FoodButtermilk secret: Transform your pork cutlets into juicy delights

Buttermilk secret: Transform your pork cutlets into juicy delights

I don't soak the meat in milk, but in another product.
I don't soak the meat in milk, but in another product.
Images source: © Adobe Stock

3:54 PM EDT, August 25, 2024

It turns out that a small change is enough to give traditional cutlets a completely new character. Forget about bland breaded meat slices! With a few simple tricks, your pork cutlets will become a true feast for the palate.

Pork cutlets are a classic of cuisine, a taste that almost everyone knows. Golden-fried pork slices with a crispy coating are a true symbol of a homemade dinner. However, to achieve perfectly juicy and tender cutlets, it is worth knowing the secrets of their preparation. It turns out that the key to success may not only be the frying technique but also the right marinade. Instead of traditionally soaking the meat in milk, try a new method—use buttermilk. This simple trick will make the pork cutlets exceptionally tender and full of flavor.

Why is buttermilk the secret to juicy cutlets?

One of the biggest secrets to juicy and tender pork cutlets is marinating the meat in buttermilk. Why buttermilk? The lactic acids present in it break down the meat fibers, making it softer and juicier. Additionally, buttermilk gives the cutlets a slightly tangy taste that pairs perfectly with other spices. To enrich the marinade's flavor, add your favorite herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano.

Recipe for buttermilk-marinated pork cutlets

If you want to try this method, here's a simple recipe for buttermilk-marinated pork cutlets that will delight everyone:

Ingredients:

                                  
  • 4 pork slices (about 0.4 inches thick)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • Dried herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary, oregano)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg
  • Flour for coating
  • Breadcrumbs for breading
  • Oil for frying

Preparation:

  1. Start by preparing the marinade. Mix buttermilk with your favorite dried herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl. You can add minced garlic to the buttermilk to enrich the meat's aroma.
  2. Gently pound the pork slices with a meat tenderizer to ensure even thickness. Then submerge the meat in the buttermilk, ensuring it is thoroughly covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This will allow the meat to absorb all the aromas and become incredibly tender.
  3. After marinating, remove the cutlets from the buttermilk and pat them dry with a paper towel. Then, bread the cutlets: first coat in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat in breadcrumbs.
  4. Heat oil in a pan and fry the cutlets on medium heat until the coating becomes golden and crispy, and the meat inside is juicy.
  5. Serve the ready cutlets with your favorite sides—potatoes, groats, rice, or fresh salad. They taste delicious!

Marinating meat in buttermilk is a simple way to elevate the quality of dishes, especially pork cutlets. The result? The cutlets are juicier, and the coating adheres even better to the meat, creating an ideal crispy layer. If you haven't tried this method yet, give it a go—your cutlets will become a true hit at family dinners.

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