Name: Pork Milanese with Lemon Parmesan Arugula
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless pork loin chops pound to ½ inch thick for perfect tenderness; to taste kosher salt season generously for enhancing the natural flavors; to taste black pepper season generously for enhancing the natural flavors; 2 large eggs lightly beaten to act as the perfect binding agent; 1 cup seasoned panko bread crumbs for achieving that irresistible crispy coating; 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor to the breading; 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil use extra virgin for superior taste when frying; 6 to 8 cups arugula greens fresh, peppery goodness to complement the pork; 1 pinch salt enhances the flavor of the arugula; 1 pinch pepper adds a little kick to the salad; 1 to 2 pieces lemons juiced; the star ingredient that brightens the dish; 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil a light drizzle to bring everything together; 1/4 cup freshly shaved parmesan cheese a finishing touch that adds elegance and flavor

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When I think of hearty Italian cuisine, few dishes evoke the same warmth and comfort as Pork Milanese with Lemon Parmesan Arugula. This delightful recipe features thin, tender pork chops, perfectly breaded and fried until golden and crispy, accompanied by a refreshing arugula salad that brings brightness to each bite. The combination of savory pork and zesty lemon creates a joyful explosion of flavors that feels both luxurious and cozy, making it an instant favorite among family and friends. Plus, it’s an easy meal to whip up on busy weeknights or to impress guests at your next gathering.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Pork Milanese with Lemon Parmesan Arugula
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Pork Milanese with Lemon Parmesan Arugula

Pork Milanese with Lemon Parmesan Arugula

I remember the first time I made this dish—it was a crisp autumn evening when I craved something satisfying that didn’t take hours to prepare. With its beautiful presentation and delightful taste, it turned a simple dinner into a special occasion. If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only quick and budget-friendly but also sure to impress, you absolutely need to try this Pork Milanese with Lemon Parmesan Arugula. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes total makes this a great choice for a weeknight dinner.
Irresistible Flavor: The crispy, seasoned panko coating paired with juicy pork and fresh, zesty arugula is a taste explosion!
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green arugula topped with freshly shaved parmesan and a bright lemon dressing makes for a stunning plate.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a hearty weekday dinner or as a centerpiece for your next dinner party.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust to be gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 pieces boneless pork loin chops (pounded to ½ inch thick): This cut is lean yet flavorful, and pounding ensures even cooking and tenderness.
Kosher salt (to taste): A key seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the pork.
Black pepper (to taste): Adds a background warmth and depth to the seasoning blend.
2 large eggs (lightly beaten): The binding agent needed to help the panko breadcrumbs adhere to the pork.
1 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs: These provide an irresistible crunch that elevates the dish to a new level of texture.
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: A rich addition to the breadcrumbs that enhances flavor.
3 to 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: The choice of oil matters! This adds a fruity note and helps achieve that golden-brown crust.
6 to 8 cups arugula greens: The peppery bite of arugula is the perfect complement to the richness of the pork.
1 pinch salt (for the arugula): Enhances the flavor of the fresh greens.
1 pinch pepper (for the arugula): Adds a bit of spice that works beautifully with the lemon.
1 to 2 pieces lemons (juiced): The star ingredient that brings brightness and balance to the dish.
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil (for the salad): A light drizzle brings everything together and adds richness.
1/4 cup freshly shaved parmesan cheese: This elegant touch finishes off the arugula salad beautifully.

How to Make Pork Milanese with Lemon Parmesan Arugula

Pound the Pork: Begin by using a meat tenderizer to gently pound the 4 pieces of boneless pork loin chops until they are about ½ inch thick. This not only helps them cook evenly but also enhances their tenderness. Generously season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper to brighten their natural flavors.

Prepare the Breading: In one bowl, lightly beat 2 large eggs. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of seasoned panko breadcrumbs and 1/3 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese. This combination will give the pork an irresistible crispy coating.

Coat the Chops: Take each pork chop and dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Then transfer the chop to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently so the crumbs adhere well. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch.

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the pork chops, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F. Once done, remove from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes.

Make the Salad: While the pork is resting, place 6 to 8 cups of fresh arugula in a bowl. Gently toss it with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors.

Dress the Arugula: Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the arugula and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss everything together to combine, ensuring each leaf is lightly coated. Taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance of zest and creaminess.

Finish the Salad: Add 1/4 cup of freshly shaved parmesan cheese to the arugula and give it another gentle toss. This will add a lovely touch of richness to your salad, making it all the more delightful.

Serve Together: After the pork has rested, slice it into strips and plate it elegantly over the vibrant lemon arugula. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors that is this Pork Milanese with Lemon Parmesan Arugula!

Storing & Reheating

To ensure leftovers remain delicious, store any uneaten pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If freezing, wrap the cooked pork tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through; note that the texture may be slightly different after freezing. To refresh it, you might lightly re-crisp it in a hot skillet for a few minutes.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the pork; keeping a meat thermometer handy helps ensure perfect doneness.
Let your ingredients come to room temperature, especially the pork, for more even cooking.
For added crunch, consider double-dipping the pork in egg and breadcrumbs for extra coating.
If the arugula is too peppery for your taste, mix it with other greens like spinach for a milder salad.
Experiment with different cheeses in the salad—crumbled feta can add a delightful twist.

Savoring the lovely combination of flavors in this dish is something that never gets old. Whether you’re enjoying it during a weeknight dinner or for a special gathering, you’re sure to impress with every crispy bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?

Absolutely! While boneless pork loin chops are ideal for their tenderness, you can also use other cuts like pork tenderloin or even chicken cutlets. Adjust cooking times slightly, as thinner cuts may cook faster.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make Pork Milanese with Lemon Parmesan Arugula gluten-free, simply swap out the seasoned panko breadcrumbs with a gluten-free version. There are many delicious gluten-free options available that will still give you that satisfying crunch!

What should I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light pasta dish, roasted vegetables, or a simple tomato salad. The crispness of the arugula compliments any side, so feel free to get creative!

Can I make the salad in advance?

While it’s always best to serve arugula fresh, you can prepare the elements ahead of time. Store the dressed salad separately, and combine them right before serving for the best flavor and texture.