Milanesa

milanesa

Argentine Milanesa is a popular dish in Argentina, featuring a crispy and savory breaded pork or beef cutlets, often served with a side of fries, salad, or mashed potatoes. The dish gets its name from the similarity to Italian Milanese dishes, which involve pounded and breaded meat cutlets.

Argentine cuisine is heavily influenced by Spain, Italy, and other European countries, with a focus on meat and dairy products due to the country’s abundant resources. Milanesa is a prime example of how European techniques and ingredients have been adapted to create a unique and beloved dish in Argentina. The dish is particularly popular in Buenos Aires and other major cities, where you can find Milanesa served in traditional Argentinean restaurants and food stalls.

The recipe for Milanesa is relatively simple, but it requires careful attention to detail to ensure that the meat is evenly coated with breadcrumbs and cooked to perfection. Traditionally, the dish is made with thinly sliced beef, but pork, chicken, or even vegetables can be used as well. The meat is first pounded thin to tenderize it and then dipped in eggs before being coated in breadcrumbs seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes garlic and parsley. The meat is then fried in hot oil until golden and crispy.

Milanesa is often served with a simple salad made of lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, with a dressing of olive oil and vinegar. In some variations, the salad can be topped with a fried egg or slices of ham or cheese. Alternatively, Milanesa can be served with mashed potatoes or French fries, which are often a favorite street food in Argentina.

Milanesa can be enjoyed any time of day and is a popular comfort food in Argentina. The dish is often served in portions large enough to share with family and friends, making it a social meal that is perfect for gatherings and celebrations. It is a versatile dish that can be modified to suit different tastes and preferences, and it can even be made gluten-free by using alternative coatings such as cornmeal or rice flour.

Overall, Argentine Milanesa is a delicious and satisfying dish that showcases the diversity and adaptation of European cuisine in Argentina. The combination of savory meat, crispy breading, and fresh salad or sides creates a balanced and flavorful meal that is sure to delight anyone who tries it.

Ingredients:

  • 4-6 beef or chicken steaks, pounded thin
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • Salt and pepper
  • Oil for frying
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

  1. Season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. In a shallow dish, mix the bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  3. In another shallow dish, place the flour.
  4. In a third dish, beat the eggs.
  5. Coat each steak first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it in the eggs, and finally coat it in the bread crumbs mixture.
  6. Heat enough oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each steak for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  7. Place the cooked steaks on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
  8. Serve the Milanesa with lemon wedges, and side dishes like fries, mashed or roasted potatoes, salad or bread. Enjoy!