Crispy Breaded Pork Cutlets with Garlic Toasts and Apple Celery Salad

These crispy breaded pork cutlets are a quick and delicious dinner solution that the whole family will love. The clever shake-and-bake method makes coating the pork effortless, resulting in a perfectly golden, crunchy crust. Served alongside garlicky toasted ciabatta and a crisp apple-celery salad with sunflower seeds, this meal is balanced, satisfying, and ready in just 20 minutes.

The salad adds a refreshing crunch with tart apples, crisp celery, peppery arugula, and nutty sunflower seeds, all tossed in a simple lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the rich, savory pork and buttery garlic bread. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe delivers on flavor and ease.

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Ingredients

2 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

24 ounce Pork CutletsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Fry SeasoningView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit AppleView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 unit CeleryView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Ciabatta BreadView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce ArugulaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 ounce Sunflower SeedsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 pack Lemon JuiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 cup Vegetable OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Salt, to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Pepper, to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry all produce. Adjust oven rack to upper position and preheat oven to 450°F. Mince the garlic. Place panko in a gallon-sized zip-close bag and season with salt and pepper (about 2 teaspoons kosher salt).
2. Place sour cream in a medium bowl, then add pork cutlets and toss to coat. Transfer the coated pork and fry seasoning to the bag with panko. Seal the bag and shake until pork is evenly coated. You may need to press the breadcrumbs onto the cutlets with your hands to help them stick.
3. Heat a ¼-inch layer of vegetable oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, halve and core the apples, then slice into thin half-moons. Thinly slice the celery on a diagonal. Split the ciabatta rolls in half horizontally.
4. Once the oil is hot (a breadcrumb should sizzle when added), remove pork from the bag, discarding any excess panko. Add half the pork to the pan and cook until golden brown and crisp, 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining pork.
5. Place 6 tablespoons butter and the minced garlic in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until butter melts, about 30 seconds. Arrange ciabatta halves cut-side up on a baking sheet and drizzle with the garlic butter. Toast in the oven until crisp and golden, about 5 minutes. Cut each half diagonally to create triangles.
6. While the ciabatta toasts, toss together the apples, celery, arugula, sunflower seeds, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and lemon juice to taste in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Divide the pork, salad, and ciabatta triangles among plates and serve.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Gallon-sized zip-close bag

Hefty Slider Kitchen Storage Bags, Gallon Size, Zipper Closure, 66 CountView on AmazonZiploc Gallon Food Storage Slider Bags, Power Shield Technology for More Durability, 68 CountView on AmazonZiploc Gallon Food Storage Slider Bags, Durable, 18 CountView on Amazon

Medium bowl

DOWAN 22 OZ White Ceramic Bowls Set of 4 - Perfect for Soup Bowls for Kitchen, Cereal Bowl, Ramen Bowl, Microwave Safe for Oatmeal, Fruit,Salad and Rice Bowl - Dishwasher & Microwave SafeView on AmazonMASTERCOOK Plastic Bowls Set of 6 – 15oz Multipurpose Deep Plates Salad and Pasta Bowls Ideal for Home, Kids, Parties – Stackable Bowl for Kitchen – Non-BPA and Food Grade – Cute ColorsView on AmazonMALACASA 26 OZ Porcelain Soup Bowls Set of 4, White Ceramic Bowls for Kitchen, Cereal Bowl for Oatmeal, Fruit, Salad, Ramen and Rice Bowl -Dishwasher & Microwave Safe BowlsView on Amazon

Large nonstick pan

Tramontina Professional 14-Inch Non Stick Extra Large Frying Pan, Heavy-Gauge Aluminum Skillet with Reinforced Nonstick Coating, Red Handle, Dishwasher and Oven SafeView on AmazonSENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on AmazonFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker Chef's Pan with Lid and Helper Handle, Kitchen Cookware, 6-Quart, BlackView on Amazon

Paper towels

Scott Paper Towels, Choose-A-Sheet, 6 Double Rolls = 12 Regular Rolls (108 Sheets Per Roll)View on AmazonAmazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels, 12 Basics Rolls = 40 Regular Rolls, Everyday Value with 150 Sheets per Roll, Packaging May VaryView on AmazonBounty Quick-Size Paper Towels, White, 8 Family Triple Rolls = 27 Regular RollsView on Amazon

Small microwave-safe bowl

Wrova wheat straw small bowls 10oz set of 8 - Unbreakable Dessert Bowls set for kids - Mini Bowls for Ice Cream,Snack and Fruits - Microwave & Dishwasher Safe Appetizer BowlsView on AmazonWrova 6 pack small wheat straw bowls 5oz,alternative plastic dipping bowls,unbreakable dessert bowls microwave and dishwasher safe for dessert,sushi,condiment (Classic Series)View on AmazonLE TAUCI Sauce Cups 2 OZ, Small Dipping Bowls, Mini Ceramic Ramekins Souffle Dishes, Sauce Dip Bowls for Charcuterie Boards, Microwave & Oven Safe, Set of 6, WhiteView on Amazon

Baking sheet

GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Baking Sheet Set, 3 Pack Includes Small (13×9) Medium (15×1) and Large (17×11) Pans Carbon Steel Construction Cookie Sheets Bakeware Set, GrayView on AmazonNutriChef 3-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Oven Baking Pans - Premium & Stylish Non-Stick Steel, Commercial Grade Restaurant Quality Metal Bakeware with Red Silicone Handles - Easy to Clean, NCSBS3SView on AmazonNordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet - USA Made Aluminum Commercial Quality Sheet Pan for Baking or Roasting, Encapsulated Galvanized Steel Rim Prevents Warping, 2-PackView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use chicken instead of pork?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work well. Adjust cooking time as needed until chicken is cooked through.

Can I make this gluten-free?

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

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover pork, salad, and bread separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat pork in a skillet to maintain crispiness.