This recipe shows you how to make a quick & easy Tonkatsu Sauce from scratch. Serve it with tonkatsu or other deep fried dishes.
Tonkatsu Sauce is served with Tonkatsu (deep fried pork cutlet) and often used for other deep fried dishes like Ebi Fry and Korokke.
Tonkatsu Sauce mainly consists of vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, prunes, dates, apples, lemon juice, carrots, onions, and celery. It also includes more than 10 kinds of spices along with soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. It’s a lot of work to make it from scratch, but you can definitely make a simplified version that tastes just as good to go with your homemade tonkatsu.
To make a quick & easy Tonkatsu sauce :
Combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce and sugar in a small bowl & whisk well. Taste and adjust any seasonings to your liking.
The popular Tonkatsu Sauce brand is Bulldog (see below) which you can find in a Japanese or Asian supermarket.
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Okonomiyaki Sauce / Okonomi Sauce
If you’re looking for Okonomiyaki Sauce, click here for the recipe.
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- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- 2½ tsp Worcestershire sauce (or Usutah So-su)
- 1½ tsp oyster sauce
- 1⅛ tsp granulated sugar
- Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together. Adjust the sauce according to your liking.
Recipe by Namiko Chen of Just One Cookbook. All images and content on this site are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without my permission. If you’d like to share this recipe on your site, please re-write the recipe in your own words and link to this post as the original source. Thank you.
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Erlene
Thank you for posting the Tonkatsu sauce recipe. It’s simple, fast, and tasty. Just used it with tonight’s dinner.
Nami
Hi Erlene! Thank you so much for trying this recipe! 🙂
Diane
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce in this recipe….I haven’t found a gluten free one yet.
Thanks
Diane Harris
Nami
Hi Diane! I have this one at home, and according to the website, it’s GF.
http://www.leaperrins.com/products/the-original-worcestershire-sauce.aspx
Amazon sells it online. Worcestershire sauce is main flavor in Tonkatsu sauce, and it’s hard to skip this flavor….
Hope this helps. 🙂
Allysha
This looks yum, but is there a substitute for oyster sauce or can it be omitted?
Nami
Hi Allysha! The one I made include oyster sauce to get the thickness and salty deep flavor in tonkatsu sauce, but I’m sure we can create a version of Tonkatsu Sauce without the oyster sauce. However I don’t know how the measurement of ingredients will be without oyster sauce.
Viet
maybe hoisin as a thickener? Wouldn’t taste the same but it’s also sweet and salty
Nami
Thanks for your suggestion, Viet! 🙂
Alifa
i love your website
it is simple and easy to read.
i wish you to add video how to cook properly 😀
In my hometown, they do not sell Worcestershire sauce (or Usutah So-su) or oyster sauce.
so,how i can replace them?
is there any substitute?
Nami
Hi Alifa! Thank you so much for following my site! I’m so glad to hear you enjoy it. I already have YouTube channel, and I hope you subscribe there. 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/user/justonecookbook
That’s a difficult question. To make Tonkatsu Sauce without going through making it from scratch, I think it’s very difficult to get a closer tonkatsu sauce flavor without those ingredients, especially Worcestershire sauce…. Sorry I am not sure how I can suggest. Hope you can find tonkatsu sauce online.
Marco
“In my hometown, they do not sell Worcestershire sauce”
I weep for you. I am so sorry to hear of this travesty in this day and age.
Jesseca
From what I hear you can order groceries through Amazon and other online retailers now. Condiments like that would be perfect to order because they don’t spoil easily and you’d probably get a discount if you got some in bulk to stock up.
Deborah Jordan-Buriel
I wonder if using soy sauce instead of the Worcestershire, and perhaps a few drops of toasted sesame oil and some ginger would be a good sauce. It won’t be the same, obviously, but it could make a nice tasting sauce, though.
