Crunchy Pork Cutlets Video

prep time
cook time
total time
makes
4 -6 servings

My crunchy pork cutlets are an absolute must-make! I consider a good chop to be one of the ultimate comfort foods, but they can be a little tricky. That’s why I go with a little nicer cut of meat, pork tenderloin, to get the juicy results I’m looking for every time.

Pounding out your cutlets to ¼” thick is important because you want your crispy coating and your meat to be done at the same time. At this thickness, when your coating is a nice golden brown, your chops are done and ready to feed your hungry crowd!

Crunchy Pork Cutlets Recipe

what you'll need
  • 1 1/2 lbs pork tenderloin, cut on the diagonal into 6 pieces of equal size
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 cup low-fat buttermilk
  • 1 tsp dry mustard powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2/3 cup cornstarch, divided
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • oil, for frying
Nutrition Facts
Crunchy Pork Cutlets Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 513 Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Cholesterol 115mg 38%
Sodium 542mg 23%
Potassium 726mg 21%
Total Carbohydrates 53g 18%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Sugars 4g
Protein 41g 82%
Vitamin A 6%
Vitamin C 5%
Calcium 8%
Iron 13%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
let's do it
  1. Place pork, one piece at a time, between two sheets of parchment paper or wax paper then pound cutlets carefully but firmly until approximately ¼" thick. Repeat process with all cutlets.
  2. Put ⅓ cup cornstarch into a pie dish or bowl and set aside. Pour buttermilk into a second pie dish or bowl then whisk in dry mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. On a separate plate, add ⅓ cup cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs then toss until well combined.
  3. In a large skillet, add enough oil to come ¼" up the sides of the pan. Heat over medium-high heat, making certain to keep an eye on it while you bread the cutlets.
  4. While the oil is heating up, line up the plates so that the cornstarch is first, then buttermilk and the breadcrumb mixture is last. In a three-step process, with your left hand, dredge one cutlet in cornstarch then shake off any excess. Next, with your right hand, drop it into the buttermilk mixture to coat completely then cover cutlet with the breadcrumb-cornstarch mixture. Transfer breaded pork to a wire rack over a baking sheet then repeat with the next two cutlets. This will give you a clean dry hand to work with.
  5. Now place the three cutlets so that they fit comfortably into the hot skillet and let them cook 4–5 minutes while you bread the rest of the cutlets or until light golden brown. It’s very important not to overcrowd the pan or the cutlets won’t get crispy—this is why you work in batches.
  6. Carefully flip cutlets over then cook an additional 4–5 minutes until golden brown on the second side and pork is cooked through. Cover paper towels over the wire rack that you used during the dredging process. This will keep you from having to wash another plate. Transfer the cooked cutlets to the paper towel-lined rack to drain and let rest 4–5 minutes before serving.
  7. Add more oil to the pan and bring it up to temperature. Repeat process with the remaining three cutlets. Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy! Yum-yum!
One Last Thing

Serve these babies with cheesy mashed potatoes and roasted balsamic broccoli for the perfect complete meal!

Crunchy pork cutlets recipe video