Milanesa A breaded and fried meat cutlet, usually made from beef or chicken. Similar to the Italian cotoletta, milanesa is a comfort food favorite in Argentina. It’s often served with mashed potatoes, fries, or a simple green salad.
Milanesa is a popular dish in Argentina and several other Latin American countries. It consists of thin slices of meat that are breaded and fried until crispy and golden brown. The meat is typically beef or chicken, though variations can include pork or veal. Milanesa is often served with a wedge of lemon, alongside mashed potatoes, salads, or in a sandwich known as a “milanesa a la napolitana,” which is topped with marinara sauce and cheese. It’s a beloved comfort food that offers a satisfying crunch and a savory flavor.
Ingredients:
- Meat (beef, chicken, or pork): 4 slices (about 150g each), pounded thin
- All-Purpose Flour: 100g
- Eggs: 2, beaten
- Breadcrumbs: 200g
- Garlic Powder: 1 tsp
- Onion Powder: 1 tsp
- Paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil: for frying
- Lemon Wedges: for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Meat:
- Pound the meat slices between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper to an even thickness of about 1/2 cm. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Prepare the Breading Station:
- Set up three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish, the beaten eggs in the second dish, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third dish.
Bread the Meat:
- Dredge each meat slice in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured meat into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Finally, coat the meat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure an even coating.
Fry the Milanesa:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. There should be enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Fry each breaded meat slice for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
Serve:
- Serve the Milanesa hot with lemon wedges on the side if desired. It pairs well with mashed potatoes, salads, or in a sandwich.
Nutritional Information (per 1 Milanesa, approx. 150g):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Proteins: 25g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fats: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
Milanesa provides a satisfying balance of protein and carbohydrates with a crispy exterior and tender interior. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted with various types of meat and seasoning to suit your taste preferences