Milanesa Napolitana
A beloved Argentine classic, Milanesa Napolitana features a breaded and fried cutlet (beef or chicken) generously topped with rich tomato sauce, savory ham, and melted mozzarella cheese, often finished with a sprinkle of oregano. It's a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for any occasion.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 Beef or chicken cutlets (thinly pounded)(Traditionally beef, but chicken is also common. Ensure they are thin for even cooking.)
- 1 cup All-purpose flour(For dredging.)
- 2 Eggs(Lightly beaten, for the egg wash.)
- 1.5 cups Breadcrumbs(Plain or seasoned breadcrumbs work well.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- enough for frying Vegetable oil or other neutral oil
- 4 slices Cooked ham slices(Good quality ham is recommended.)
- 200 g Shredded mozzarella cheese(Or sliced mozzarella.)
- 200 ml Tomato sauce or marinara sauce(A good quality, flavorful sauce is key.)
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano(For sprinkling.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the milanesas: Season the cutlets generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Dredge each cutlet first in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated, and finally, press it firmly into the breadcrumbs, making sure both sides are well-covered. Set the breaded cutlets aside on a plate.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (about 175°C / 350°F). The oil should be deep enough to come halfway up the sides of the milanesas. Carefully place 1 or 2 milanesas in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust heat as needed to maintain a consistent sizzle without burning.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 4
Remove the fried milanesas from the skillet and drain them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or on paper towels. This helps keep them crispy.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Arrange the fried milanesas in a single layer in a baking dish or on a baking sheet.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 6
Top each milanesa with a spoonful of tomato sauce, spreading it evenly. Place a slice of ham over the sauce, followed by a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with dried oregano.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Bake in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the sauce is heated through. Keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from browning too much.
⏱️ 5-8 minutes - 8
Serve immediately, hot from the oven. Milanesa Napolitana is traditionally served with french fries, but a fresh salad is also a great accompaniment.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓This dish is an Argentine invention, despite its Italian-sounding name.
- ✓It's almost always served with a generous portion of french fries on the side.
- ✓While it shares ingredients with Italian dishes, it is not a traditional dish from Naples.
🔄 Variations
- Add a fried or poached egg on top for an even richer dish.
- Include roasted red peppers along with the ham and cheese.
- Experiment with different types of cheese like provolone or a blend.
🥗 Nutrition
Per serving