This post is also available in: Español
Cook the pork milanesa, it is an easy Mexican meal that you can transform into three different tasty pork loin recipes to feed the whole family!
The pork milanesa recipe was sponsored by the National Pork Board
Pork is a high-quality protein that allows using many different cooking methods, and it goes well with pantry staples and a variety of seasonings too. Plus, you can cook once and eat three meals using the same protein.
Visit PorkEsSabor.com and get inspired to cook with a diverse variety of pork cuts and options.
What is a milanesa?
The word “milanesa” is in Spanish to refer to a Milanese style dish. We are using a tenderized pork loin cutlet seasoned and breaded with panko breadcrumbs. The result is delicious pork milanesa that pairs well with a side of Mexican rice and black beans.
The Milanese style of preparing breaded meat and frying it is a tradition that started in Italy but has been adopted by the Latin cultures too. You can find different versions of “milanesa” dishes in the South American cuisine and Mexican Cuisine also.
The pork loin is fabulous for making the pork milanesas.
While growing up, my mom was used to keep the weekly budget in check. Choosing easy recipes and ingredients that allowed for creating two or three meals was something I learned from her.
In challenging times stretching the budget and the ingredients are essential to be able to feed the whole family with tasty options without breaking the bank. The reason why the pork milanesa is a good idea as two pounds of pork loin results in twelve cutlets of pork, to flatten and tenderize.
Another option is to use half of the pork loin for this recipe and the other half for carnitas or another dish of your choice. Pork protein is so versatile and easy to find. My family enjoys eating pork regularly because it is flavorful and easy to cook.
Another benefit that this pork milanesas have is that they are freezer friendly. We can use the whole pork loin and prepare two batches—one for the weekly dinner and another to enjoy later.
For me, it is a no brainer because I cook once, and I can feed my family twice (and even three times) with different meals using the same protein but changing the flavor profile, adding fresh produce, various sides, and garnishes.
These are three Pork Milanesa dishes you can make using my recipe.
DISH # 1 – Pork Milanesa Dinner.
The Pork Milanesa dinner I served with Mexican red rice, refried black beans, and a green salad. The meal I paired with roasted tomatillo salsa and corn tortillas.
DISH #2 – Pork Milanesa Sandwich or “Torta de Milanesa”.
The Pork Milanesa Sandwich also called “Torta de Milanesa,” is my personal favorite. You need a warm the bolillo bread (a crusty baguette), avocado mash, refried beans, one pork milanesa, onion, tomato, lettuce, and pickled spicy peppers. We suggest serving with pork cracklins and a Tapatia hot sauce.
DISH #3 – Pork Milanesa Salad
The Pork Milanesa Salad, is a colorful option with fresh romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomato slices, purple onions, avocado slices, radishes, and sliced breaded pork cutlet. The dressing is simple, olive oil and lime juice with salt and pepper to taste.
For each dish, we suggest serving agua fresca with seasonal fruit or citrus juices. Slightly sweeten and with enough ice for a refreshing meal companion.
Tips for cooking the best pork milanesa.
- Choose a fresh pork loin with a deep pink color.
- Use a butcher knife and a tenderizer for achieving perfect meat cutlets.
- We recommend panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture. You can use your favorite seasoning for a tasty breading mix.
- The breading process is perfect for having the kids helping in the kitchen. If doing this, make sure to follow safety guidelines by washing hands and avoiding cross-contamination.
- Fry the milanesas in a deep dish with hot cooking oil, allowing for a quick fry without sogginess.
- Don’t overcook the pork milanesas. Pork is best when cooking to 145° F, followed by a 3-minute rest before slicing.
- Using knives and hot cooking oil requires attention to avoid accidents.
- Choosing local ingredients and seasonal produce helps with the savings.
- Since pork is versatile, you can adapt the recipe serving ideas depending on your family’s tastebuds and what is available in your local supermarket.
Learn how to make the Pork Milanesa at home!
Follow the below step by step recipe details and watch the video too. We invite you to prepare this tasty pork loin dish on your menu. Or search on the site for more pork loin recipes, all are easy to make and so delicious.
Pork Milanesa
Equipment
- Chopping block
- Butcherknife
- Tenderizer
- Frying pot
- Cooking utensils
Ingredients
For the Pork Milanesa
- 2 pounds pork loin sliced
- 240 grams panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cooking oil
For the Pork Milanesa Dinner
- 4 cups Mexican rice
- 1 cup refried black beans
- 4 cups romaine lettuce
- 1 cucumber sliced
- 4 radishes sliced
- 2 limes
For the Pork Milanesa Salad
- 4 cups romaine lettuce sliced
- 2 tomatoes sliced
- 1/3 onion sliced
- 1 avocado sliced
- 6 radishes
- 1 cucumber sliced
- 2 limes
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
For the Pork Milanesa Sandwich
- 2 bolillos
- 1 tablespoon refried black beans
- 1/2 avocado mashed
- 2 slices cheese manchego or queso fresco
- 1 tomato sliced
- 2 slices onion
- 2 leaves romaine lettuce
- 2 pickled peppers sliced
Instructions
- Slice the pork loin. One pound makes 6 cutlets. Two pounds makes 12 cutlets. You can opt to use half of the pork loin and the other half use for another recipe or freeze for later enjoyment.
- Use a tenderizer and flatten the cutlets to make thin steaks. Mix the egg with the milk and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk well and add the pork steaks to the egg batter.
- Pour the panko breadcrumbs on a plate and mix with your favorite seasoning. Choose either chicken bouillon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bread each pork steak and set aside.
- Add the cooking oil to a deep pan. Let the oil get hot and deep fry each pork milanesa. When golden brown the milanesa is ready. Use paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve the pork milanesa with a variety of sides. Such as Mexican rice, black beans, and salad.
- You can transform the dish to become a sandwich or serve the pork milanesa over a bed of greens to create a yummy salad.
Video
Notes
- Choose a fresh pork loin with a deep pink color.
- Use a butcher knife and a tenderizer for achieving perfect meat cutlets.
- We recommend panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture. You can use your favorite seasoning for a tasty breading mix.
- The breading process is perfect for having the kids helping in the kitchen. If doing this, make sure to follow safety guidelines by washing hands and avoiding cross-contamination.
- Fry the milanesas in a deep dish with hot cooking oil, allowing for a quick fry without sogginess.
- Don’t overcook the pork milanesas. Pork is best when cooking to 145° F, followed by a 3-minute rest before slicing.
- Using knives and hot cooking oil requires attention to avoid accidents.
- Choosing local ingredients and seasonal produce helps with the savings.
- Since pork is versatile, you can adapt the recipe serving ideas depending on your family’s tastebuds and what is available in your local supermarket.
Nutrition
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