Nami
Hi Deborah! You can, but Worcestershire sauce is the main flavor of Tonkatsu Sauce, so it’ll be a little different from Tonkatsu sauce. Please share with us if you enjoy the sauce you created! 🙂
Fernando
Nami, thank you very much. I had eaten Tokastsu at a small japanese restaurant and I loved it, but then they closed last week and I never got the recipy so I ventured yself on doing it and thanks to the recipy its great! Its the same thing! It taste great, thank you very much!
Nami
Hi Fernando! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Try my Baked Tonkatsu recipe if you made the regular tonkatsu. 😉 Thank you very much for trying my recipe!
Winnie
My fiancé has a severe fish allergy so he can’t use Worcestershire sauce. But if you have it HP sauce is very similar in taste but without the fish sauce. You can try it and see if HP sauce will work.
Nami
Hi Winnie! Thank you so much for sharing the information! 🙂
Heather
This was perfect! Easy and delicious. I was cooking my first tonkatsu and another sauce recipe I tried just didn’t taste right (too much worcestershire and no oyster sauce). So I whipped this one together at the last minute, and… yipee! Thanks for helping to make my first tonkatsu attempt a hit. 🙂
Nami
Hi Heather! I’m so glad the recipe worked out for you and thank you for your kind feedback! 🙂 Hope you try my Baked Tonkatsu recipe, which is easier and just like deep fried version! 🙂
Zainab
Hi,
Thank you for the amazing recipes! I was wondering can I use something else or not use the oyster sauce at all? Is there a vegetarian option that I can use instead of the oyster sauce? Did you try making the sauce without the oyster sauce?
Thank you very much. 🙂
Nami
Hi Zainab! Sure you can omit. It’s not one of crucial ingredients. I add the oyster sauce to add thickness, saltiness, and depth of flavor. 🙂
Kandi
I want to find a good brand of oyster sauce, but I can’t decide which one. Should I get one with MSG flavoring or one without? Do you have a preference?
Thanks!
Nami
Hi Kandi! I don’t use too much oyster sauce in my cooking, so once I buy it, it lasts long time… I now use this brand:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00023T3J4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00023T3J4&linkCode=as2&tag=jusonecoo-20&linkId=D74OQTQC5QBHUVRO
Since I don’t use it often, I haven’t looked into MSG-free one. When I see it next time, I’d definitely get that one. 🙂
Emily
How long can this be kept for if fridged? I am thinking of doubling the recipe so I will have it on hand.
Thank you
Nami
Hi Emily! Since there is no water in the ingredients, it should last pretty long time. Keep it in the airtight jar and should last about 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it if you make a lot. 🙂
Emily
Thank you! (:
Maken Dodge
I used same amount of fish sauce instead of oyster sauce and added grated fresh ginger to taste plus 2tsp. sour cherry preserve. Delicious!
Nami
Hi Maken! I’m glad it worked out for you! Thank you for your comment! 🙂
Nikki
Hi Nami!
Can I replace the oyster sauce with fish sauce?
Nami
Hi Nikki! Oyster sauce and Fish sauce are completely different things, and it can’t be used as substitute for each other… SO sorry! You can just omit it. 🙂
Nikki
Ah I see that now. I found some at the store and should be good now. Thanks!
Nami
Hi Nikki! Good to hear! Tonkatsu sauce is really delicious. We sometimes pour over fried eggs to eat too (just an example of quick use of this sauce…). 🙂
Nikki
Yum! Finally was able to make some and tried it with my okonomiyaki! Tastes just like the stuff my dad used to make for me when I was a kid! Thanks for this!
Nami
Hi Nikki! I’m so glad to hear you liked the recipe! Thank you so much for your kind feedback! 🙂
StevenPanda
awesome!
Nami
Thanks!
Lily Rose
Hi can i ask if what kind of ketchup you use ? Is it tomato ketchup or banana ketchup or it doesnt matter what ketchup i can use. Thnks have a great day..
Nami
It’s regular tomato ketchup. 🙂
yoshie
Great sauce but I also added 1 table spoon of apple sauce. It tasted a little more authentic. Thanks for the recipe!
