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My 4-ingredient katsu sauce recipe is sweet, tangy, and savory, and pairs well with all sorts of fried Japanese dishes.
If you’ve made our chicken katsu or beef katsu before, you’ll know the secret ingredient that takes it up a notch is…my homemade katsu sauce. There was a time when I would buy bottled sauce, but it’s so easy to make at home. Now, it’s a staple in our fridge, and we love adding it to all sorts of dishes.
What is katsu sauce?
Katsu sauce, also known as tonkatsu sauce (とんかつソース), is a staple Japanese condiment and dipping sauce. I often refer to it as a cross between ketchup and BBQ sauce. It’s perfect for all kinds of fried foods.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Quick and easy. This recipe comes together in under a minute and doesn’t require any simmering.
- Better than store-bought. Yes, you CAN buy a bottle of this sauce at any Asian grocery store, but as my family reminded me, the homemade stuff is far superior.
- Made with 4 pantry staples. None of which are hard to find. I can find everything I need at any mainstream grocery store.
- Versatile. Once you try my sauce, you’ll want to add it to everything! We love turning leftover pork katsu into pork katsu sandwiches (with plenty of sauce!).
If you’re looking for more Asian sauce recipes, try my tempura sauce, bulgogi sauce, or eel sauce next!
Key ingredients
- Ketchup. Adds a sweet and tangy flavor. You could technically use tomato sauce, but I find ketchup packs a bigger punch.
- Worcestershire sauce. Adds a smoky, bold flavor that balances out the sweet.
- Powdered sugar. This is my secret ingredient, as it dissolves better than regular sugar and adds a pleasant sweetness. You could also use maple syrup or honey, but your sauce will be much thinner.
- Soy sauce. I like to use low-sodium soy sauce, but regular soy sauce also works. Avoid using dark or flavored sauces, as these tend to be sweeter.
How to make homemade tonkatsu sauce
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Whisk. Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine.
Step 2- Chill or serve. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge or use immediately.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Let it thicken up before using. Allowing the sauce to chill for a few hours will help it thicken up even more.
- Add aromatics. Whisk in fresh garlic or ginger for a greater depth of flavor.
- Reduce the tanginess. If you prefer a mild, more savory sauce, consider reducing the Worcestershire by half and replacing it with oyster sauce.
Ways to use this sauce
- Drizzle it over roasted root vegetables
- Spread it on sandwiches and healthy burgers
- Dipping sauce for tuna croquettes, pork cutlets, or baked chicken tenderloins
Frequently asked questions
This recipe will be suitable for celiacs when made with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
The flavor of this sauce is tangy and umami, almost like Worcestershire sauce. It’s slightly spicy but not overly so, as the sugar balances out the spice perfectly.
More homemade Japanese dinners
- Chicken yakitori
- Beef negimaki
- Spicy ramen
- Unagi don
- Or any of these Japanese recipes
4-Ingredient Katsu Sauce
Video
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk the tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and powdered suga r until combined.
- Use immediately or keep at room temperature for 3-4 hours before using.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published November 2022, updated and republished January 2025
Interesting sauce really. Full of flavours. If I want to make it more chilli, can I put little chilli pepers?
Love this sauce 👍
Is there a powder sugar substitute that can be used?
Yes absolutely!