The Best Tonkatsu You'll Ever Make (Restaurant-Quality) | Epicurious 101

Our mission also includes recognizing the many wonderful chefs and home cooks who dedicate themselves to creating delicious meals for their families or acclaimed restaurants worldwide.

We treasure any contributions you would like to make to our blog, or if you have a family recipe you'd like to share with our community, please reach out at [email protected]. You are amazing, and so should your tasty cooking!

For now, love yourself and enjoy this one ... 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I determine if my produce was organic?

These are the labels you should look for to ensure you are purchasing organic produce

USDA Organic Certified – Produced by USDA and certified as 100% organic.

Certified Naturally Grown is produce that has met strict organic requirements but not yet been certified by the USDA.

Pastured/Free Range – Produced from animals that live outdoors and graze on grasses or herbs.

These labels signify that the product meets a specific set of criteria.

• No pesticides or synthetic fertilizers
• No genetically modified organisms
• Animals are not given antibiotics.
• Animals are not ever given hormones.
• No growth-promoting drug
• No feed additives
• No artificial ingredients
• No irradiation
• There's no sewage waste sludge
• GMOs are not allowed
• Never gave antibiotics
• No hormones ever given
• No growth-promoting drugs
• No feed-additives
• No artificial ingredients
• No sewage solids (if it's not GMO).
• No irradiation

I hope this article has been helpful.

What are the things to look for when purchasing organic products?

Look for USDA-certified organic labels. This seal signifies that the product meets specific USDA standards. Look out for the USDA Organic seal on boxes, cartons cans and jars.

When shopping for meat, ensure it comes from cows fed 100% organic feed. Cattle are ruminants which means that they chew the cud. Ruminant cattle have four stomach areas: rumen (reticulum), omasum (omasum), and abomasum. If the cow is to be labeled "100% organic", all of its parts must have been organically fed.

Make sure you only buy chicken from chicken farms that are fed organically and have never been given antibiotics. Omnivore chickens can eat both plants as well as animals. Omnivorous chickens possess a digestive tract made up of a crop.

When buying dairy products, ensure they come from cows fed 100% organically grown feed. Dairy cows have four stomach compartments, just like ruminants. The fourth stomach, or the udder is where you get milk.

You should always check the label before purchasing any other livestock. This will let you know what percentage of the diet was given to the animals. One example is pork that may be labeled '95% Organic'. This means that 95 percent came from organic sources.

How can you tell whether food is organic?

Fresh ingredients are essential for any chef. Because we feel better when we eat well.

The same goes for our food. We can identify exactly where and how organic foods were grown when we purchase them. We also know that it wasn't treated with harmful chemicals.

Organic foods are produced without using synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, hormones, antibiotics, or genetically modified organisms (GMO). These substances are not allowed for organic farmers.

Growing organic crops is an art. You have many options to safely grow them.

Sometimes, organic farming is called sustainable agriculture. It is a less resource-intensive alternative to conventional farming, but still provides enough nutrients to sustain life.

Crop rotation, crop rotation, cover cropping and composting manure are all organic farming methods. These techniques prevent soil erosion while improving water quality.

They reduce chemical runoff from waterways. Local farms can be found in cities that raise organic produce.

There are two types certified programs for organic products. One is certified by the USDA National Organic Program, and the other is certified by independent certifying agencies. Both require strict adherence of organic standards.

Certified organic products may bear the USDA seal or the symbol O Seal, which indicates that the product meets federal requirements.

Are organic meats better?

If you've been paying attention for any time, you probably already know the answer to this question. Here's the problem: Organic food is becoming more sought-after, while traditional food continues to decline in popularity.

Organic foods are more appealing because they are healthier. Organic products are not only safer for our health but also reduce pollution and waste.

But there are two sides to this coin. Organic produce takes longer to grow, and it requires more resources. This means that organic food costs more money than its non-organic counterpart.

Organic meats will typically be more expensive than those that are raised in conventional conditions. But, you can reduce the cost of organic meats without compromising quality.