Nami
Hi Yoshie! That’s a great idea! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Hondo
Made some Okonomiyaki sauce today. Turned out great, little sweet, tangy, salty, and nice peppery heat afterwards. Takes up alot of ingredients though (but I kind of had most of this around the house anyway)
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (I used Lea and Perrins)
2 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
2 teaspoon molasses
1 garlic glove minced
1 in of ginger minced
salt and pepper to taste (I used about 1/8 teaspoon of each)
Combine and mix well in a bowl, adjust to taste before pouring it into a small saucepan and reducing the sauce with 2 tablespoons of water until desired thickness.
Nami
Hi Hondo! Thank you for sharing your Okonomi sauce! 🙂
Julie
This is the best Tonkatsu sauce I have tried! Thank you so much!
P.S. I also love your Tonkatsu recipe / tutorial!
Nami
Hi Julie! Aww thank you so much for your kind feedback! 😀
Gretch
The tonkatsu sauce is oh so yummy! ???? Btw,since i don’t have a worcestershire sauce on hand. I’ve tried to make a subsitute and it went well. So,for those folks who will probably don’t have it. You’re welcome to try it. ????
*If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, use 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice,1/4 teaspoon sugar and a dash of hot sauce for every tablespoon Worcestershire the recipe calls for.
Nami
Hi Gretch! Thanks so much for sharing your tip on substituting Worcestershire sauce! Awesome! 🙂
Moggy
I make my sauce a little differently – I used equal parts ketchup, worcestershire, and honey + I add a little freshly grated ginger since we love it so much. It comes out nice and thick and if you need to thin it down just had a little water. I don’t use oyster sauce in mine.
Nami
Thanks for sharing, Moggy!
Julie
This is the best Tonkatsu sauce I have tried. Thank you so much!
Nami
Hi Julie! I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks so much for your feedback! 🙂
Anna
I am allergic to shellfish. So is there a substitute for oyster sauce? Thanks!
Nami
Hi Anna! You can omit it, and it is still okay. The flavor is slightly different, but I can’t think of a good sub for oyster sauce…
Mykala
Is there something I can use in replace for ketchup?
Nami
Hi Mykala! Ketchup is a big part of tonkatsu sauce here… so the resulting taste will change if you don’t use it. Tomato sauce is not quite the same as ketchup… we’re relying that specific flavor, but if you’re okay with the taste difference, you can use tomato sauce. 🙂
June
Thank you for this recipe Nami. It’s a life saver I went to several big supermarket here where I live but can’t find any tonkatsu sauce in a bottle. This recipe is so easy that I made extra and put in the squirt bottle to use anytime when it’s katsu time ^^ The taste is spot on.
Nami
Hi June! Yay! I actually filmed a recipe that uses Tonkatsu sauce and I used this recipe. I really think this sauce is pretty good too! I thought I should ditch and only use homemade one from now on… 🙂 Glad to hear you liked it too! 🙂
Carrisa
Just made the sauce and it’s amazing! Thank you for the recipe! 😀
Nami
Hi Carrisa! I am so happy to hear you liked the recipe! 🙂
Opalyn castillo
What other ingredients can we use instead of worcestershire sauce?
Nami
Hi Opalyn! I’d say Tonkatsu sauce can’t be made without worcestershire sauce… Sorry, but it’s REALLY the key ingredient. Like tomato in ketchup… so please look for it, if you want to make quick shortcut Tonkatsu sauce… 🙂
Wai
Just make this sauce for lunch to go with vegie pancake, it taste beautiful….. Thank you for the great recipe!!????
Nami
Yay! So happy to hear yours came out well. Thank you for using my recipe, Wai! 🙂
Matthew
This recipe is prefect with a splash of sioy sauce
Nami
Thank you Matthew! 🙂
Reone
Putting this on almost any fried food with breading is really good. especially on fried chicken, Fried pork and even burgers.
