Bolognese-Style Pork Cutlets

No ratings yet

Bolognese-Style Pork Cutlets

Classic cotoletta alla bolognese are pan-fried breaded veal cutlets topped with salty, savory prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. After frying, the crisp cutlets usually are placed in a simple pan sauce and cooked just long enough to melt the cheese.

For our version, instead of veal we use pork tenderloin, which is similarly mild in flavor, and we layer the prosciutto slices onto the cutlets, under the breading, to better integrate them into the dish. For an extra-crisp crust, we use Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs, but we lightly crush them before use so the breading isn’t overly light and airy. Our method for melting the cheese keeps the bottoms of the cutlets crisp, and the lemon-spiked sauce, served on the side, brightens up all the rich, salty flavors.

Servings:

Calories: 792kcal

Author: Milk Street

Ingredients

2½ cups panko breadcrumbs
ground black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1¼ pound pork tenderloin trimmed of silver skin and patted dry
4 slices prosciutto about 2 ounces total
12 tablespoons neutral oil divided
4 ounces Parmesan cheese without rind, shredded on the small holes of a box grater (2 cups)
4 tablespoons salted butter cut into 4 pieces, ½ stick
3 medium garlic cloves finely grated
¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
lemon wedges to serve

Instructions

Prepare breading:

Place the panko in a large a zip-close bag and seal. Run a rolling pin over the panko until finely crushed.
Empty the panko into a pie plate or wide shallow bowl, then stir in ½ teaspoon pepper.
In a second similar dish, stir the flour and 1 teaspoon pepper.
In a third dish, beat the eggs with a fork.

Prepare the cutlets:

Cut the pork tenderloin in half crosswise, making the tail-end slightly larger, then cut each piece in half lengthwise.
Place 2 pieces between 2 large sheets of plastic wrap.
Using a meat pounder, gently pound each piece to an even ⅛-inch thickness.
Repeat with the remaining pieces.
Season both sides of each cutlet with pepper, then lay a prosciutto slice on each cutlet.
Re-cover with plastic wrap and gently pound so the prosciutto adheres.

Dredge the cutlets:

One at a time, dredge the cutlets in the flour, turning to coat and shaking off any excess, then dip in the egg and, finally, coat with the panko, pressing so it adheres.
Set the cutlets on a large plate.
Refrigerate uncovered for 15 minutes.
Set a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet and place near the stovetop.

Fry the cutlets:

In a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high, heat 6 tablespoons of oil until barely smoking.
Add 2 cutlets and cook until golden, 1 to 2 minutes.
Using tongs, flip and cook until the second sides are golden, about 1 minute.
Transfer to the prepared rack.
Repeat with the remaining 6 tablespoons oil and remaining cutlets.
Wipe out the skillet and set aside.

Melt the cheese:

Evenly sprinkle the cutlets with the Parmesan.
Place 2 cutlets, cheese side up, in the same skillet, then set the pan over medium-high.
Pour ¼ cup water around the cutlets, immediately cover and cook until the cheese has melted, the water has evaporated and the cutlets begin to sizzle, 1 to 2 minutes.
Using a large spatula, return the cutlets to the rack and repeat with the remaining cutlets; tent with foil.
Using paper towels, wipe out the skillet.

Make the pan sauce:

In the same skillet over medium, melt the butter.
Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the broth, then cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about ⅓ cup, about 3 minutes.
Off heat, stir in the lemon juice, then taste and season with pepper.
Pour into a serving bowl.

Serve:

Transfer the cutlets to a platter and serve with the sauce and lemon wedges on the side

Notes

Don’t pound the pork without using plastic wrap. The plastic wrap prevents the meat pounder from sticking to the meat, thereby helping to avoid tears. This is especially important when the meat is pounded very thin, as it is here.
After pounding the cutlets, season them only with pepper, not with salt, as the prosciutto and Parmesan provide lots of salinity.
Finally, when adding the water to the pan of fried cutlets, make sure to pour it around them, not on them.

Nutrition