Locally grown produce is a great way to save money. Buy locally grown vegetables and fruits to help keep prices low. Farmers receive incentives to grow healthier crops.

A great way to save money is to search for deals. You may be able to get discounts when you buy organics.

A third way to save money on meat consumption is to eat less. Because of the amount of feed required to raise livestock, meat production can become expensive.

There are many reasons why organic food is better for our bodies and the planet, but we should be careful not to overlook the cost.

Are organic foods better?

According to the Environmental Working Group's recent report on pesticide residues within foods, organic fruits & vegetables contained nearly half of the pesticides that non-organic varieties. They found that organic apples contained eight times fewer pesticides than non-organic apples, while organic strawberries were four times cleaner than their conventional counterparts.

Research has also suggested that organic food may reduce mercury and lead exposure. For example, one study showed that children who ate organic meat had 33 percent lower blood lead levels than those who didn't consume organic meats. Another study concluded traditional fish should not be consumed by pregnant women, due to high mercury levels.

Organic food appears to be more safe than non-organic. However, to reduce your risk of cancer and other diseases, experts recommend choosing fresh fruit and vegetables whenever possible.

What are the top organic vegetables?

Organic vegetables are the healthiest and most nutritious foods available to humans. They are considered the healthiest food on Earth.

Organic produce is organically grown without pesticides. These chemicals can be dangerous to our environment as well as our health.

Organic produce contains more nutrients, vitamins and minerals. This makes them healthier because we absorb these nutrients better when eating organics.

Not only do organic vegetables taste delicious, but they are also safe to eat. Organic produce is free from known side effects.

Any grocery store can sell organic fruits and vegetables. You can find organic fruits and vegetables at all grocery stores as long as they conform to USDA guidelines.

Statistics

• Once certified by the USDA, it can fall into one of four categories: "100 percent organic", "organic," "made with organic ingredients," or "made with less than 70 percent organic ingredients. (en.wikipedia.org)
• When packaged products indicate they are “made with organic [specific ingredient or food group],” they contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients. (usda.gov)
• According to a study performed by consumerreports.org, organic products, compared to non-organic products, ranged anywhere from 13 percent cheaper to 303 percent more expensive. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Popular clothing brands, like Patagonia, are labelled as organic by using 100 percent organic cotton for many of their styles. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

[TAG102]

• Occupational Pesticide Exposures and Cancer Risk: A Review: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B: Vol 15, No 4


• Genetically modified foods: Safety, Risks and Public Concerns - A Review - Journal of Food Science and Technology

[TAG105]

• Summary


• Clean Fifteen(tm). Conventional Produce with the Least Pesticides

[TAG108]

• The health effects of organic foods and their impact on the human body: A review of the status quo and future prospects of research – ScienceDirect


• Technical note: Simultaneous analysis of vitamin and carotenoid content in milk from cows fed total mixed rations. Xanthophyll detection is possible - ScienceDirect

[TAG111]

• OTA


• In 2020, the U.S. organic sales reached a record high of almost $62 billion

How To

How to save money on organic meat

In this post I'll share some tips and techniques for buying organic meat that won't break the bank.

Here are my tips for finding cheap organic meats. I'll also tell you how much each pound costs. You will be able to make the most of what you have purchased.

You don't need to spend a lot of money to eat healthily. Sometimes, you have to use your creativity to save money while still eating well. Here are my top tips for keeping food costs down and still enjoying the many benefits of organic meat.

