Sesame Pork Milanese is a crispy, golden-breaded pork cutlet inspired by the Italian classic but with a Japanese twist. Using toasted sesame oil, panko breadcrumbs, and a miso-infused salad dressing, this dish blends rich umami flavors with a satisfying crunch. Paired with a fresh arugula and spinach salad, it’s a perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and refreshing flavors in one meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pork Milanese:

• 4 boneless pork chops (about 6 ounces each)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 3/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil, plus more for frying

For the Salad:

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 4 teaspoons white miso paste
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 (5-ounce) package mixed baby spinach and arugula
• 3 carrots, grated
• 1 cup assorted cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions

1. Prepare the Pork: Pound the pork chops to about 1/4 inch thickness using a meat mallet or heavy skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Set Up Breading Station: Place flour in a shallow dish. In a second dish, whisk eggs with 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, salt, and pepper. In a third dish, place panko breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Pork: Dredge each pork chop in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, shaking off excess. Firmly press both sides into the panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
4. Fry the Pork: Heat about 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the pork chops in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and season with salt. Add more oil between batches if needed.
5. Make the Salad Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, miso, vegetable oil, and the remaining sesame oil until smooth.
6. Assemble the Salad: Toss the spinach, arugula, grated carrots, and cherry tomatoes with the dressing. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve: Plate the crispy pork cutlets alongside the fresh salad and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g

What Makes This Sesame Pork Milanese Special?

This dish is a creative twist on a beloved classic, combining elements from both Italian and Japanese cuisines to create something entirely new and delicious. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• A Perfectly Crispy Coating: The use of panko breadcrumbs results in a light, crunchy crust that stays crispy even after frying.
• A Hint of Nutty Sesame Flavor: Toasted sesame oil in the egg wash and dressing adds a deep, roasted flavor that pairs beautifully with the pork.
• A Light and Refreshing Salad: Instead of serving the cutlets with pasta or potatoes, this dish features a crisp spinach and arugula salad tossed in a miso dressing, adding a bright, umami-rich contrast to the fried pork.
• Fast and Easy to Make: Unlike traditional Milanese dishes that require time-consuming breading and frying, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.

The Inspiration Behind Sesame Pork Milanese

Milanese-style dishes originate from Italy, where thinly pounded meat is coated in breadcrumbs and pan-fried to a crispy perfection. The Japanese influence in this recipe comes from katsu, a similar technique used for tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlets) and chicken katsu.

By combining the best elements of both styles, this dish achieves the rich crunch of traditional Milanese cutlets while incorporating the deep umami flavors of Japanese cuisine. The addition of miso, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in the salad dressing ties the flavors together beautifully, making this dish both indulgent and well-balanced.

The Key to Perfectly Crispy Pork Cutlets

The secret to a crispy, golden-brown Milanese cutlet lies in a few key techniques:

1. Properly Pounding the Pork

• Thinly pounded pork chops ensure that they cook evenly and quickly, preventing dryness.
• Using a meat mallet or a heavy skillet, pound the pork to about 1/4 inch thickness—this also helps tenderize the meat.

2. A Three-Step Breading Process

The classic breading technique involves:

• Flour: Helps the egg mixture adhere to the pork.
• Egg Wash (with Sesame Oil): Acts as a binding agent while adding rich sesame flavor.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Create an extra-crispy, airy coating that absorbs less oil than traditional breadcrumbs.

3. The Right Frying Temperature

• Frying at medium-high heat ensures the pork gets crispy without absorbing excess oil.
• Using neutral oil (like vegetable or canola oil) helps prevent overpowering flavors, allowing the sesame and panko to shine.

The Role of Sesame Oil in This Recipe

Toasted sesame oil is a key ingredient in both the pork and the salad dressing, adding a deep, nutty aroma that makes the dish even more flavorful.

• In the Egg Wash: It subtly enhances the breaded crust, giving it a light Japanese-inspired touch.
• In the Dressing: It creates a rich, well-rounded base for the miso vinaigrette, balancing the acidity of the rice vinegar.

Because sesame oil has a strong, roasted flavor, a little goes a long way. It’s important to use toasted sesame oil rather than regular sesame oil, as it has a more pronounced nuttiness.

The Miso Dressing: A Bright, Umami-Packed Salad Companion

Instead of the usual lemon wedges or aioli that accompany Milanese dishes, this recipe pairs the crispy pork with a vibrant spinach and arugula salad tossed in a miso dressing.

Miso paste, a fermented soybean paste commonly used in Japanese cuisine, adds a savory, umami depth to the dressing. Combined with rice vinegar and sesame oil, it creates a perfectly balanced dressing that’s both tangy and rich.

The sweetness of the carrots and the juiciness of cherry tomatoes contrast beautifully with the saltiness of the miso and the crispiness of the pork cutlet.

How to Serve Sesame Pork Milanese

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, with the pork hot and crispy and the salad cool and refreshing.

Perfect Side Dishes

While this dish is already a complete meal, you can serve it with additional sides for a heartier feast:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Adds a simple, neutral base to complement the flavors.
• Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic: A quick and easy veggie side that pairs well with the miso dressing.
• Pickled Vegetables: Adds a tangy, crunchy contrast to the richness of the pork.

Best Drink Pairings

• Crisp White Wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio): Enhances the light, refreshing elements of the salad.
• Japanese Sake: A warm or chilled sake brings out the umami depth of the miso dressing.
• Iced Green Tea: A non-alcoholic option that cleanses the palate between bites.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them properly to maintain the crispiness of the pork:

Storage Tips

• Keep the salad and dressing separate to prevent wilting.
• Store the pork cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating Tips

• Oven Method: Place the pork on a wire rack in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Air Fryer Method: Heat at 350°F for 5 minutes for the best results.
• Avoid Microwaving: This will make the breaded crust soggy instead of crispy.

Conclusion

Sesame Pork Milanese is a perfect fusion of Italian and Japanese flavors, offering crispy, golden-breaded pork cutlets with a nutty sesame twist. The light and refreshing miso-dressed salad complements the richness of the pork, making this dish both indulgent and well-balanced.

With simple ingredients and quick preparation, this recipe is ideal for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. Whether you’re a fan of classic Italian Milanese dishes or Japanese tonkatsu, this dish offers the best of both worlds in one delicious bite.