Authentic Argentinian Milanesa Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless beef steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups of breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup of vegetable oil for frying
  • 4 slices of mozzarella cheese
  • 4 slices of ham
  • 1 jar of marinara sauce (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Begin by tenderizing the beef steaks using a meat mallet until they are about 1/4 inch thick.
  2. In a shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with salt and pepper.
  3. Crack the eggs into a separate shallow bowl and beat them until well mixed.
  4. In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and garlic powder.
  5. Dredge each steak first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each steak is thoroughly coated at each step.
  6. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  7. Fry the breaded steaks in the hot oil until golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side.
  8. If desired, top each fried steak with a slice of ham and mozzarella cheese, and a spoonful of marinara sauce. Cover the skillet and cook until the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes.
  9. Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat and serve the milanesas hot.

Tools for making

  • Meat mallet - Used to tenderize the beef steaks.
  • Shallow bowls - Needed for coating the steaks with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
  • Large skillet - Used for frying the breaded steaks.
  • Tongs - To flip and remove the breaded steaks from the skillet.

Recipe variations

  • Replace the beef steaks with chicken breast or pork chops for a different protein option.
  • Experiment with different crust variations such as using crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers instead of regular breadcrumbs.
  • Try using different types of cheese for the topping, such as cheddar, provolone, or Swiss.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
  • Add some spices or herbs to the flour mixture for extra flavor, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried Italian herbs.
  • Create a vegetarian version by replacing the meat with slices of eggplant or zucchini.
  • Serve the milanesa with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness.
  • Instead of frying, you can bake the breaded steaks in the oven for a healthier alternative. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Recipe overview

Milanesa is a traditional dish popular in Argentina and other parts of Latin America. It is similar to a breaded veal cutlet, schnitzel, or even a Southern fried steak. Milanesa consists of a thin slice of beef, chicken, veal, or sometimes pork, and even eggplant or soy. Each slice is dipped into beaten eggs, seasoned with salt, and other condiments according to the cook's taste. It is then coated with breadcrumbs and fried in oil. The result is a delicious, crispy meal that is often served with mashed potatoes or in a sandwich.

In this particular recipe, we add a spin to the traditional Milanesa by topping it with ham, mozzarella cheese, and optional marinara sauce, creating a dish similar to a parmigiana. This recipe covers the steps to prepare this delicious dish from scratch, including how to bread the meat and how to fry it to perfection. The recipe also includes the steps to add the toppings to the Milanesa. This is a family-friendly recipe that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat for milanesa? Yes, you can use chicken or pork instead of beef for milanesa. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as the thickness of the meat may vary.
  2. Can I bake the milanesa instead of frying? Yes, you can bake the breaded steaks in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crispy and cooked through.
  3. Can I make milanesa in advance? While it's best to serve milanesa immediately after cooking, you can prepare the breaded steaks in advance and refrigerate them for a few hours before frying or baking. This will help the breading adhere better to the meat.
  4. What can I serve with milanesa? Milanesa is often served with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. It can also be served in a sandwich or as a main dish alongside roasted vegetables or fries.
  5. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftover cooked milanesa. Allow it to cool completely, then place the individual breaded steaks in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in the oven until heated through.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Meat mallet - Used to tenderize the beef steaks.
  • Shallow bowls - Used for coating the steaks with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
  • Large skillet - Used for frying the breaded steaks.
  • Spatula - Used for flipping the steaks while frying and removing them from the skillet.

Origin stories

Milanesa is a beloved dish that has indeed traveled quite an interesting culinary journey. Its story begins in Italy with the "Cotoletta alla Milanese", a breaded veal cutlet dish popular in Milan. However, it was during the mass European immigration to South America in the 19th and 20th centuries that this dish found a new home in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, where it was adapted to local tastes and ingredients. This dish, christened "Milanesa" after its original city, quickly became a staple of the region's gastronomy. Today, you can find Milanesa served in homes and restaurants across Latin America, each with their own unique twist. So when you're preparing this dish, remember, you're not just making a meal, you're partaking in a tradition that spans continents and centuries.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.