Milanesa (Uruguayan Breaded Beef Cutlet)
In short: Thin beef cutlets dipped in garlic and parsley egg, coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crisp, a Uruguayan family staple. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 15 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 595 kcal
Milanesa is the dish many Uruguayans grew up on: a thin beef cutlet dipped in egg flavored with garlic and parsley, coated in breadcrumbs and shallow-fried until crisp and golden. It is on home tables and in cafes alike, and the same cutlet turns into a sandwich, or into milanesa a la napolitana with tomato sauce, ham and cheese on top. Serve it with mashed potatoes, fries or a tomato salad and a squeeze of lemon.
Instructions
- Pound each slice of beef between sheets of plastic wrap to about 5 mm (1/4 in) thick. Season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper.
- Beat the eggs with the garlic, parsley and the remaining salt in a shallow dish. Spread the breadcrumbs on a plate.
- Dip each cutlet into the egg mixture, let the excess drip off and press it into the breadcrumbs on both sides. Set the cutlets on a rack and leave for 15 minutes so the coating sets.
- Heat about 1 cm (1/2 in) of oil in a large skillet to 170°C (340°F), or until a breadcrumb sizzles at once.
- Fry 2 cutlets at a time for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until deep golden and crisp and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels and keep warm in a 100°C (210°F) oven while you fry the rest. Serve hot with lemon wedges.
Tips
- For milanesa a la napolitana, top each cooked cutlet with 2 tablespoons of warm tomato sauce, a slice of ham and a slice of mozzarella, then broil for 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Thinly sliced chicken breast works the same way. For a lighter version, spray the breaded cutlets with oil and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 18 minutes, turning once.
Questions and answers
Can I freeze milanesas?
Yes. Freeze the breaded, uncooked cutlets between sheets of parchment for up to 3 months. Fry from frozen over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side.
How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Pat the meat dry, let the coated cutlets rest for 15 minutes before frying, and do not move them in the pan until a crust has formed.
What do you serve with milanesa?
Mashed potatoes, French fries or a tomato and onion salad are the usual sides. A fried egg on top is also popular.
How long does it take to make Milanesa (Uruguayan Breaded Beef Cutlet)?
About 45 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Milanesa (Uruguayan Breaded Beef Cutlet)?
About 595 kcal per serving, with 49 g of protein, 34 g of carbohydrates and 29 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 595 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 49 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Fat | 29 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 1000 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
