What To Serve With Chicken Katsu: 25 Tasty Side Dishes
When it comes to Japanese cuisine, chicken katsu is one of the most popular dishes. It’s a simple dish that can be easily made at home, and it’s always a hit with both kids and adults.
I always love finding new and delicious recipes to try, and chicken katsu was no exception. I had never made it before, but it seemed pretty straightforward. I decided to do a little research and found a great recipe online.
I gathered all the ingredients and got to work in the kitchen. The result was amazing! And then I got curious about what side dishes would go well with chicken katsu. What should you serve with chicken katsu?
I started to brainstorm some chicken katsu side dishes and quickly realized that there are a lot of great options out there. After experimenting for some time, I’ve come up with a list of my favorite side dishes to serve with chicken katsu.
What To Serve With Chicken Katsu
- Cucumber Pickles
- Miso Soup
- Shredded Raw Cabbage
- Japanese Steamed Rice
- Fried Brown Rice
- Kohlrabi Salad
- Tsukemono
- Stewed Red Cabbage With Apples
- Steamed Broccoli
- Tonkatsu Sauce
Cucumber Pickles
Cucumber pickles are a refreshing, crunchy side dish that goes great with chicken katsu. Made from cucumbers that are peeled and then soaked in a vinegar-based solution, cucumber pickles have a slightly tart and tangy flavor. They’re also low in calories and fat, making them a healthy option for those watching their weight.
However, cucumber pickles can be tricky to make at home. If the cucumbers are not properly peeled or soaked in the vinegar solution for long enough, they can become mushy and tasteless. For the best results, be sure to use fresh cucumbers and follow the recipe instructions carefully.
Miso Soup
Miso soup is a Japanese soup made with miso paste, dashi broth, and tofu. It’s a simple, yet delicious soup that can be enjoyed as a side dish or main course. The key to making a good miso soup is to use quality ingredients.
Miso paste is available in both white and red varieties, and I prefer to use the red variety for its deeper flavor. Dashi broth is usually made with bonito flakes and kelp, but you can also use vegetable broth if you’re vegetarian or vegan. Tofu is a key ingredient in miso soup, and I prefer to use firm tofu for its slightly chewy texture.
When serving miso soup, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Miso soup should be served hot, not boiling.
- Don’t add too much miso paste – a little goes a long way.
- Be sure to top your soup with some fresh scallions or seaweed for extra flavor and nutrition.
Shredded Raw Cabbage
Sometimes you just want something simple, something that won’t overwhelm the main dish. That’s where shredded raw cabbage comes in.
This humble vegetable may not be the most exciting option on the table, but its mild flavor and crunchy texture make it the perfect accompaniment to chicken katsu. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare – simply shred the cabbage and mix it with your favorite dressing.
Of course, shredded raw cabbage isn’t without its downside. Some people find the taste a bit bland, and the texture can be a bit tough.
But if you’re looking for a low-maintenance side dish that won’t steal the show, shredded raw cabbage is worth a try. Just be sure to dress it up with your favorite flavors so that it doesn’t end up being a total snooze fest.
Japanese Steamed Rice
Japanese steamed rice is a delicious, healthy option for a side dish. It is light and fluffy, with a slightly sweet flavor. The texture is perfect for soaking up sauces and gravies. Japanese steamed rice is also very versatile – it can be used as a base for stir-fries, or simply served with a grilled chicken breast.
However, you need to take note of the following when preparing Japanese steamed rice:
- It is important to rinse the rice several times before cooking, to remove any excess starch.
- The rice should be cooked in a ratio of 1:1.2 (one cup of rice to 1.2 cups of water).
- It is important to let the rice sit for at least 10 minutes after cooking, to allow the steam to escape.
Fried Brown Rice
Chicken Katsu is a delicious Japanese dish of chicken that is breaded and fried. It’s often served with a variety of sides, but one of my personal favorites is Fried Brown Rice.
While traditional White Rice is simmered in water until it’s soft and fluffy, Fried Brown Rice is cooked in a pan with oil until it’s crispy and golden brown. I love the added texture and flavor that the frying process gives to the rice. And because it’s packed full of vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions, Fried Brown Rice makes a perfect side dish for Chicken Katsu.
Here are some useful tips that can help you make your fried brown rice close to perfect:
- Use day-old rice that has been cooked and cooled. This will help to prevent the rice from sticking together and becoming mushy.
- Use a good quality vegetable oil for frying. I like to use canola oil because it has a high Smoke Point and doesn’t add any unnecessary flavor to the dish.
- Season the rice well with salt and pepper before serving. This simple side dish is sure to become a new favorite at your next meal!
