Italian Pork Milanese Recipe

What is Pork Milanese?

Pork Milanese is made with boneless pork loin chops that are pounded thin, breaded, and fried until they turn very crispy. The pork chops are usually also served with a light and refreshing salad with arugula, parmesan cheese and lemon. Its a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Key Ingredients

Pork Milanese:

• Boneless Pork Loin Chops: Thinly pound the pork chops so they cook quickly and evenly. Trim any extra fat for a tender and neat result.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the pork a super crispy coating. You can mix in a little Italian seasoning or herbs for more flavor. Feel free to use normal breadcrumbs, or breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning for more flavor.
• Eggs and Flour: These are used to bread the pork. The flour helps the egg stick, and the egg helps the breadcrumbs stick to the pork.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a rich, savory flavor to the breading and salad. Fresh Parmesan works best for the best taste.
• Olive Oil: Use light olive oil to fry the pork chops until golden and crispy. Extra virgin olive oil is perfect for dressing the salad.

Optional salad:

• Arugula: A fresh, peppery green that tastes great with the crispy pork. Baby arugula is softer and works well for this dish.
• Lemon: Use both the zest and juice. The zest adds a nice citrus flavor to the breading, and the juice makes the salad and pork taste fresh and bright.

Expert Tips

Pounding the Pork: Use a meat tenderizer to pound the pork chops to an even thickness. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly.

Breading the Pork: Make sure to press the panko breadcrumbs firmly onto the pork chops to ensure a crispy coating that sticks during frying.

Cooking the Pork: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F to ensure it is cooked through but still juicy.

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh arugula and freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the salad.

Variations and Substitutions

• Chicken Milanese: Substitute pork chops with chicken breasts for a similar but equally delicious version.
• Different Greens: Use mixed greens or spinach instead of arugula if preferred.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and flour to make this dish gluten-free.
• Herbed Breadcrumbs: Add dried herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

How to Store?

Store the cooled down Pork Milanese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet on medium heat to keep the crispy coating. The arugula salad is best served fresh, so prepare it just before serving.

How to Serve Pork Milanese?

Serve Pork Milanese with the lemon parmesan arugula salad on the side. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and a lemon wedge for added flavor.

This dish pairs well with a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, and makes for a complete and satisfying meal. And before the meal i love to serve a delicious appetizer like this Italian Bruschetta.

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