PAN-FRIED BREADED PORK CHOPS

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Pan-Fried Breaded Pork Chops image

Look for beautiful good-quality pork, such as Berkshire, and ask for center-cut loin chops with bone. For the bread crumbs, use day-old firm white sandwich bread or French loaf, cubed and whirled in a food processor, for about three cups of soft, fluffy crumbs. Dry, fine store-bought crumbs will not yield the same result. Make sure to fry these chops very gently over medium-high heat, to allow the bread-crumb coating to brown slowly, creating a crisp, golden crust. Serve with a tart salad or braised greens, such as broccoli rabe.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     meat, steaks and chops, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 (8-ounce) center-cut pork chops, about 1/2-inch thick
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
Small pinch of cayenne powder
All-purpose flour, for sprinkling
3 cups fresh bread crumbs (from 8 slices crustless day-old sandwich bread)
1 cup clarified butter, extra-virgin olive oil or lard, plus more as needed
Lemon wedges, for garnish

Steps:

  • Lay pork chops on a baking sheet, and season well on both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Combine eggs and milk in a low, flat bowl. Season with salt, pepper and the small pinch of cayenne.
  • Sprinkle flour generously over the chops on both sides, then shake off excess.
  • Submerge the floured chops in the egg mixture, and turn them over several times to coat well. Leave chops in egg mixture for 5 minutes.
  • Use your left hand to remove a chop from the batter and drain off excess liquid. Place chop on a baking sheet and, with your right hand, heavily sprinkle with bread crumbs on both sides. Repeat with remaining chops.
  • Sprinkle each chop again with crumbs, patting with your hand to make sure crumbs adhere and coat well. Refrigerate, uncovered, until ready to fry.
  • Set a wide cast-iron or other heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add clarified butter to a depth of 1/2 inch. When butter is hot, lay in the chops without crowding, and let them fry very gently, about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until beautifully golden brown. (Turn down heat if they seem to be browning too fast.) If your pan is small, cook in 2 batches and keep finished chops warm in a 250-degree oven.
  • Blot cooked chops on paper towels. Transfer to a warm platter or individual plates. Serve with lemon wedges.

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