Kohlrabi Salad
Kohlrabi salad is the perfect side dish for chicken katsu! The taste is similar to cabbage, but with a slightly sweeter flavor. The texture is crunchy and refreshing, making it a great contrast to the rich chicken katsu. Plus, kohlrabi is packed with nutrients, so you can feel good about serving it to your family.
However, you need to remove the tough outer skin before chopping the kohlrabi into thin strips. Additionally, if you’re not serving the salad right away, add a little bit of vinegar or lemon juice to help preserve the color.
Tsukemono
If you’re looking for something a little different, try Tsukemono. Tsukemono is a type of pickled vegetable, typically made from cucumbers or radishes. It has a crisp, crunchy texture and a slightly sour taste.
Tsukemono is an excellent choice for Chicken Katsu because it helps to cut through the richness of the dish. And, since it’s already nicely flavored, there’s no need to add any extra seasonings.
Keep in mind that tsukemono can be quite salty, so be sure to rinse it before serving. It’s also best to avoid serving one that is too sour or too sweet. Instead, look for a balance of flavors.
Stewed Red Cabbage With Apples
Stewed Red Cabbage With Apples is the perfect side dish for Chicken Katsu. The cabbage is cooked in chicken broth and apple cider vinegar, then simmered with apples, onions, and a touch of sugar. The result is a tender, sweet-and-sour cabbage that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken.
Stewed Red Cabbage With Apples can be made ahead of time and reheated or served immediately. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover cabbage you might have.
Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli is a good side dish because it’s healthy and flavorful. It’s also quick and easy to prepare. The key to making great steamed broccoli is to not overcook it. You want the broccoli to be tender but still have a slight crunch. If it’s overcooked, it will be mushy and not as flavorful.
To steam broccoli, here are some simple steps that you can follow:
- Prepare a steamer basket and a pot with a lid.
- Fill the pot with enough water to come up the sides of the steamer basket, but not touch the bottom of the basket.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then add the broccoli to the basket.
- Cover the pot with the lid and steam the broccoli for 3-5 minutes, or until it is tender.
- Remove the lid and allow the broccoli to cool slightly before eating.
- You can also add a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, or grated cheese for extra flavor.
Tonkatsu Sauce
Tonkatsu sauce is a thick, brownish-red Japanese condiment made from fruit, vegetables, and spices. It is often used as a dipping sauce for chicken katsu, a popular dish in which chicken is breaded and fried.
The sauce is slightly sweet and tangy, with a slightly smoky flavor. It pairs well with the crispy chicken katsu, providing a contrast in texture and flavor.
Just remember that too much sweetness can overwhelm the dish, so it is important to use a light hand when applying the sauce.
In general, tonkatsu sauce is best used as a dipping sauce or dressing, rather than as a heavy coating. When used sparingly, it can help to round out the flavors of the dish and provide a delicious contrast to the crispy chicken katsu.
Related Questions
What are other options when choosing what to serve with katsu chicken?
- Steamed Cauliflower
- Cabbage With Soy-Vinegar Dressing
- Hot Japanese Mustard
- Wasabi
- Steamed Asparagus
- Pickled Radish
- Sesame Dressing
- Carrot Slices
What are some tips when choosing what to eat with chicken katsu?
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing what to serve with chicken katsu:
- Consider the balance of flavors. It’s important to use a light touch when applying any sauces or dressings, as too much can obscure the taste and texture of the food.
- Think about the texture of the dish. Crispy chicken katsu pairs well with tender side dishes, so steamed or roasted vegetables are a good choice.
- Consider the temperature of the dish. Chicken katsu is usually served hot, so you’ll want to choose side dishes that can be served at the same temperature.
Conclusion
I have covered what to serve with chicken katsu and some tips when choosing what to serve with chicken katsu.
I hope you found this article on chicken katsu sides helpful and that you are now able to easily determine what side dishes will go best with your recipe.
So go ahead and don’t be scared to try out new combinations. Be creative and have fun!
What To Serve With Chicken Katsu: 25 Sides You Must Try
Ingredients
- Cucumber Pickles
- Miso Soup
- Shredded Raw Cabbage
- Japanese Steamed Rice
- Fried Brown Rice
- Kohlrabi Salad
- Tsukemono
- Stewed Red Cabbage With Apples
- Steamed Broccoli
- Tonkatsu Sauce
- Steamed Cauliflower
- Cabbage With Soy-Vinegar Dressing
- Hot Japanese Mustard
- Wasabi
- Steamed Asparagus
- Pickled Radish
- Sesame Dressing
- Carrot Slices
Instructions
- Select the recipe that best suits your dish and preferences.
- Gather the ingredients required to complete the selected recipe.
- Make your rice dish in 25 minutes or less!