1. Buy bulk food at wholesale clubs. Sams Club and Costco both offer great options for buying bulk foods like pork chops and chicken breasts. You can often find deals on large quantities (up to 50 pounds) if you live close to one of these stores. This ensures that meat is not wasted. And if you buy it in bulk, you can freeze it, so it lasts longer.
2. You can shop online for meat at great prices. Amazon offers Prime Pantry weekly deals, including free shipping for orders above $35 There are discounts on roasts, ground beef and lamb steaks as well as pork loins. It's simple to visit their website to view the latest offerings at different times.
3. Look for a local farmer. They usually charge less than big-box retailers, as they don't have to pay large stocking fees. Local farmers also know exactly what their animals have eaten and drank so they can determine what's in their bodies.
4. Look out for cuts that are the leanest. It's generally less expensive to cook lean meat than fatty. Look for the tiniest cuts. The most common ones are sirloin steak, tenderloin roast, top round steak, and flank steak. These cuts are low in fat and high-protein.
5. Explore new recipes. Don't be afraid of trying new things. Start cooking with ingredients that you have never used before. This is one of the easiest ways reduce your grocery costs. You may be amazed at the variety of delicious dishes that you can make with fresh tomatoes, onions garlic, olive oil and spices.
6. Be creative with leftovers - If you have leftover cooked meat or poultry, use them for sandwiches, salads, soups, casseroles, etc. Leftover meat is perfect for making quick lunches or dinners.

That's it! Here are some tips on how you can afford organic meat despite being on a strict budget. What other tips do you have? Do you have any suggestions for me on where to find cheap meat?

[TAG114] For many college students the budget is tight. With SNAP eligibility changing for college students fewer qualify for the resources. 3 News Now went to the UNO

[TAG115] Coming to San Diego County this September, the 2023 Del Mar Wine & Food Festival will bring a headline list of California’s most renowned chefs, celebrities

[TAG116] Living on rs 1000 for 24 hours challenge ! living on 100 rs for 24 hours in Gwalior was epic food challenge as i had all the famous food so rs 1000 challenge

[TAG117] I've taken down entire regular menus at fast food restaurants in previous food challenges, but in this 72 hour food challenge I went after every secret menu

[TAG118] The co-owner of Carmi Soul Food, Carleen King, is taking soul food to the next level with one of their new recipes, lobster alfredo macaroni and cheese.

[TAG119] Oven Roasted Broccoli requires just a handful of ingredients that you likely have on hand. Perfectly tender-crisp and caramelized on the outside, this recipe

[TAG120] NEEP Collective’s Patio Bar and Food Truck Park, which is billing itself as “a vibrant addition to the city’s culinary and entertainment scene,” hosted a grand

[TAG121] These All-Purpose Turkey Meatballs are so versatile. Toss some in a pot of soup, serve over rice with sauce, or add to a homemade pasta dish!

[TAG122] Amelia Klatt is the Director of Events for the Greater Des Moines Partnership. She lets viewers know what to expect on the last day of the festival. Teodora

[TAG123] New bar and food truck park opens in Northeast.

[TAG124] This no-churn blackberry ice cream is one of my all-time favorite ways to enjoy fresh blackberries in season. The texture is absolutely perfect, and your

[TAG125] World food and music festival

[TAG126] Why aren’t we all making grilled carrots more often? That’s what I asked myself after I tried this grilled carrots recipe for the first time. Because friends,

[TAG127] Easy to make full flavoured recipes. Life is too short for boring food!

[TAG128] Vanilla Custard is easy to make from scratch with easy ingredients! Use vanilla custard to make a cream cake or pie, custard tarts, or even some easy frozen

[TAG129] 30+ Healthy Breakfast RecipesStart the day on a nutritious note with one of these healthy breakfast recipes. Ingredients like whole wheat flour, oats, fruit,

[TAG130] This baked coconut shrimp is a delicious appetizer, snack, or entree! When served with a yummy dipping sauce, it is always the first thing to go. Be the hit of

[TAG131] If you’re not making chimichurri at home, you absolutely should be! This Argentinian green sauce is fresh and tangy, and you can mix it up in under 10

[TAG132] Homemade Churros are a classic favorite fried food! Made with simple, pantry-staple ingredients and fried to golden perfection, these are easier to make at

[TAG133] Make this homemade celery salt blend to add a different flavor profile to all kinds of dishes! Use it in all your favorite recipes, from soups and salads, to

[TAG134] Eggs Benedict is a simple and delicious breakfast or brunch dish! It is easy to make this fancy recipe right at home for a crowd!

