Description

This homemade tonkatsu sauce with thick mahogany tamarind drizzle offers restaurant-quality flavors and transforms everyday meals into something gourmet. It’s a customizable sauce made with pantry staples, perfect for quick weeknight meals and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

0.5 cup ketchup
0.25 cup Worcestershire sauce, or a gluten-free Worcestershire
2 Tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium option)
2 Tbsp tamarind paste (seedless variety)
2 Tbsp brown sugar (sugar-free alternative option)
1 Tbsp mirin (or rice vinegar with a pinch of sugar)
1 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp ginger powder
0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)

Instructions

Combine All Ingredients: In a small, non-reactive saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, mirin, garlic powder, ginger powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). This ensures everything is well-blended before heating.
Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The sauce will just start to bubble around the edges, typically after 3-5 minutes.
Thicken and Reduce: Continue to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring more frequently as it thickens, or until the sauce coats the back of a spoon and achieves a rich, thick mahogany color. If it appears too thin after 15 minutes, continue simmering for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency; if too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of water or mirin to thin it slightly.
Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool completely. The texture will become even thicker and more luxurious as it cools. Taste and adjust sweetness or tang if desired.

Notes

The sauce can be customized for dietary needs (gluten-free Worcestershire, low-sodium soy sauce, sugar-free brown sugar substitute) or spice preference (adjust cayenne). If it appears too thin after simmering, continue for a few more minutes; if too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of water or mirin. Store the sauce for convenient meal prep.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Japanese-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30 g)
Calories: 55 calories
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 250 mg
Fat: 0.1 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 0.5 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: tonkatsu sauce, tamarind drizzle, homemade sauce, easy dinner, meal prep, savory, sweet, tangy, umami, Japanese