Craving the delicious, savory, and slightly sweet magic of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue's famous Katsu sauce? Look no further! This easy recipe will guide you through making your own homemade version, perfect for dipping chicken katsu, pork katsu, or even vegetables. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals, and a quick dinner idea that's sure to impress. Get ready to experience the flavors of Hawaii right in your own kitchen with this delicious dish, a true example of homemade cooking at its best.
Ingredients:
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 1 cup of Katsu sauce. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions:
Step 1: Whisk the Sauce Base: In a small saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the brown sugar is well incorporated.
Step 2: Create the Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. This creates a slurry that will thicken the sauce.
Step 3: Simmer and Thicken: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan with the sauce mixture. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until the sauce begins to thicken and bubble gently. This should take approximately 2-3 minutes. Don't rush this step; continuous whisking prevents lumps.
Step 4: Adjust and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more brown sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or soy sauce for saltiness. Once you're happy with the flavor, your L&L Katsu sauce is ready!
Cooking Tips for the Best Katsu Sauce:
- Fresh Ginger is Best: While ground ginger works in a pinch, fresh ginger offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce gives you more control over the saltiness of the sauce. You can always add more if needed.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Don't be afraid to experiment with the ingredients. Add a dash of sesame oil for a nutty flavor or a pinch of onion powder for extra depth.
- Storage: Store leftover Katsu sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Katsu Sauce: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Sweet and Tangy Katsu Sauce: Increase the amount of brown sugar and apple cider vinegar for a more pronounced sweet and sour profile.
- Honey Katsu Sauce: Replace the brown sugar with honey for a different kind of sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 50-60
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-12g
- Protein: Approximately 1g
- Fat: Approximately 0g
This homemade L&L Katsu sauce is a fantastic example of a quick and easy recipe for healthy meals, perfect for those busy weeknights. It's a delicious addition to your collection of best recipes, guaranteed to become a family favorite. Enjoy!