Katsu sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. With only 20 calories per tablespoon, it is a low-calorie condiment that can add a flavorful punch to your meals.
Made from a combination of fruits, vegetables, and spices, katsu sauce provides a unique blend of flavors that can enhance the taste of any dish.
In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about katsu sauce, including its nutritional value, ingredients, and how to use it in your cooking.
What is Katsu Sauce?
Katsu sauce is a thick and flavorful sauce that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It is made with a base of tomato paste, sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, and typically includes additional spices like garlic and onion powder. Katsu sauce is often used as a dipping sauce for fried foods like chicken katsu or tonkatsu, but can also be used as a marinade or glaze.
How Many Calories are in Katsu Sauce?
One tablespoon (17 g) of katsu sauce contains approximately 20 calories, making it a low-calorie condiment that can be enjoyed without guilt.
What are the Ingredients in Katsu Sauce?
The main ingredients in katsu sauce are tomato paste, sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Additional spices like garlic and onion powder are often added for flavor. Some variations of katsu sauce may include soy sauce or oyster sauce.
Is Katsu Sauce Vegan?
Katsu sauce is typically not vegan, as it contains Worcestershire sauce, which often includes anchovies as an ingredient. However, some brands of Worcestershire sauce may be vegan, so it is important to check the ingredient list before purchasing.
What is the Nutritional Value of Katsu Sauce?
In addition to being low in calories, katsu sauce is also low in fat and sodium. One tablespoon (17 g) of katsu sauce contains approximately 4 grams of sugar and 95 milligrams of sodium.
How to Use Katsu Sauce?
Katsu sauce can be used in a variety of ways, depending on your preference. As a dipping sauce: Katsu sauce is often used as a dipping sauce for fried foods like chicken katsu or tonkatsu. Simply pour the sauce into a small bowl and dip your food in it. As a marinade or glaze: Katsu sauce can also be used as a marinade or glaze for meats, seafood, or vegetables. Simply brush the sauce onto your food before cooking or marinate your food in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
Where to Buy Katsu Sauce?
Katsu sauce can be found in most Asian grocery stores or online. Some popular brands of katsu sauce include Kikkoman, Bulldog, and Golden Curry.
Katsu Sauce vs Worcestershire Sauce
Katsu sauce and Worcestershire sauce are similar in flavor, but there are some key differences between the two. Worcestershire sauce is typically thinner in consistency and has a stronger vinegar taste, while katsu sauce is thicker and sweeter. Additionally, Worcestershire sauce often includes anchovies as an ingredient, making it unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans. Katsu sauce, on the other hand, is usually free from animal products.
How to Make Katsu Sauce at Home
If you can't find katsu sauce at your local store, you can easily make it at home with a few simple ingredients. Here's a recipe to get you started:
Katsu Sauce as a Dip or Marinade
Katsu sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used as a dip or marinade for a variety of dishes. Try using katsu sauce as a marinade for chicken, pork, or tofu, or as a dip for vegetables or dumplings.
Katsu sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that can add a flavorful punch to any dish.
Frequently Asked Questions about Katsu Sauce
1. What is Katsu Sauce?
Katsu sauce is a thick, sweet and tangy Japanese sauce that is usually served with fried foods, such as tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) or chicken katsu (breaded chicken cutlet).
2. What are the ingredients in Katsu Sauce?
The ingredients in Katsu Sauce typically include tomato paste, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, sugar, and spices such as garlic and ginger.
3. Is Katsu Sauce gluten-free?
It depends on the brand and recipe of the sauce. Some Katsu Sauces may contain gluten, while others are gluten-free. Be sure to check the label for gluten-free certification or a list of ingredients that may contain gluten.
4. How should Katsu Sauce be stored?
Katsu Sauce should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for several months, but it's best to use it within a few weeks of opening.
5. How can Katsu Sauce be used?
Katsu Sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for fried foods, a topping for sushi rolls or rice bowls, or a marinade for meats. It can also be used as a condiment for sandwiches or burgers.