Crispy Katsu Pork Riblet Sandwich

Components (per sandwich)

• 1 formed pork riblet patty, fully cooked and well chilled
• Fine salt and white pepper, to season patty
• ½ cup finely shredded green cabbage
• 2 slices soft white sandwich bread or Texas toast, lightly toasted
• 1½ tbsp Kewpie mayo
• 1½ tbsp tonkatsu-style sauce (recipe below)
• Lemon wedge (for service and pre-squeeze)

Extra-Crispy Katsu Breading (Rice Flour)

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp rice flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp water
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs

1. Combine all-purpose flour and rice flour with a pinch of salt and white pepper.
2. Beat egg with water until smooth in a shallow dish.
3. Place panko in a separate shallow dish.

Simple Tonkatsu-Style Sauce

• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar

Whisk together until smooth.

Assembly & Execution

1. Prep cabbage and bread
   • Toss shredded cabbage with a small pinch of salt and rest 5–10 minutes, then lightly squeeze out excess moisture.
   • Lightly toast bread slices on one side until just golden.
2. Bread the pork patty
   • Pat the chilled pork patty dry and season lightly with fine salt and white pepper.
   • Dredge in the flour–rice flour mixture, shaking off excess.
   • Dip in egg wash, letting excess drip.
   • Coat thoroughly in panko, pressing to adhere.
   • Rest the breaded patty 5 minutes on a rack.
3. Fry the katsu
   • Heat neutral oil to 350°F for shallow frying.
   • Fry until the crust is deep golden and very crisp and the patty is hot through.
   • Drain on a rack to preserve crunch.
4. Add lemon and build the sandwich
   • While the katsu rests on the rack, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice directly over the crust.
   • Spread Kewpie mayo on the toasted side of both bread slices.
   • Spread tonkatsu sauce on the bottom slice.
   • Place the lemon-kissed pork katsu on the sauced bread.
   • Top with a generous mound of shredded cabbage and a light extra drizzle of tonkatsu sauce.
   • Close, cut in half, and serve with the lemon wedge on the side.