Katsu sauce is a thick and glossy ketchup-based sauce that’s perfect for dipping fried foods in! A staple in Japanese and Hawaiian cuisine, you’re going to love having this on hand in your kitchen.
If you’re looking for more tasty homemade sauces to level up your favorite Asian dishes with, try yakitori sauce, yum yum sauce, or sweet chili sauce!
What is Katsu Sauce?
Katsu sauce is a Japanese condiment served alongside fried chicken cutlets, also known as chicken katsu! If you’ve never tried this dreamy combination before, you’re missing out. Katsu sauce is kind of similar to barbecue sauce, with ketchup as its foundation. It gets mixed with things like Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic and onion powders to really make the flavor pop.
Sugar is added too, just a little bit to balance out all of the flavors. You’re going to love the way it tastes! It’s seriously so good, and perfect for dipping fried foods in or smothering on top of your favorite meat dishes. Need some ideas? Karaage chicken (Japanese fried chicken), crispy shrimp, or egg rolls just to name a few.
Ingredients in Katsu Sauce
It only takes a few ingredients to make katsu sauce, and they’re all really simple and easy to find! It’s just a mix of ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and onion. You can of course tweak the ratios to your liking. That’s the beauty of making sauces from scratch!
- Ketchup: Like barbecue sauce, ketchup acts as the base of the katsu sauce. It adds just the right amount of sweetness and acidity.
- Worcestershire Sauce: For a punch of tangy, umami flavor.
- Sugar: So the flavors in your sauce are balanced out. You can add more or less to taste, depending on how sweet you like your sauces.
- Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce isn’t quite as salty as soy sauce, but has a similar taste. Hoisin sauce can also be used as a substitute.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: For a punch of sharp, savory flavor.
How to Make Homemade Katsu Sauce
You can make a fresh batch of homemade katsu sauce in minutes, no trip to the grocery store needed! Your family will love how it tastes.
- Add Ingredients to a Bowl: In a medium bowl, add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, oyster sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Combine: Whisk to combine until smooth.
- Serve: Enjoy right away as a dip or sauce.
Ways to Customize Your Sauce
Make this tasty katsu sauce your own with these extra tips and tricks!
- Make it Sweeter: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more sugar to taste. Start with the suggested amount of 2 tablespoons and then adjust accordingly! You can also use honey instead if you prefer.
- Extra Flavor: Add a few drops of rice wine vinegar for more tanginess, or sesame oil for some nuttiness!
- Let the Flavors Meld: For a stronger flavor, refrigerate your sauce for about an hour, then serve.
Storing Leftover Sauce
If you have leftover katsu sauce, transfer it to an airtight container then store in the fridge for up to 1 week. Give it a quick stir before you use it again to make sure all the ingredients are fully combined.
Try These Other Homemade Sauces!
Katsu Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar, plus more to taste if needed
- 2 tablepsoons oyster sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, oyster sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Whisk to combine until smooth.
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Enjoy right away as a dip or sauce.
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Cover in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
