Chinese-style Pork Cutlets

Ingredients

In this Chinese adaptation of Karbanátky, we incorporate Chinese spices and cooking techniques to create a unique flavor profile. The original Czech dish is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic, while the Chinese-style Pork Cutlets feature a blend of Chinese spices such as five-spice powder, ginger, and soy sauce. Additionally, the original dish is usually pan-fried in oil, while the Chinese adaptation incorporates a lighter pan-frying technique to achieve a crispy texture. We alse have the original recipe for Karbanátky, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork loin, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) pork loin, thinly sliced
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a shallow dish, combine the flour, five-spice powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper.
2. 2.
   Dip each pork slice into the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
3. 3.
   In a separate dish, beat the eggs and add the soy sauce. Mix well.
4. 4.
   Dip the flour-coated pork slices into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. 5.
   Coat the pork slices with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
7. 7.
   Fry the pork cutlets in batches for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. 8.
   Remove the cutlets from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork loin — Choose lean pork loin for this recipe to ensure tender and juicy cutlets.
• Five-spice powder — If you don't have five-spice powder, you can create a substitute by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns.
• Breadcrumbs — For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Soy sauce — Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish.
• Vegetable oil — Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil, for frying the cutlets.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, marinate the pork slices in the soy sauce and ginger powder mixture for 30 minutes before coating them in flour.
• To ensure a crispy coating, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the cutlets to the skillet.
• Serve the Chinese-style Pork Cutlets with a side of steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor profile of the cutlets according to your taste preferences.
• Leftover cutlets can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold as a tasty addition to sandwiches or salads.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese-style Pork Cutlets hot as a main dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for added freshness and color. Accompany the cutlets with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown Chinese-style Pork Cutlets on a platter, placing them in a neat row. Garnish with sprigs of fresh cilantro or green onions for an appealing touch. Serve the dish alongside vibrant stir-fried vegetables and a bowl of steamed rice for an enticing presentation.