitzel for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Meanwhile, you can cook the rice, chop the napa cabbage, and mix all the ingredients for the sauce.

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Step 4: Serve & enjoy your meal!

Once everything is ready, slice your crispy Tofu Katsu Schnitzel so it’s easier to eat with chopsticks. Then place it over rice and shredded napa cabbage and drizzle the sweet and sour chili sauce over it. Sprinkle fresh spring onions and some sesame seeds over your Asian dish and drizzle with a splash of lime juice. Enjoy your dish!

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This Vegan Japanese Tofu Katsu recipe is:

  • Meat-less
  • Egg-less
  • Dairy-free (lactose-free)
  • Cholesterol-free
  • Easy to make
  • Delicious
  • Crispy
  • Flavorful
  • Sweet-sour
  • Tastes like in a Chinese restaurant
  • Perfect for lunch or dinner!
  • Better than takeout!

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More Vegan Asian, Chinese, Japanese, or Thai Recipes to try:

  • Yaki Onigiri (Crispy Japanese Rice Balls)
  • General Tso’s Tofu with Sweet-Sour Sauce
  • Asian Chili Garlic Noodles
  • Crispy Sesame Tofu with Tahini Peanut Sauce
  • Vegan Sushi (Easy Recipe)
  • Korean Bibimbap with crispy Tofu
  • Vegan Pad Thai with Veggie Noodles and Tofu
  • Chinese Eggplant with Chili Garlic Sauce
  • Vegan dumplings with vegetable filling
  • Scallion Pancakes (Chinese flatbread)
  • Asian Peanut Noodles with Crispy Tofu

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If you try this easy tofu katsu recipe, feel free to leave a comment and review how you liked it! And if you take a picture of your crispy crusted tofu steak and share it on Instagram, please tag me @biancazapatka and use the hashtag #biancazapatka, because I love seeing your remakes! Have fun cooking!

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Tofu Katsu with spicy sweet-sour Sauce

Author: Bianca Zapatka

This Japanese Tofu Katsu recipe is vegan and tastes as delicious as the popular breaded crispy sweet and sour chicken schnitzel from your favorite Asian restaurant! Serve it with sweet chili sauce or tonkatsu sauce over rice and napa cabbage for a satisfying lunch or dinner that’s better than takeout!

4.82 von 33 Bewertungen

Print Pin Review

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Lunch & Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine Japanese

Servings 3 Schnitzel

Calories 287 kcal

Ingredients

Tofu

  • 1 (300 g) block firm tofu 10.5 oz
  • oil for frying

Flour mixture

  • cup (80 ml) soy milk or other non-dairy milk
  • cup (40 g) all-purpose flour or sub gluten-free flour
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp paprika powder
  • tsp salt

Breadcrumb coating

  • 3.5 oz (100 g) panko breadcrumbs or other (gluten-free) breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes

Sauce

  • 4 tbsp sweet chili sauce or ketchup + garlic & chili to taste
  • 2 tbsp strained tomatoes
  • 1-2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • ½ tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce optional

For serving (optional)

  • rice
  • napa cabbage
  • spring onions finely sliced, to garnish
  • sesame for garnish
  • fresh limes

Instructions

*Note: Make sure to watch the recipe video + check out the step-by-step photos above!

  • First, cut the tofu into 3 slices. Then wrap it in paper towels (or in a clean tea towel) and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. It is best to place a heavy pan or another heavy object on top of it and set aside for about ½ hour until the tofu looks very dry.

  • Now take 2 shallow bowls. In one bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the flour mixture (soy milk, flour, corn starch, paprika powder, and salt). Place the Panko breadcrumbs into the other bowl.

  • Dip the tofu slices into the flour mixture first, then roll them in the Panko breadcrumbs and finally place them on a plate.

  • Heat some oil in a large pan and fry the breaded tofu slices for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

  • Meanwhile, cook the rice, chop the napa cabbage and stir together all the ingredients for the sauce.

  • Cut the crispy tofu katsu into slices and serve it over rice and napa cabbage with the sauce. Sprinkle with fresh spring onions and sesame seeds as desired. Drizzle a splash of lime juice over your meal and enjoy it!

Notes

  • For a low-fat option, you can also bake the Tofu Katsu (see Tofu Nuggets recipe).
  • Nutrition facts are just calculated without side dishes and sauce.
  • More information about this recipe can be found in the blog post above.

Nutritions

Serving: 1Schnitzel | Calories: 287kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 777mg | Potassium: 117mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 103IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 222mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition is calculated automatically and should be used as estimate.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @biancazapatka or tag #biancazapatka!

IF YOU HAVE PINTEREST, YOU CAN FIND ME HERE AND PIN THE FOLLOWING PICTURE, IF YOU LIKE! 🙂

Tofu Katsu Recipe (Japanese Vegan Steak) (20)

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Tofu Katsu Recipe (Japanese Vegan Steak) (2024)

FAQs

What is vegan Katsu made from? ›

This vegan katsu curry combines crispy breaded tofu and a creamy coconut curry sauce to create a Japanese inspired meal that you will love. This vegan katsu curry is simply delicious! It's easy enough to make on a regular week night, but looks fancy enough to serve at any dinner party.

