Sausage lovers rejoice! Today we are making Menchi Katsu, a popular Japanese dish made from ground sausage meat. The cutlets are usually breaded and then fried, but in this recipe, I bake them instead for a healthier option. If you’ve never had Menchi Katsu before, you’re in for a real treat. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a delicious sausage flavor that will make your taste buds happy. So let’s get started!
What is Menchi Katsu?
It is a Japanese dish made from ground sausage meat that is breaded and fried. The word “menchi” means minced or ground, and “katsu” is a Japanese word for cutlet. So basically, Menchi Katsu is fried sausage cutlets. They are usually served with rice and vegetables, and they make a great lunch or bento box meal.
What’s the history of Menchi Katsu?
It is believed to have originated in the early 1800s when Western food was first introduced to Japan. At that time, beef was the most popular type of meat used in katsu dishes. But over time, pork became more common because it was less expensive and more widely available. Nowadays, you can find all sorts of katsu dishes made with chicken, fish, and even tofu.
What are the ingredients?
– Ground sausage meat (I used pork, but you can use beef or chicken)
– Panko bread crumbs
– Flour
– Eggs
– Cooking oil (for spraying the pan)
– Salt and pepper
You will also need a baking sheet and a wire rack.
How do I make Menchi Katsu?
Making Menchi Katsu is easy! Just follow these simple steps:
- – Preheat your oven to 180C.
- – Place the sausage meat in a bowl and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- – Spread some flour on a plate or shallow dish.
- – Beat the eggs in a separate bowl.
- – Place the bread crumbs in another shallow dish.
- – Shape the sausage mixture into small patties (about the size of your palm).
- – First, coat each patty in flour, then dip it in the beaten egg. Finally, coat it in bread crumbs. Make sure each patty is evenly coated with bread crumbs.
- – Spray a baking sheet with cooking oil and place the cutlets on the sheet. Or use a non-stick baking tray.
- – Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
There you have it! Your very own Menchi Katsu, baked to perfection. Serve with rice and vegetables, or enjoy as is. These make a great lunch or snack, and they’re perfect for bento boxes too. So go ahead and treat yourself to some today!
Baked Sausage Cutlets (Menchi Katsu)
Ingredients
- 4 Pork Sausages
- ½ cup Panko (Bread Crumbs)
- ¼ cup Plain flour
- 1 Egg Beaten
- 1 tbsp Oil
Instructions
- Using the tip of a sharp knife, pierce and slice down the sausage skin. Then remove the skin completely and repeat for all 4 sausages.
- Using your hands shape each sausage into a pattie.
- Ready a frying pan over a low heat. Add the panko and the oil, mix well and fry until the panko turns a nice colour, then remove it.
- Pre-heat the oven to 180C.
- Take a pattie and cover with the plain flour, then dip into the beaten egg and finally coat with the fried panko. Repeat for all patties.
- Place the patties on a non-stick baking tray and place in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Turn them once.
- Serve with Tonkatsu sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Enjoy your meal 😀
