PORK-CUTLET PARMESAN

Pork-Cutlet Parmesan image

Provided by Greg Lofts

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 small pork tenderloins (about 1 3/4 pounds total), each cut crosswise into 4 pieces, room temperature
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
2 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons dried oregano
Extra-virgin olive oil, for frying
1 ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated (1/4 cup), plus more for serving
1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Tomato Sauce, plus more, warmed, for serving
4 ounces low-moisture mozzarella, shredded (1 cup)
Fresh basil leaves, sliced if large, for serving

Steps:

Pound pork with the flat side of a meat mallet into 1/4-inch-thick cutlets. Pat dry with paper towels; lightly season with salt and pepper. Place flour in a pie dish or a wide, shallow bowl; season with salt and pepper. Whisk eggs in a second dish. Toss breadcrumbs and oregano in a third dish; season with salt and pepper.
Working one at a time, dredge cutlets in flour, shaking off excess, then eggs, allowing excess to drip back into dish. Press into breadcrumb mixture, flipping to fully and evenly coat. Transfer to a wire rack; let stand 10 minutes.
Heat a scant 1/2 inch of oil in a large, heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high. When it shimmers and a breadcrumb dropped in immediately rises to surface and sizzles, carefully add a few cutlets in a single layer (do not crowd skillet). Fry, flipping once, until golden brown all over and just cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes total.
Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet lined with a wire rack. Let stand until drained and crisp, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, repeat with remaining cutlets.
Preheat broiler with a rack about 8 inches from heat element. Top cutlets evenly with Parmigiano, then tomato sauce and mozzarella. Broil just until cheese melts, 2 to 4 minutes. Top with basil and serve warm, with more tomato sauce and Parmigiano alongside.