Can I substitute tofu for meat? ›

Tofu is rich in nutrients, contains all essential amino acids and is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Its adaptability allows for use in diverse dishes, whether as a meat substitute in vegetarian meals, blended into smoothies, or grilled, baked or stir-fried for added protein in a range of recipes.

How many calories are in tofu katsu? ›

Yo! Sushi
Nutrition Facts
For a Serving Size of 1 Serving
How many calories are in Tofu Katsu? Amount of calories in Tofu Katsu: Calories 150Calories from Fat 54 (36%)
% Daily Value *
How much fat is in Tofu Katsu? Amount of fat in Tofu Katsu: Total Fat 6g-
9 more rows

Is tonkatsu sauce vegetarian? ›

Whilst the Tonkatsu dish is generally pork-based, the sauce itself is usually vegan-friendly. That's to say that all its ingredients are plant-based, unless any oyster sauce is used, which would make it non-vegan.

What is plant-based katsu? ›

Our plant-based meat products are made of 5 plants, namely soy (from a non-GMO source), rice, coconut, beetroot, and seaweed. Our katsu is lightly seasoned with garlic & onion for good taste.

How healthy is katsu? ›

Katsu is a piece of breaded and fried meat. Pork is typically used. The curry is a sauce that tends to be milder in flavor than other curries. Unfortunately, katsu curry can be high in calories and not very healthy for you.

Is tofu healthier than steak? ›

Lean beef (defined by government guidelines as having less than 10 grams total fat, 4.5 grams or less saturated fat and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per 3.5 ounces) can be healthier than chicken, fish - or tofu (bean curd) for that matter - depending on how much is eaten and how it's prepared.

Is tofu really healthier than meat? ›

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, half a cup of firm tofu offers 21.8 grams of protein with 181 calories and 11 grams of fat. Most of that fat is of the healthy polyunsaturated kind. The high level of protein makes tofu a good alternative to animal-derived meat.

Why is tofu healthier than meat? ›

“If we are talking about soy in its whole form such as edamame, tofu and whole soy milk, then it is healthier than meat in the sense that soy provides an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals — without the cholesterol and saturated fat found in meat,” she says.

Is Japanese tofu good for weight loss? ›

It's a great ingredient to help you lose weight because it will keep you satiated or full for longer than meat. Since most tofu comes from soybeans, studies show it can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

What is the meaning of the word katsu? ›

Meaning of katsu in English

a Japanese dish consisting of a piece of meat, usually chicken, or vegetable, covered in bread crumbs, fried, then usually cut into strips and eaten with a sauce: One of my favourite dishes growing up, chicken katsu is basically the Japanese version of fried chicken.

Why is Katsu Curry so high in calories? ›

Chicken Katsu Curry

Plus, 42% of the calories comes from carbs as it's served with a mound of sticky rice, which has a high GI content when compared with other types of rice. It also contains 40g of fat, a quarter of which saturates, which can increase blood cholesterol levels,” says Sarah.

Is Japanese Worcestershire sauce vegan? ›

Is Japanese Worcestershire sauce vegan? Some sauces may contain fish extract. It differs depending on the brand and type of sauce, so always check the ingredients.

What is a substitute for katsu sauce? ›

Can you substitute tonkatsu sauce? Yes. If you don't have all the ingredients to make your own, you can substitute with tomato, Worcestershire or barbecue sauce. Otherwise, you could also shake things up by using other Japanese sauces such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki or yakisoba sauce instead.

Is Japanese soy sauce vegan? ›

Simply consisting of soybeans, water and salt that have been left to brew and ferment, it is most definitely a vegan-friendly product. Originating in China, soy sauce made its way all around the Far and South East — from the Philippines to Korea — where it has evolved into many regional variations.

What is katsu usually made of? ›

Katsu, a popular Japanese comfort food of breaded cutlets, is commonly made with chicken or pork. For this chicken version, boneless chicken breasts are pounded thin, dredged in flour, egg and panko, then fried until golden brown for an irresistible crispy crust that yields to — and protects — juicy meat inside.

What is vegatsu made of? ›

“Vegatsu” is a plant-based reinterpretation of a traditional dish, featuring tofu and soya protein encased in crunchy panko breadcrumbs. This delightful creation is served over sticky white rice, generously topped with a flavorful katsu curry sauce.

What katsu contains? ›

Chicken katsu curry is a very popular curry dish – traditionally hailing from Japan, this dish comprises of panko breadcrumb coated chicken in a thick curry sauce and rice. Due to the ease of preparation and minimal ingredients list, it is a firm favourite with the British.

What is katsu breading made of? ›

First, katsu must be made with panko crumbs (as opposed to European-style breaded cutlets, where panko may occasionally be called for but is not a requirement). And second, it must be served with katsu sauce.

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