Make pork Milanese when you've got a craving for crunch—and 30 minutes to spare!
How to Make Pork Milanese
Updated on Oct. 07, 2024
When I think of pork chops, I think of casual weeknight meals like mushroom pork chops or pork with scalloped potatoes. Delicious, yes—but always in the heavier, meat and potatoes type of way. But when I came across thin and crispy pork Milanese, I realized that pork chop recipes can be light and elegant, too—especially when served with a crisp glass of white wine and a side salad.
What Is Pork Milanese?
Pork Milanese (otherwise known as cotoletta alla Milanese) is pan-fried pork chops or cutlets pounded thin, and coated in bread crumbs, lemon zest and Parmesan. The dish is often served with lemon wedges for a little extra freshness, plus an arugula salad topped with more Parmesan. The recipe originated in Milan, as suggested by its name.
Pork Milanese Recipe
This pork Milanese recipe from Community Cook Grace Vallo from New Hampshire makes 4 servings.
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 pounds thin-cut boneless pork loin chops
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 to 6 tablespoons olive oil
- Lemon wedges for serving
Directions
Step 1: Pound the pork chop
Pound the pork with a meat mallet to 1/4-in. thickness. Pounding the cutlets thinly and evenly will promote even cooking.
Editor’s Tip: Put the chops in a gallon-sized zip-top bag before pounding so you don’t have to wash the meat mallet.
Step 2: Prep your coating stations
In a shallow bowl, mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Place the flour and egg in separate shallow bowls.
Step 3: Bread the pork chops
Dip the pork chops in flour to coat both sides and shake off the excess. Dip in the egg, and then in the crumb mixture, patting to help the coating adhere.
Step 4: Fry the pork chops
In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup oil over medium heat. Working in batches, cook the breaded pork chops until golden brown and a thermometer reads 145°F, 2 to 3 minutes on each side, using remaining oil as needed. Learn how to make pan-seared pork chops and shake-and-bake pork chops.
Tips for Making Pork Milanese
Why won’t the coating stick to the pork?
The breading won’t stick to the pork chops if the pork chops aren’t dry enough to start. Begin by patting the pork chops dry with a paper towel, and then coating in flour, shaking off the excess. Too much flour on the cutlets may cause the bread crumb mixture to slip off with it later on.
Finally, don’t be afraid to use your hands to adhere the bread crumb mixture to the chops. If you’re still struggling, here are more reasons why breading keeps falling off your chicken, pork and other breaded meats.
What do you serve with pork Milanese?
Serve pork Milanese with an arugula salad topped with Parmesan and prosciutto, although a different leafy green salad would work as well. If you want a heartier side dish, try a pile of buttered noodles or the potato recipe of your choice. A glass of crisp white wine would make a perfect pairing, since white meats go nicely with white wines. Here are more wine and food pairings you should know.
How should you store and reheat leftover pork Milanese?
Pork Milanese is best served fresh, since the breading will lose its crunch the longer it’s stored in the fridge. If you have leftovers, you can keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. We’d recommend reheating in the air fryer or the oven to gain some of that crispiness back.
More Pork Chop Recipes
This pork chop recipe is comfort food at its best. After searing pork chops on the stove, place them on top of scalloped potatoes with onions, and bake it all in the oven. Serve with a bright fresh salad for a hearty balanced dinner. Learn how to bake pork chops.
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Slow-Cooker Pork Chops & PotatoesSavory, comforting and largely hands-off, this slow-cooker pork chops and potatoes dish is always welcome on the table.
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Glazed Smoked Chops with PearsMy husband would eat pork chops every day if he could. Luckily, they're good prepared in all sorts of ways, including with pears. —Lynn Moretti, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
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Lemon-Dijon Pork Sheet-Pan SupperMost nights I need something that I can get on the table with minimal effort and delicious results. This sheet-pan supper has become an all-time favorite, not only because of its bright flavors but also because of its speedy cleanup time. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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Pork Chops and BeansThis hearty combination of tender pork chops and two kinds of beans makes a satisfying supper from the slow cooker in summer or winter," assures Dorothy Pritchett of Wills Point, Texas.
The slow cooker is best used when you just don’t want to turn on the stove, whether it’s in the heat of summer or cool nights in winter. Pork chops with two kinds of beans, aromatics and sweet chili glaze is fantastically hearty any time of year.
Pork Chops with GlazeRosemary adds a special touch to these beautifully glazed pork chops that are just right for any meal. —Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia
A sweet and tangy glaze is just what you want for grilled pork chops. Marinate the meat overnight (it won’t get mushy) for the best flavor, and make sure to grill to the right temperature so they don’t get overdone.
Special Pork ChopsI work nine hours a day, so I need delicious and simple recipes like this one. My husband thinks I work hard fixing meals, but this dish is good and easy. In summer, I can my own salsa and use some to top these chops. —LaDane Wilson, Alexander City, Alabama
When a pork chop recipe has only three ingredients—meat, jarred salsa and a smidge of oil—get the best meat you can find and a great salsa. Here are the best salsa brands according to our expert cooks.
