Milanesa a la Napolitana Uruguaya
A beloved Uruguayan comfort food, this is a breaded and fried cutlet (milanesa) topped with a rich tomato sauce, ham, and melted cheese, often served with fries.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 large Beef or chicken cutlets(thinly pounded)
- 3 large Eggs
- 2 cups Breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 cup Vegetable oil(for frying)
- 1.5 cups Tomato sauce(good quality)
- 4 large Cooked ham slices
- 200 g Mozzarella cheese(shredded or sliced)
- 1 tsp Oregano(dried)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the breading station: In one shallow dish, whisk eggs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In another shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure eggs are well beaten for even coating. - 2
Dip each cutlet first into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated, then dredge in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
💡 Tip: Double-dip for an extra crispy crust. - 3
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary. - 4
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Place fried milanesas in a baking dish. Top each with a slice of ham, then a generous amount of tomato sauce, and finally the mozzarella cheese.
💡 Tip: Spread sauce evenly to the edges of the ham. - 5
Sprinkle with dried oregano. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
💡 Tip: Watch carefully to prevent the cheese from burning. - 6
Serve immediately, typically with french fries or a side salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika to the breadcrumbs.
- ✓Use a good quality, thick tomato sauce for best results.
- ✓Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or a blend.
🔄 Variations
- Add a fried egg on top for a 'Milanesa a Caballo' style.
- Incorporate sautéed onions and bell peppers under the cheese.