Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious dinner recipe that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Look no further! These pork loin cutlets are the perfect solution for busy weeknights. This recipe delivers tender, juicy pork with a flavorful crust, making it a fantastic option for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs seeking an easy yet impressive meal. It's a delicious dish the whole family will love!
Ingredients:
- 4 pork loin cutlets (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Instructions:
Preparing the Pork Cutlets:
- Prep the pork: Pat the pork loin cutlets dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
- Season generously: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each cutlet.
Cooking the Pork Cutlets:
- Sear the cutlets: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the pork cutlets. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
- Reduce heat and simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low, add chicken broth and rosemary to the skillet. Pour the broth over the cutlets, ensuring they are partially submerged.
- Cook until tender: Cover the skillet and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) using a meat thermometer. This ensures the pork is cooked through and juicy. Thinner cutlets may cook faster, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the cutlets from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in extra tender meat.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pork Cutlets:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have more than four cutlets, cook them in batches to ensure proper browning and even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.
- Make a pan sauce: Once the pork is removed, you can easily create a delicious pan sauce by increasing the heat and reducing the remaining liquid in the skillet. A splash of white wine or lemon juice adds extra depth of flavor.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Pork: Add lemon zest and juice to the skillet along with the broth and rosemary.
- Garlic Parmesan Pork: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the cutlets during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Maple Dijon Pork: Whisk together maple syrup and Dijon mustard and brush it over the cutlets during the simmering process.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Fat: Approximately 15g
This easy pork loin cutlet recipe is perfect for a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner. It's a versatile dish that can be adapted to your liking, making it a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!