Authentic Italian Milanese Recipe: A Taste of Milan at Home

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless pork chops
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Steps and instructions

  1. Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.
  2. Place the flour, eggs, and bread crumbs into three separate shallow dishes. Mix the Parmesan cheese into the bread crumbs.
  3. Dredge each pork chop in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated. Finally, coat the pork chops in the bread crumb mixture, pressing the crumbs into the meat to make sure they stick.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Add the breaded pork chops to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the meat is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
  6. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
  7. Serve the Milanese pork chops hot, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the pork chops.
  • Shallow dishes - Three shallow dishes are required for coating the pork chops in flour, beaten eggs, and bread crumbs.
  • Paper towels - Paper towels are needed for draining excess oil from the cooked pork chops.
  • Lemon wedges - Lemon wedges are served alongside the Milanese pork chops for squeezing over the top.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute boneless chicken breasts for the pork chops to make Chicken Milanese.
  • Use panko bread crumbs instead of regular bread crumbs for a crispier crust.
  • Try using almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
  • Add herbs and spices such as garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning to the bread crumb mixture for extra flavor.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with slices of eggplant or zucchini and proceed with the same breading and cooking process.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese in the bread crumb mixture, such as Asiago or Pecorino Romano.

Recipe overview

This delicious Milanese Pork Chops recipe is a simple and satisfying dish that's sure to impress at any meal. Originating from Milan, the recipe involves a few simple steps of seasoning pork chops, dredging them in flour, dipping in egg, and finally coating with a bread crumb and Parmesan mixture. The chops are then pan-fried until crisp and golden brown. Served hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon, these Milanese Pork Chops are both comforting and full of flavor. It's a wonderful cooking journey that results in a dish with a crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior. Enjoy this traditional Italian dish right at your own dining table!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook the pork chops? The pork chops should be cooked for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use chicken or veal instead of pork chops if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  3. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of bread crumbs with Parmesan cheese? Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs if you don't have bread crumbs with Parmesan cheese. However, using the Parmesan cheese adds a delicious flavor to the coating.
  4. Can I bake the Milanese instead of frying? Yes, you can bake the breaded pork chops in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and crispy.
  5. What can I serve with Milanese? Milanese is often served with a side of arugula salad or spaghetti with marinara sauce. It pairs well with roasted vegetables or a side of risotto as well.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A large skillet for frying the pork chops.
  • Shallow dishes - Three shallow dishes for coating the pork chops in flour, beaten eggs, and bread crumbs.
  • Paper towels - To drain excess oil from the cooked pork chops.
  • Lemon wedges - Served on the side for squeezing over the cooked pork chops.

Origin stories

The Milanese, also known as Cotoletta alla Milanese, is a dish that hails from Lombardy in Northern Italy. This dish, a breaded veal or pork cutlet pan-fried in butter, is so beloved that it was the subject of a 2007 legal battle. The Lombardy regional government, fearing the loss of culinary identity, applied for Protected Geographical Status from the European Union, to ensure that only cutlets made in Lombardy could bear the name "Cotoletta alla Milanese". This move was seen as a response to the popularity of the Austrian Wiener Schnitzel, a similar dish. While the Milanese might not have won its legal bid, it remains a beloved symbol of Lombardy's gastronomic tradition, a crisp golden delight to be savored in trattorias and homes alike.

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.