Cuban-Style Pork ChopsThese are like Cuban sandwiches without the bread, so they’re a bit more elegant. Let your family customize the chops with pickles, mustard and other condiments. —Erica Allen, Tuckerton, New Jersey
Piled with Swiss cheese, ham, pickles and mustard, these pork chops are almost like Cubano sandwiches without the bread. A side of black beans, rice and some cool and minty mojitos wouldn’t be out of place on the table.
Baked Pork Chops with StuffingAn easy stuffing plus cream of mushroom soup keep this pork chops with stuffing recipe moist and delicious. It's sure to become part of your regular dinner rotation.
You can make your own stuffing with day-old bread, but buying packaged stuffing works just as well. Using cream of mushroom soup as a gravy is an easy shortcut for this homey dish.
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No one said pierogi had to be a meal by themselves! Serve the potato dumplings with apples, onions and pork chops for dinner. Frozen peirogies make this a quick and easy dish.
Greek Pork ChopsMy in-laws taught me a lot about cooking, so any time I come across a great new recipe, I enjoy making it for them. These bright, lemony chops quickly became a favorite. —Geri Lipczynski, Oak Lawn, Illinois
These are like Greek souvlaki in pork chop form. The marinade made with lemon, oregano, garlic and spices adds so much flavor to grilled chops. This summer orzo salad is the perfect accompaniment.
Zippy Breaded Pork ChopsNeed a perky update for baked breaded pork chops? These chops with ranch dressing and a light breading will bring a delightful zing to your dinner table. —Ann Ingalls, Gladstone, Missouri
The “zip” in these pork chops comes from the ranch dressing used as the liquid base before they get dredged in bread crumbs. It helps the coating to stick to the chops just like egg would, and adds a ton of flavor and seasoning. If you enjoyed this recipe, then learn how to make ranch pork chops.
Almond-Crusted Chops with Cider SauceI use finely ground almonds to give pork chops a crunchy crust. The cider sauce makes them tangy, creamy and sweet. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
Finely ground almonds help give these pork chops a crunchy outer coating, which pairs well with the tangy, creamy cider sauce. Pair with roasted root vegetables, and this dish is like autumn on a plate.
Cinnamon-Apple Pork ChopsFor this version of pork chops and apples, you can serve the apple on the side or smother the chops with sauce. Either way, you’ve got a classic pairing of sweet pork, tart apple and aromatic spices.
Like many on this list, this pork chop recipe comes together with staples you probably already have on hand. Cook the apples with brown sugar, warm spices and pecans to complement the chops.
Air-Fryer Pork ChopsAir-fryer pork chops are juicy, tender and incredibly easy to make. Paired with your favorite side dish, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or special-occasion meals.
Put your air fryer to work. These air-fryer pork chops get their rich flavor from Creole seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Learn how to make the perfect pork chop seasoning.
Chipotle-Raspberry Pork ChopsWith only three ingredients and ten-minute prep time, this supper's fast enough to throw together after a long day of work.—Jennifer Ray, Poncha Springs, Colorado
Check out this spicy-sweet combination: raspberries and chipotle peppers! With little prep time, this super-fast dinner comes together quickly but tastes like you cooked for hours.
Pork Chops with Creamy Mustard NoodlesIndulge in the comforting flavors of tender pork chops smothered in a tangy mustard sauce, served over creamy egg noodles. This hearty dish, inspired by classic European cuisine, is a quick and satisfying meal for any night of the week.
Noodles in a zesty, creamy mustard sauce are just what you want with these simply prepared pork chops. It all comes together rather quickly, too—perfect when you need dinner in a flash.
Savory Stuffed Pork ChopsTransform ordinary pork chops into an extraordinary meal with our stuffed pork chops. This recipe feeds a crowd in under an hour all while remaining surprisingly simple to prepare.
Baked stuffed pork chops are a lot easier than you think. The trick is making the right size slit along the side of the chop—not too deep or long, but big enough for a few spoonfuls of this simple stuffing mixture. Add a side of vegetables and you’ve got a foolproof meal.
Maple-Glazed Pork ChopsThe best foods are sometimes the simplest. Our maple-glazed pork chops, with a sweet, tangy glaze of maple syrup and cider vinegar, come together quickly, and they're so delicious you'll be thinking about making them again before you finish eating.
Thanks to apple cider vinegar and maple syrup, this sweet and tangy glaze turns everyday pork chops into something special. These go great with homey sides like scalloped potatoes, green beans and applesauce.
Lemon-Garlic Pork ChopsMy son James created these zesty chops spiced with paprika and cayenne. He keeps the spice rub in a jar to use with chops or chicken. —Molly Seidel, Edgewood, New Mexico
Just a few ingredients—including lemon, garlic and cayenne—make a zippy pork chop any night of the week. Make extra spice rub and keep it handy for future chops or even chicken.
Sage Pork Chops with Cider Pan GravyA creamy sauce flavored with apple cider and sage makes for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner. If you'd like, serve these lightly seasoned chops with couscous, rice or noodles. —Erica Wilson, Beverly, Massachusetts
The sauce is the star of this pork chop show. After browning sage-rubbed chops, use broth to pick up the brown bits left behind, then add apple cider and cream. Serve with rice, noodles or couscous to soak up the extra gravy.