[TAG135] Donut Frostings (Strawberry, Vanilla, & Chocolate)Whether you're frying up some classic glazed doughnuts or baking some cake-style doughnuts in a doughnut pan,

[TAG136] How to Make Homemade Glazed DoughnutsMaking homemade glazed doughnuts is easier than you think. Ready in about 2 hours, these taste like doughnuts from your

[TAG137] These No-Bake Cookies are so easy to make. No oven, easy ingredients; kids and adults alike will love to make and eat these chocolatey treats!

[TAG138] Watermelon Salad is a fresh and simple side dish that's full of summer flavors. With just 5 ingredients, it's perfect for a potluck or backyard bbq dish!

[TAG139] This easy tzatziki sauce recipe is a Greek sauce or dip that complements countless meals. Tzatziki is great with grilled chicken, in wraps, or simply served as

[TAG140] This whipped ricotta dip will be my go-to appetizer for the rest of the summer…and fall…and winter. It feels elevated, but it couldn’t be simpler to make.

[TAG141] HEALTHY & KID-FRIENDLY MEALS easy dinner recipes made in minutes. The Latest Recipes st. Patrick's Day Recipes Hello! I'm Sara! Welcome to Dinner at the Zoo!

[TAG142] These Philly Cheesesteaks are the perfect sandwich to make for game day or a family gathering. Garlic hoagies are topped with steak, onion & melted cheese!

[TAG143] Peach Bellinis are deliciously sweet, making them the star of summer parties and backyard barbecues! You only need 3 ingredients to whip up these refreshing

[TAG144] Bursting with fresh crab in every bite, these Crab Cakes are packed with delicious seafood taste and fried or baked until perfectly golden!

[TAG145] This healthy seed crackers recipe is easy to make, packed with nutrients, and irresistibly delicious! With so many fun crackers on the market nowadays, I can

[TAG146] This tofu sandwich recipe doesn’t skimp on flavor. Smoky BBQ tofu plays off a tangy, nutty cabbage salad, which in turn contrasts with sour dill pickles,

[TAG147] Looking for a light & healthy recipe for backyard grilling? Greek Chicken Kabobs are so flavorful, with marinated chicken & colorful veggies in every bite!

[TAG148] 30+ Back-to-School RecipesWelcome to the tastiest back-to-school season yet! I've gathered 30+ family-friendly back-to-school recipes. From baked oatmeal for

[TAG149] Healthy Blueberry Banana MuffinsThese healthy blueberry banana muffins taste wonderfully wholesome and soft, and are quick and easy to make without a mixer.

[TAG150] Craving a fresh & flavorful comfort dish for lunch or dinner? Layers of seasoned tomatoes, cheese, and fresh herbs are baked in a flaky crust until perfectly

[TAG151] Of all the vegetable recipes I post, eggplant recipes are the most divisive. Early on, this surprised me, because eggplant recipes have always been some of

[TAG152] This easy steak kabob marinade recipe makes juicy and tender sirloin or ribeye steak kabobs every time. These have classic Texas roadhouse flavor and they go

[TAG153] Crispy zucchini fries are lightly breaded in Panko crumbs and then baked in the oven to perfection. These are the perfect dippable appetizer or snack.

[TAG154] Air Fryer Zucchini is crisp and flavorful. Serve as an appetizer, a snack, or as an elegant side dish alongside chicken, pork chops, or even pasta!

[TAG155] From comfort foods to indulgent dishes browse hundreds of recipes that your family will love and make over and over again. Cooking Classy has never been easier,

[TAG156] This eggplant salad recipe is what you should make after a trip to the farmers market in late summer. It features some of the best produce of the season:

[TAG157] We love these zucchini pizza bites – a lighter, bite-sized pizza that is packed with flavor. Fresh zucchini rounds are the perfect base, topped with zesty

[TAG158] Easy to make with simple ingredients and SO fresh and delicious.

