Sandwiches are a thing of beauty and a staple in your weekly menu. But, if you’re making the same kind again and again, that gets boring. Ham and cheese, turkey and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, repeat.
Here’s an easy way to switch it up: Try some Japanese (or Japanese-inspired) recipes. Sandwiches are a universal favorite and it seems our Eastern friends have their own tasty variations. Next time lunch rolls around, ditch the cold cuts and make a katsu or fruit sandwich.
Japanese Sandos to Make Your Mouth Water
In Japan, sando is short for san-doh- itchi (サンドイッチ) which (you guessed it) means sandwich. That nickname is familiar, but these popular sandos probably aren’t:
Katsu
The key ingredient for this sandwich is a breaded, deep-fried cutlet, made from chicken or pork. It’s often topped with tonkatsu sauce, a thick and slightly sweet Worcestershire-based sauce. At Torisho, we like to mix the sauce with mayo for an extra rich flavor. Other tasty toppings that add texture and flavor contrast include coleslaw, tomato, and pickles. This sandwich is a staple at Japanese fried chicken restaurants.
Tamagoyaki
This is an egg sandwich made with a sweet omelet as the filling. The omelet is usually made with sugar and soy sauce, giving it a complex flavor perfect for those of you torn between sweet and savory. It is often served with a sprinkling of bonito flakes and mayo.
Fruit
This sweet sandwich is great for dessert or for anyone who needs to soothe their sweet tooth. Key ingredients: fresh fruits , whipped cream, and Japanese milk bread or shokupan (known for its fluffiness). The most popular fruits for this sandwich are strawberries and grapes, though any type of fresh fruit can be used.
Make Your Own Chicken Katsu Sandwich
Since Chicken Katsu is one of our favorites, we thought we’d give you the inside scoop on how to make it right.
First, start by making the tonkatsu sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined.
Next, prepare the chicken. Cut a boneless, skinless chicken breast into thin strips. Place the chicken strips into a shallow bowl and season them with salt and pepper. In another shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of panko bread crumbs, a beaten egg, and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, then coat it with the panko bread crumbs.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. When the oil is hot, add the chicken strips and cook them for 3-5 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate. To assemble the sandwiches, place 2-3 cooked chicken strips on a toasted bun. Top with shredded lettuce and a generous amount of tonkatsu sauce. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
There’s no need to be bored with your usual sandwich routine– try out some Japanese-inspired recipes for a change. From the savory katsu sandwich to sweet fruit filling, these sandos are sure to please. Plus, they’re easy to make at home or even order to your door from your favorite Japanese restaurant.
Taste the Delicious Chicken Katsu Sandwich at Torisho
When you’re looking to relax and eliminate the post-cooking cleanup, visit Torisho for our chicken katsu sandwich. We use an in-house blend of spices to create a flavorful and crispy cutlet you won’t forget. Plus, enjoy your sandwich with popular Japanese side dishes like tempura green beans or potato salad.
We specialize in karaage (Japanese fried chicken), so visit our takeout spot in the Beaches neighborhood of Toronto and give it a try. Tag us in your meals @torisho.ca