Japanese-Style Chicken Cutlets with Cabbage Slaw and Tonkatsu Sauce

Step 1

In a medium bowl, combine the vinegar, oyster sauce and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add the cabbage and scallions, then toss until the cabbage begins to wilt, about 1 minute. Set aside.

Step 2

Set a wire rack in each of 2 rimmed baking sheets. In a pie plate or wide, shallow bowl, stir together the flour and cornstarch. In a second similar dish, use a fork to beat the eggs and 1 tablespoon water until well combined. In a third, stir together the panko and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Step 3

Season each cutlet on both sides with salt and pepper. One at a time, dredge the cutlets through the flour mixture, turning to coat and shaking off any excess, then coat both sides with egg, and finally dredge through the panko, pressing so that the crumbs adhere. Place the cutlets on one of the prepared racks.

Step 4

In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high, heat 6 tablespoons of oil until shimmering. Add 2 cutlets and cook undisturbed until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Using tongs, flip and cook until the second sides are golden brown, about 1 minute. Remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the cutlets to the second prepared rack. Repeat with the remaining 4 tablespoons oil and the remaining cutlets, adjusting the heat as needed if the cutlets brown too quickly. Cut crosswise into strips about ½ inch wide and serve with the sauce, slaw and steamed rice, if using.