[TAG159] Fruit salad is light, colorful, and full of flavor. Fresh fruit is mixed together and tossed in a sweet syrup, then served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

[TAG160] Breakfast Egg Muffins (Frittata Muffins)If it's healthy grab-and-go morning fuel you're after, try these easy breakfast egg muffins. As delicious as a frittata

[TAG161] In my opinion, every home cook needs certain kitchen essentials. These basics make cooking easier, more efficient, and—best of all—more enjoyable. With the

[TAG162] It’s blackberry season—let’s make blackberry crisp! Our kiddo loves fresh fruit, so I’ve been getting all kinds at the farmers market this summer. Peaches,

[TAG163] Do you have an opinion about corn pizza? Love it? Hate it? Never tried it? I’m firmly in the “love it” camp, and I’m sharing my favorite corn pizza recipe in

[TAG164] Fresh tomato recipes go on repeat in our house every summer. In the dead of winter, there’s nothing I crave more than a summer tomato—sweet, juicy, and ripe.

[TAG165] Raspberry Swirl Sweet RollsIn this recipe, buttery dough spirals around a juicy, sweet-tart raspberry filling made from frozen raspberries. You can make the

[TAG166] Are you team salsa roja or salsa verde? I’m team…both! I adore all types of salsa made with fresh ingredients, and this salsa roja recipe is one I’ve been

[TAG167] This bruschetta-inspired pasta is tossed with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, onions, balsamic and finished with a sprinkling of crispy garlicky breadcrumbs.

[TAG168] 40 Gluten Free Dessert Recipes Everyone LovesSave this list as your go-to resource whenever you need a gluten free dessert recipe idea. From easy flourless

[TAG169] A family food blog with hundreds of simple, tested and approved recipes. Find easy step-by-step photo cooking instructions and video recipes.

[TAG170] Flourless Peanut Butter Oatmeal CookiesWhen looking at the ingredients (only 9!) for these flourless peanut butter oatmeal cookies, you'll find the glaring

[TAG171] This fattoush salad recipe is the perfect side dish for a summer meal. A Middle Eastern staple, fattoush is fresh and bright, featuring seasonal vegetables

[TAG172] What Baking Means to YouHi bakers! I'm sharing a different kind of post today. It's not a recipe, not a baking article, and it's not an update on life. It's a

[TAG173] Our Cooking Club is a fun way to celebrate the Love & Lemons community of readers. The concept is super simple—each month, I choose a recipe. You make it,

[TAG174] This lemon blueberry bread recipe is one of my favorite ways to use the blueberries we pick in Michigan every summer. These sweet, bursty berries are so

[TAG175] Lemony orzo and chickpeas are simmered in a lightly-spiced broth and tossed with spinach. A new favorite 1-pan, 10-ingredient, 30-minute meal here in our house.

[TAG176] Chicken Pasta Salad (with Creamy Greek Yogurt Dressing)This creamy chicken pasta salad is absolutely loaded with goodies: bacon, peppers, broccoli, corn, feta

[TAG177] When summer sweet corn comes hits peak season, this elote recipe goes on repeat in our house. I love corn on the cob in all its iterations, but something

[TAG178] 20+ Favorite Zucchini RecipesHead to the farmer's market, grocery store, or your own garden and gather up those zucchinis. I'm sharing 20+ of my most-loved

[TAG179] Meet my go-to iced matcha latte recipe! I make this energizing drink just about every day from the start of summer to when the temps dip in the fall. It’s

[TAG180] If you’re buying matcha powder for the first time, it’s hard to know where to start. Depending on how and where this Japanese green tea powder is grown and

[TAG181] Double Chocolate Zucchini BreadLike my chocolate zucchini cake, this moist and fudge-like double chocolate zucchini bread raises a huge question: How on earth

[TAG182] It’s zucchini season! Bring on the zucchini recipes! Partway through July every summer, I start to feel like I’ve cooked all the zucchini recipes out there.

