Crispy Breaded Pork Cutlets with Garlic Bread and Apple Sunflower Seed Salad

These crispy breaded pork cutlets are a game-changer for busy weeknights. The clever shake-and-bake method makes breading a breeze and the result is juicy, golden pork that cooks in minutes. Paired with toasted garlic bread and a crisp apple sunflower seed salad, this meal is balanced, satisfying and ready in just 20 minutes.

Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you-this dish packs big flavor. The tangy sour cream helps the seasoned panko stick, creating a crunchy crust that seals in moisture. The salad adds a refreshing crunch with apple, celery and sunflower seeds, all brightened with lemon. It’s a complete dinner that feels special but comes together effortlessly.

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Ingredients

2 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

12 ounce Pork CutletsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Fry SeasoningView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit AppleView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2.5 unit CeleryView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Ciabatta BreadView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 ounce ArugulaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 ounce Sunflower SeedsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Vegetable OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 450°F. Wash and dry all produce. Place panko in a gallon-size zip-close bag and season with Fry Seasoning, salt (1 tsp for 2 servings, 2 tsp for 4) and pepper.
2. Place sour cream in a medium bowl; add pork and turn to evenly coat. Place coated pork into bag with panko and seal. Shake until pork is evenly coated. Tip: You may need to move cutlets around in bag, pressing with your hands, to help panko stick.
3. Mince 1 clove garlic (2 cloves for 4 servings). Halve, core and slice apple into thin half-moons. Thinly slice celery on a diagonal. Cut lemon into wedges. Halve ciabatta horizontally as if making a sandwich.
4. Heat a ¼-inch layer of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot (a pinch of panko sizzles), add pork from bag, shaking off excess panko. Cook until golden and cooked through, 2-3 minutes per side. For 4 servings, cook in batches. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
5. Meanwhile, in a small microwave-safe bowl, combine minced garlic and 3 tbsp butter (6 tbsp for 4 servings). Microwave until melted, about 30 seconds. Place ciabatta halves cut sides up on a baking sheet; drizzle with garlic butter. Toast on top rack until golden, 3-5 minutes. Halve diagonally into triangles.
6. While ciabatta toasts, in a medium bowl, toss apple, celery, arugula, sunflower seeds, 1 tbsp olive oil (2 tbsp for 4 servings) and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Divide salad, pork and ciabatta between plates. Serve with remaining lemon wedges.
7. Enjoy your crispy pork cutlets with garlic bread and fresh salad!

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, but panko gives a lighter, crunchier texture. If using regular breadcrumbs, the coating may be denser.

How do I know when the pork is cooked through?

Pork cutlets are thin and cook quickly. They are done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the juices run clear or after 2-3 minutes per side when golden brown.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs and ensure the ciabatta is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.