Chuletas estilo Kiev, or Kiev-style cutlets, are a delicious twist on the classic Chicken Kiev dish. Instead of using chicken breasts, this version uses pork chops, which are stuffed with garlic herb butter, breaded, and then fried to golden perfection. Here's how you can make them:
Ingredients:
For the Pork Cutlets:
- Pork chops (4 boneless, thick-cut)
- Butter (100g, softened)
- Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced)
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, finely chopped)
- Fresh dill (optional, 1 tablespoon, finely chopped)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Flour (1/2 cup)
- Eggs (2, beaten)
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup, preferably panko for extra crunch)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and dill (if using). Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Place the butter mixture on a piece of plastic wrap, shape it into a small log, and refrigerate it until firm (about 15-20 minutes).
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Prepare the Pork Cutlets:
- Using a sharp knife, carefully make a pocket in each pork chop by slicing horizontally through the middle, leaving one side intact.
- Remove the butter from the refrigerator and cut it into small slices. Stuff each pork chop with a slice or two of the garlic herb butter.
- Secure the opening with toothpicks to ensure the butter doesn't leak out during cooking.
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Breading the Cutlets:
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Season the flour with a bit of salt and pepper.
- Dredge each stuffed pork chop in flour, shaking off the excess, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it evenly with breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the cutlet to ensure they adhere well.
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Frying the Cutlets:
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded pork cutlets. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the cutlets from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
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Serving:
- Serve the Chuletas estilo Kiev hot, accompanied by mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Tips:
- To ensure the butter stays inside the cutlet, make sure to chill it well and secure the pork with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- If you prefer baking over frying, you can bake the breaded cutlets in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and golden brown.
Chuletas estilo Kiev offers a delightful combination of juicy pork with a rich, garlicky, buttery filling that melts in your mouth. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress your guests with something a bit different!
