Why You’ll Love this Pork Cutlets Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, you’re going to love this pork cutlets recipe.
The crispy, golden-brown exterior paired with a tender, juicy inside is simply irresistible. Plus, it takes minimal time to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
The versatility of serving it with a rich sauce or alongside your favorite sides makes every meal special. I can’t get enough of how satisfying it is, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same way.
Trust me, this dish will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients of Pork Cutlets
When it comes to making mouthwatering pork cutlets, having the right ingredients is key. Luckily, most of these items are pantry staples, so you might already have a lot of them at home. The combination of crispy breading and juicy pork is just too good to resist.
Plus, once you see how simple it’s to whip this up, you’ll find yourself craving it more often than you’d like to admit. I mean, who doesn’t love a good home-cooked meal that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant? Let’s explore what you’ll need for this delicious recipe.
Ingredients for Pork Cutlets:
- 6 boneless pork cutlets, trimmed
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons seasoning salt (garlic salt works great)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 6 tablespoons vegetable shortening (like Crisco)
- 2 tablespoons flour (additional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
Now, let’s talk about a few other considerations when it comes to these ingredients. First off, if you’re not a fan of garlic salt, feel free to use regular seasoning salt, or even a mix of your favorite spices. Cooking is all about making it your own, right?
And if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can swap out the vegetable shortening for olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. Just keep in mind that the flavor might vary a bit, but hey, you do you!
As for the breadcrumbs, homemade is always a hit if you’ve got the time, but the store-bought ones are perfectly fine for a quick dinner. So gather your ingredients and get ready for a delightful cooking adventure!
How to Make Pork Cutlets
Making pork cutlets is surprisingly easy, and trust me, once you get that crispy, golden-brown perfection going, you’ll feel like a culinary genius.
First things first, take those 6 boneless pork cutlets and place them between sheets of waxed paper. Now, grab a meat pounder (or a rolling pin if you’re feeling creative) and flatten them to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This little step helps the cutlets cook evenly, and let’s be honest, nobody wants a chewy piece of meat. Oh, and don’t forget to cut small slits around the edges; it helps prevent curling when they hit the skillet.
Now, let’s get into the breading station. In one bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour with 2 teaspoons seasoning salt (garlic salt is a favorite here) and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. In another bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and 1/4 cup milk until it’s nice and frothy. And in the third bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs with 2 teaspoons paprika—this is where the magic happens, folks.
Dip each cutlet first in the flour mixture, making sure it’s well coated, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the breadcrumbs. It’s a bit of an assembly line, but it’s well worth the effort. Set them aside once coated; you don’t want them to get lonely.
Now, heat up 6 tablespoons of vegetable shortening (yep, we’re going there) in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s hot and shimmering. Carefully add three cutlets at a time and sauté them for about 3 to 5 minutes per side until they’re golden brown. It’s like watching your culinary skills come to life.
Once done, transfer them to a warm plate and repeat with the rest—just don’t burn yourself like I once did when I got a little too enthusiastic.
While you’re cooking, in a small cup, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/2 teaspoon dried dill. Add that to the skillet after all the cutlets are cooked, and pour in 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth, stirring to combine. Finally, stir in 1 cup of room-temperature sour cream until heated through.
Trust me, that sauce is going to be your new best friend. Spoon it over the cutlets, and just like that, you’ve got a meal that feels fancy but is super simple to prepare. Enjoy!
Pork Cutlets Substitutions & Variations
While traditional pork cutlets are delicious, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that can elevate your dish and cater to different tastes or dietary restrictions.
For a healthier option, try chicken or turkey cutlets instead. If you’re vegetarian, eggplant or tofu can be great alternatives.
You can also switch up the breadcrumbs; use panko for extra crunch or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
Experiment with seasonings, adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for a flavor boost.
Don’t forget to play with sauces too—try a tangy mustard sauce or a creamy mushroom sauce for a delightful twist!
What to Serve with Pork Cutlets
Exploring different toppings and sauces can enhance your pork cutlets, but knowing what to serve alongside them can really round out the meal.
I love pairing my cutlets with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, as they soak up the delicious sauce beautifully. A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the cutlets.
Roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or carrots, bring vibrant colors and flavors to the plate. For a bit of sweetness, consider serving apple sauce or a fruit chutney on the side.
You can’t go wrong with these options!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your pork cutlets turn out perfectly every time, I recommend a few key tips.
First, make sure your cutlets are evenly flattened; this helps them cook uniformly.
Don’t skip the slits around the edges; they prevent curling during cooking.
When breading, press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the cutlets for a better crust.
For extra flavor, feel free to add herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture.
Finally, make certain your oil is hot enough before adding the cutlets; they should sizzle upon contact.
Trust me, these small tweaks will elevate your pork cutlets to a whole new level!