Japanese Rice Cooker Cheesecake & Tonkatsu Recipe
A Match Made in Japanese Culinary Heaven
There’s something magical about Japanese cuisine – it’s a delicate balance of flavors, textures, and technique.
Today, I’m sharing two of my all-time favorite comfort foods: the incredibly fluffy Japanese rice cooker cheesecake and the crispy, juicy tonkatsu.
These dishes hold a special place in my heart, as they remind me of cozy evenings spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would whip up the most delightful homemade meals.
The best part? This recipe simplifies the process so you can enjoy these classics with minimal effort. Let’s get cooking!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Purpose | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Rice Cooker | Baking the cheesecake effortlessly | Kitchen appliance stores, Online |
| Mixing Bowls | Mixing batter and coating tonkatsu | Supermarkets, Online |
| Whisk | Beating egg whites to perfection | Home goods stores |
| Sifter | Ensuring smooth, lump-free batter | Baking supply stores |
| Knife & Cutting Board | Preparing pork and veggies | Any kitchenware store |
| Frying Pan | Frying the tonkatsu to crispy perfection | Cookware stores |
Prep Time
- Japanese Rice Cooker Cheesecake: 1 hour (15 min prep, 45 min baking)
- Tonkatsu: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Soufflé Cheesecake
- 200g Cream cheese
- 40g Unsalted butter
- 120g Whipping cream
- 50g Cake flour
- 4 Egg yolks
- 4 Egg whites
- 1/4 tsp Lemon juice
- 80g Sugar
- Butter (for greasing)
Tonkatsu
- 2 cups Rice
- Water (as needed)
- 2 Pork loin cutlets
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Ground pepper
- 1 Egg
- 20ml Milk
- 50g Flour
- 100g Bread crumbs
- Cooking oil (for frying)
- 1/2 Cabbage, shredded
- 1 Tomato, sliced
- Tonkatsu sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Japanese Rice Cooker Cheesecake
- Prepare the Batter: In a heatproof bowl, melt the cream cheese, butter, and whipping cream over a double boiler until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Incorporate the Yolks: Add egg yolks to the mixture and whisk until fully combined. Sift in the cake flour and mix until smooth.
- Whip the Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with lemon juice. Gradually add sugar while whisking until stiff peaks form.
- Fold & Bake: Gently fold the egg whites into the cream cheese mixture in three parts. Grease the rice cooker with butter, pour in the batter, and set it to ‘Cake’ or ‘Bake’ mode. Bake for 45 minutes.
- Cool & Serve: Let the cheesecake cool in the rice cooker for 10 minutes before removing. Serve chilled for the best texture.
Tonkatsu
- Prepare the Pork: Season the pork loin cutlets with salt and pepper.
- Coat the Cutlets: In a shallow bowl, mix the egg and milk. Dredge the pork in flour, dip into the egg mixture, and coat evenly with bread crumbs.
- Fry to Perfection: Heat cooking oil in a pan to 170°C (340°F). Fry each cutlet for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drain & Slice: Transfer the cooked tonkatsu to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Slice into strips.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve the tonkatsu with shredded cabbage, sliced tomatoes, and tonkatsu sauce over steamed rice.
Food Storage Tips
- Cheesecake: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Tonkatsu: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for crispiness.
Pro Tips
- Cheesecake Variations: Add a bit of matcha powder for a green tea twist or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Perfect Tonkatsu Crispiness: Use panko bread crumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for an ultra-crispy texture.
- Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce: Mix ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of honey for an easy homemade alternative.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Cheesecake | Tonkatsu |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 6g | 25g |
| Carbs | 20g | 45g |
| Fat | 18g | 22g |
| Fiber | 0.5g | 2g |
| Sugar | 12g | 3g |
FAQs
- Can I use a regular oven instead of a rice cooker for the cheesecake? Yes! Bake it at 150°C (300°F) for 45-50 minutes in a water bath.
- What kind of rice works best for this recipe? Short-grain Japanese rice is ideal, but any white rice works.
- Can I make tonkatsu in an air fryer? Absolutely! Air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- How do I know my cheesecake is fully cooked? The center should jiggle slightly but not be runny.
- What can I serve with tonkatsu besides rice? Try shredded cabbage salad, miso soup, or a side of pickled vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Cooking should be fun, simple, and rewarding.
Whether you’re indulging in a cloud-like cheesecake or savoring crispy tonkatsu, these dishes bring a little piece of Japan into your home.
I hope this recipe inspires you to experiment and share delicious meals with your loved ones. Happy cooking!