Zakka Life is a blog that I have been reading for a long time (maybe even since it’s inception in June of 2007). The author, Jessica Okui, posts craft tutorials, recipes, and other tidbits about her life. Her blog is one of my favorites, and so when she asked me to guest post while she was on vacation I was honored. I was even more delighted when she agreed to let me resurrect an old post of hers (I think maybe her 2nd post ever on her blog)–a recipe for Chicken Katsu (delicious deep fried chicken tenders served with a sweet and savory sauce). Jessica writes, “Chicken katsu is one of my families all time favorite recipes. Ever since we acquired the recipe from a friend it’s been in heavy rotation. The secret to what makes this dish taste so good is the sauce.” In her original post, Jessica shares the idea of using plastic TV trays as a cheap alternative to the traditional bento box–genius!

Chicken Katsu
Recipe from Zakka Life
Makes 4 – 6 servings
Hime Tempura Mix
One bag of panko crumbs
Oil
1. Follow directions on back of Hime box to make tempura batter.
2. Dip chicken in batter.
3. Coat with panko crumbs.
4. Deep fry in hot oil about 7 – 10 min.
5. Drain on paper towels.
3/4 cup mirin (rice wine)
3/4 cup soy sauce
1. Heat all in a pot over stove – Don’t over boil – let sugar melt – done.
2. Place sauce on chicken when ready to serve. *Chicken will get soggy if the sauce is on it too long.
* I can personally vouch for this dish. I made it for dinner Monday night and the Fuji family inhaled it. When Mr. Fuji got up to get seconds he turned to me and said, “Can you tell I don’t like this dish?” I served it with rice and Impatient Pickles (a Japanese pickle dish in Elizabeth Andoh’s cookbook, Washoku).


{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Glad to hear your family liked the recipe :) I need to check out the impatient pickles recipe, I love all types and skimono is my favorite
Oooo, that sounds awesome. I love fried chicken of any stripe.
YUMMY!! I love Zakka Life blog! Oh I recently snagged a couple divided/compartmentalized melamine plates for kids at Target on clearance, and my husband and I have been having the cutest dinners lately. It's very bento-like. :)
That chicken sounds tasty. Looks good too.
cool! time to check Zakka Life. :) this looks yum. i love chicken katsu. x
Delicious!
I swear, someday when I'm rich, I'm just going to hire you as my personal chef. Your family must be so spoiled having you cook for them all the time!!! :0)
This chicken looks so good! Thanks for sharing your recipe :)
This really looks delicious. It's wonderful when the family gives a meal the thumbs up. Have a wonderful weekend.
My husband and I just made this tonight and absolutely loved it. Thanks for this great recipe that is definitely going to be used again!!
yum yum chicken katsu is one of my favourite dishes! I learnt it at a japanese cooking class at the local community college and our teacher made an awesome sauce with woicester, soy, oyster and tomato sauce! soooo good!
ohhhh I feel I need to make it this week
Corrie:)