[TAG183] find out hundres of delicous food recipes

[TAG184] Fresh watermelon and cucumber are tossed with lemon and mint and served over a bed of silky whipped feta. For all of you fellow watermelon feta salad lovers

[TAG185] Bakery-Style Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip CookiesUsing this recipe, you'll enjoy ultra soft and thick bakery-style peanut butter chocolate chip cookies that

[TAG186] This zucchini smoothie tastes like a chocolate milkshake. It’s creamy, rich, and sweet. Even though it’s healthy enough to drink for breakfast or a snack, it

[TAG187] Zesty cauliflower steaks are served over hummus and sprinkled with a lemony pine nut gremolata. One of those low-effort, high-reward recipes you are going to

[TAG188] This easy zucchini bread recipe is the best I’ve tried. It’s super moist, warmly spiced, studded with crunchy walnuts, and PACKED with shredded zucchini, so

[TAG189] Peach Cobbler RecipeFeaturing juicy sweet peaches and a buttermilk biscuit-like topping, peach cobbler is the ultimate comforting homestyle summer dessert. For

[TAG190] This grilled ginger lime pork tenderloin recipe is incredibly easy to make and bursting with rich, savory flavor. Today we’re throwing back to one of the very

[TAG191] Favorite Zucchini FrittersGolden brown and crispy, these simple zucchini fritters are naturally gluten free—and naturally, everyone loves them! Flavored with

[TAG192] Fresh Peach CakeThis easy recipe for fresh peach cake is a wonderful way to showcase sweet peaches when they're in season. Soft and tender with a creamy crumb,

[TAG193] This easy summer dessert recipe can be made in less than 20 minutes and is the perfect way to celebrate when fresh peaches are in season. Warm and juicy

[TAG194] Perfect Peach Crisp: So Juicy!Showcasing sweet and juicy peaches bubbling beneath a toasted pecan oat streusel, peach crisp takes less than half the time and

[TAG195] Family-Favorite Rice Krispie Treats RecipeI wasn't going to publish this recipe because-- really-- how many ways can one make a rice krispie treat? The

[TAG196] 25+ 4th of July Desserts Everyone LovesCelebrate Independence Day in delicious style with these 25+ 4th of July desserts. Try easy handheld cookies and bars,

[TAG197] The food blog with mostly healthy recipes made with real, whole foods inspiring more people to get into the kitchen and cook something good.

[TAG198] This mango lentil salad recipe comes together easily in less than 30 minutes and is bursting with fresh and vibrant ingredients. New favorite lentil salad

[TAG199] This vibrant green salad is loaded up with chickpeas, dates, avocado, loads of fresh mint, and tossed with a lemony za’atar shallot vinaigrette. I’m officially

[TAG200] These spicy garlic chili oil noodles are quick and easy to make and tossed with the yummiest garlic ginger chili oil. Feel free to toss with shrimp or your

[TAG201] This roasted vegetable enchiladas recipe is easy to customize with your choice of veggies and baked to delicious cheesy perfection. One of our family’s

[TAG202] My go-to classic potato salad recipe is easy to make, perfectly zesty and creamy, and always a crowd fave! I’m returning to my Midwestern roots today to pay

[TAG203] These crumbled falafel bowls are easy to make with crispy “falafel” crumbles, your choice of rice or greens, and lots of fun toppings! My new favorite

[TAG204] This homemade tahini sauce recipe is quick and easy to make with 5 ingredients and tastes amazing with everything from falafel to roasted veggies, grilled

[TAG205] This homemade tahini recipe is easy to make with 3 ingredients and tastes so deliciously nutty and creamy. Ever tried making homemade tahini? ♡ This beloved

[TAG206] This 5-ingredient brown butter shortbread recipe is easy to make and wonderfully rich and delicious. These brown butter shortbread bars are downright

[TAG207] This Thai-Inspired chopped salad is made with loads of fresh veggies and greens, crunchy peanuts and wonton strips, your choice of protein, and a creamy peanut

[TAG208] This post has been a bit of a surreal one to write. Because, to be honest, I still can’t quite believe where life has us currently. Nine months ago, we were

[TAG209] This one pot creamy sun-dried tomato pasta recipe is easy to make with the most delicious garlic-basil cream sauce. This pasta. ♡ I almost hesitated to share

[TAG210] A food blog with hundreds of quick and easy dinner recipes. Classics done right, incredible one pot recipes, Asian takeout at home and holiday feasting!