Milanesa de Puerco (Pork Milanesa)
Milanesa de puerco is a Mexican dish made with pork cutlets, breaded with crushed saltine crackers, and pan-fried until crispy. It’s a family favorite that pairs well with many side dishes.
Just like my Milanesa de Pollo, this pork version is such a crowd pleaser! I’m using the same type of saltine cracker breading, but adding a little soy sauce for some flavor and umami to the pork.
I like to serve Milanesa de Puerco with Espagueti Verde, Mexican Rice, Roasted Veggies, or with a salad.
Ingredient Notes
- Pork Cutlets– I found thinly sliced boneless pork loin cutlets at my local grocery store. I pounded them a little thinner to cook faster and more evenly.
- Soy Sauce– You can also use Worcestershire sauce, but I always have soy sauce in my fridge. Just a teaspoon adds flavor to the marinade.
- Saltine Crackers– I would never have thought to use crackers as a breading, but after learning from my mother-in-law, this method is actually pretty common. I’ve also used club crackers for a more buttery flavor.
- Seasoning Blend– I like using this garlic, salt, and pepper blend. If you don’t have it, measure out about 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of pepper, and 1/2 tsp of garlic.
Tips for Making Milanesa de Puerco
After pounding the pork cutlets, let them sit in the egg mixture while you prep the crackers and heat the oil. Use your hand to make sure each cutlet is coated.
For the crackers, use a small blender or food chopper to grind them up into a powder. It’s ok to have some bigger chunks.
Remove a pork cutlet, let some of the egg batter drip off, and place it on the cracker crumbs, pressing down to ensure they stick. Repeat on the second side and place the breaded cutlets on a baking sheet. I like to bread them all at once before frying.
Since the milanesa de puerco are fairly thin, you can shallow fry them. Add just enough oil to cover the bottom of a pan. I prefer a cast-iron skillet because it retains and distributes heat evenly.
After frying, allow them to cool on a baking rack until you are ready to serve. You can also keep them warm in a 200°F oven.
How to Serve and Store
These pork milanasas are so versatile! They can be eaten with a variety of side dishes or served in a sandwich, like this mushroom version. For some spice, serve with chile de arbol salsa.
Leftovers can be stored for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave or, my favorite way, in the air fryer. The coating gets crispy, and the pork stays juicy on the inside.
Double the batch and have this milanesa de puerco for easy meals during the week!
Mexican Side Dishes
Milanesa de Puerco (Mexican Pork Milanesa)
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Avocado Oil or any high heat frying oil
- 6 Pork Loin Cutlets sliced thin and pounded evenly
- 2 Eggs whisked
- 1 teaspoon Soy Sauce or Worcestershire
- 2 teaspoons Salt, Pepper, Garlic blend see notes
- 1 sleeve Saltine Crackers or club crackers
Instructions
- In an 8×8 dish, add eggs, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk with a fork until combined.
- Place one pork cutlet between two pieces of plastic and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it until even in thickness.
- Place the pounded pork cutlets in the egg mixture and use your hand to combine until each piece is coated. Set the dish aside.
- Place one whole sleeve of crackers into a blender and pulse until all the crackers are blended. Pour into a large rimmed plate and set aside.
- Remove one piece of pork and allow some of the egg to drip off before placing it in the cracker crumbs. Coat each side by pressing it into the crumbs and allow any excess to fall off. Place the breaded pork cutlets on the baking sheet.
- Once all the cutlets are breaded, check the oil to make sure it's at 350°F. Use tongs to place pork into the oil. I was able to fit 2 at a time. Allow pork to fry for about 2 minutes on each side or until golden.
- Remove pork and place on a baking sheet rack or on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Continue frying the remaining pork cutlets.
- You can also keep the cooked pork in a 200°F oven while you're frying. Serve warm with your preferred side dish.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only and depends on ingredients and amounts used. Thai Caliente makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