Nami
Hi Reone! Yes, and even on fried sunny side up for breakfast. 🙂
Amy
I’m allergic to fish so Worcester shire sauce is,put ź anchovy paste. Oyster sauce is out – oysters.
Any substitutions with no fish stuff? I’m hypersensitive to fish & can’t even touch it.
Nami
Hi Amy! I see… I searched online and some people make it without without oyster sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Ketchup (3 Tbsp), miso (1.5 Tbsp), soy sauce (1 Tbsp), sugar (2 tsp), and ground sesame seeds (2 Tbsp). I haven’t tried this yet, but I’m curious how it tastes like… maybe not exactly like Tonkatsu sauce, but hopefully delicious.
The recipe comes from this link: https://cookpad.com/recipe/3145328
jazmin
thank you Namiko I made sweet potatoes instead of potatoes and so yummy!!
Nami
Hi Jazmin! Did you make Korokke with sweet potatoes? Delicious! 🙂
Carmen de Vivar
my family loves japanese food. thank you very much for sharing your recipes. God bless!!
Nami
Hi Carmen! I’m happy to hear your family enjoys Japanese food! 🙂
Daniel Cimento
超美味しい!
Do you know if this recipe can be made in advance and stored in the fridge? If so, how long would it be expected to last? Love the recipe, but don’t totally fancy having to dirty extra utensils/bowls if I don’t have to! 😛
Nami
Hi Daniel! うれしい！ I’m so happy you liked this recipe! I think you can keep it up to 4 weeks or so if you keep it in airtight package/jar properly. 🙂
Jack Ebel
This is my go to Tonkatsu sauce. Easy to make. The Heinz 57 is a game changer:2/3C soy sauce
1/2C Heinz 57
1 apple, or Asian pear chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 can of 8 oz canned crushed pineapple and their juice
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
6 tbsp brown sugar
4 tbsp corn syrup
* combine all the ingredients in a sauce pan over medium heat. Boil and simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes until it gets thickened and syrupy. Strain the sauce in the strainer pressing with spoon to get all the juice. Discard the filling and keep the sauce in the fridge until ready to use. Makes about 1/2C
Nami
Hi Jack! Thank you for sharing your recipe with us! It sounds delicious!!!
Amanda
This is just the recipe I was looking for. I have a cookbook with a tonkatsu recipe, but no ingredients for the sauce. Thanks!
Nami
Hi Amanda! That’s great! Hope you enjoyed this recipe. 🙂
fwq
riight if you cannot find tonkatsu sauce in your local shjop, then just find Worcestershire sauce to make it… thanks, may you tell me, where can i find that?
Nami
If there is no local Japanese/Asian grocery store, it’s harder to find Tonkatsu sauce. You can get Worcestershire sauce pretty easily in a regular grocery stores.
Nami
Sorry, I should have asked if you’re based in the US (sorry, majority of my readers are from the US, so I assumed)… Is your area hard to find Worcestershire sauce?
Basudeb Tripathy
Great
Tabitha
Hi, can I substitute something else for the oyster sauce? I’m allergic to seafood. Thanks!
Nami
Hi Tabitha! Hmmm either you can use vegetarian oyster-flavored sauce (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014KM7B46?ie=UTF8) or you can just omit it. Slightly different flavor (no salty kick) though.
Midori
Thank you for this recipe! We really loved it!
Nami
Hi Midori! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it. Thank you for your kind feedback!!
Daniel
I made Tonkatsu, but ran out of the store purchased Tonkatsu Sauce and my local Asian store that carried it was just too far away to drive for that one purchase. I found your recipe for Tonkatsu Sauce and I had all the ingredients. I was pleasant surprised at how good the homemade Tonkatsu Sauce tasted. I’m never going to buy another store purchase Tonkatsu Sauce again. Thank you!!!
Nami
Hi Daniel! Aww I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this Tonkatsu sauce! Thanks so much for trying this recipe. 🙂