Pork Chops with Nectarine SalsaMy special pork dish has so much flavor and is a snap to prepare. A sweet, fruity salsa perfectly balances the spicy rub that coats the pan-fried chops. —Bonnie Bufford, Nicholson, Pennsylvania
A great spice rub can transform any cut of meat, and this one filled with cumin, chili powder and paprika adds a ton of flavor to pork chops. The nectarine salsa is a perfect complement to the meat; use peaches if that’s what you have handy.
Pineapple Pork ChopsWhat tastes like takeout but is ready even faster? Pineapple pork chops are drenched in a sweet and savory sauce to upgrade weeknight dinners.
Pork Chops & Acorn SquashMy husband and I are crazy for the squash we grow in our garden. For a sweet and tangy dish, we slow-cook it with pork chops and orange juice. —Mary Johnson, Coloma, Wisconsin
Pork chops and acorn squash cooked low and slow feels like the perfect meal for chilly nights. Orange juice both adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat, and brown sugar brings just enough sweetness to the dish.
Tender Sweet ‘n’ Sour Pork ChopsTo create these delicious sweet and sour pork chops sear the tender meat and then whisk up a quick five-minute sauce to cook it in.
A quick sweet and sour pork made with just a few ingredients (soy sauce, brown sugar, cider vinegar) is a great weeknight go-to. Serve with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Basil Pork ChopsThese tender, glazed chops get a kick from basil, chili powder and a little brown sugar. Serve with your favorite roasted veggies and you've got a super comforting meal bursting with flavor. —Lisa Gilliland, Fort Collins, Colorado
These pork chops are a cinch to make, and all you need is what you already have in the spice cabinet: dried basil, chili powder and brown sugar. Pair with your favorite sides, like mac and cheese or baked potatoes.
Pork Chops with Honey-Garlic SauceTender pork loin chops and a sweet but salty Chinese-inspired glaze go together beautifully in these honey-garlic pork chops. The recipe is low on fat, sodium, prep time and skills required, making it a solid weeknight option.
When serving pork chops with a simple glaze like this one, you want to make sure not to overcook the meat. To keep the pork chops from drying out, keep a thermometer handy and remove them from the pan as soon as they reach 145°.
Slow-Cooker Pork ChopsIt only takes a few simple ingredients to make these juicy and tender slow-cooker pork chops.
Lean meat like pork chops do really well in a slow cooker, and they’re super adaptable. For a sweet and spicy variation on this savory recipe, brush the pork chops with barbecue sauce before adding to the slow cooker, or mix in ground mustard, apple cider vinegar and brown sugar when you’re finishing the sauce.
Baked Saucy Pork ChopsBaked pork chops cook quickly and are paired with a simple pan sauce that you can drizzle over the chops and a side of mashed potatoes. Because the chops are bone-in, they'll turn out incredibly juicy.
Bone-in pork chops are more flavorful and juicy than boneless, but you can use either in this recipe. The sauce is one of the easiest, made with pantry staples and a few spices.
Hawaiian Pork ChopsNot sure what to do with those lean pork loin chops? Make Hawaiian pork chops to dress them up with sweet pineapple, savory vegetables and a tangy sauce.
Big chunks of pineapple and a sweet and tangy sauce make rice a shoo-in side for this pork chop recipe. Add some vegetables, and the combination of flavors will remind you of a sweet-and-sour stir fry.
Braised Pork Loin ChopsChop, chop, chop! This braised pork loin chops recipe is a breeze to make and everyone loves them.
Use dried herbs like rosemary and sage in this simple pork chop recipe. Even though you cook the pork chops on the stove in minutes, the meat still comes out tender. This nutty wild rice is a great earthy side dish.
Pork Chops & MushroomsMushroom pork chops are a one-pan dinner that will delight mushroom lovers.
Tarragon is a wonderful herb to cook with and has a subtle licorice taste that lends itself to buttery sauces like the one in this pork chop recipe. You can use dried, but fresh works just as well. Have extra? Here are some of our favorite recipes to make with tarragon.
Five-Spice Glazed Smoked ChopsI started out fixing another recipe but didn't have all the ingredients, so I came up with this one! The spice gives it a flavorful kick. You can make your own five-spice powder by combining cloves, cinnamon, anise and nutmeg. I love that you can prepare this dish on the stovetop or the grill. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Make your own five-spice powder with cloves, cinnamon, anise and nutmeg, or buy one of your favorite brands. These pork chops are great either pan-fried or grilled.
One-Skillet Pork Chop SupperSkillet pork chops are the kind of hearty, comforting, fuss-free meal everyone needs to have in their repertoire. With just a handful of ingredients and one pan to clean up, it's an ideal weeknight meal.
Cook pork chops in the same pan as your vegetables—in this case potatoes, onions and carrots—before making a sauce. Comforting and quick, the all-in-one meal makes cleanup a breeze.
