Classic Breaded Pork Cutlet

Headnote

This is a study in contrast: a thin, tender cutlet enclosed in a crisp, even crust, cooked quickly so the pork remains juicy and the coating stays dry and light. The seasoning is restrained, the method exact, and the result should be clean, savory, and properly browned. When made with discipline, it is a dish of great simplicity and precision.

Recipe essentials

Dish category: Breaded pan-fried cutlet

Cuisine or origin: European-inspired

Course type: Main course

Yield: 1 serving

Serving size: 180 g

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 8 minutes

Total time: 23 minutes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Equipment

3 shallow trays or plates

Meat mallet

Heavy frying pan, 24 cm

Tongs

Wire rack or paper-lined tray

Instant-read thermometer

Ingredients

For the cutlet

Pork, 120 g, trimmed and pounded to an even 5 mm thickness

Salt, 2 g

Black pepper, 0.5 g

Wheat flour, 10 g

Egg, 25 g, beaten

Breadcrumbs, 20 g

Vegetable oil, 25 g

Method

1. Place the pork between sheets of parchment or in a clean bag and pound it evenly to 5 mm thickness. The cutlet should be broad, uniform, and supple, with no torn edges.

2. Season both sides of the pork with the salt and black pepper. Let it stand for 2 minutes so the surface seasoning settles into the meat.

3. Set out three shallow trays. Place the wheat flour in the first, the beaten egg in the second, and the breadcrumbs in the third.

4. Dredge the pork in the flour, turning to coat every surface. Shake away the excess; the layer should be thin and dry.

5. Dip the floured pork into the egg, coating it completely. Lift and allow the excess to drain for 2 to 3 seconds.

6. Press the pork into the breadcrumbs, turning once and pressing lightly so the crust adheres evenly. The surface should be fully covered without heavy clumps.

7. Heat the vegetable oil in the frying pan over medium heat until it reaches 170°C. The oil should shimmer steadily, not smoke.

8. Lay in the breaded pork cutlet and fry for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side, until the underside is deep golden and crisp.

9. Turn the cutlet carefully and fry for another 3 minutes, until the second side is evenly browned and the pork reaches an internal temperature of 63°C. The crust should be audibly crisp and the meat just firm to the touch.

10. Transfer the cutlet to a wire rack or paper-lined tray and rest for 2 minutes. The coating should remain dry and intact, and the juices should settle before serving.

Plating and serving

Place the cutlet slightly off-center on a warm plate, keeping the crust unbroken. Serve immediately while the exterior remains crisp and the interior is tender and moist.

Professional notes

Pound the pork evenly; irregular thickness will overcook the thin edges before the center is ready.

Keep the breadcrumb layer light. A heavy crust dulls the texture and absorbs excess oil.

Rest briefly, but do not delay service. This dish is at its best in the narrow window when the crust is crisp and the pork remains succulent.