Milanesa Paraguaya
A unique Paraguayan take on the classic milanesa, featuring a breaded and fried cutlet (usually beef or chicken) topped with a flavorful tomato sauce, ham, cheese, and a fried egg.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 thin Beef or Chicken Cutlets(e.g., sirloin, chicken breast)
- 2 large Eggs(beaten)
- 2 cups Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Flour
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- for frying Vegetable Oil
- 1.5 cups Tomato Sauce(homemade or good quality store-bought)
- 4 slices Ham(thinly sliced)
- 100 g Cheese(grated, e.g., mozzarella or Paraguayan cheese)
- 4 large Eggs(for topping)
- for frying eggs Butter
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pound the cutlets to an even thickness if necessary. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure cutlets are not too thick for even cooking. - 2
Set up a breading station: one plate with flour, one shallow bowl with beaten eggs, and one plate with breadcrumbs.
- 3
Dredge each cutlet first in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat generously with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
💡 Tip: Ensure a good, even coating of breadcrumbs. - 4
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded cutlets for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
⏱️ 8 minutes💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed. - 5
Once cooked, transfer the milanesas to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- 6
Top each milanesa with a slice of ham, a generous spoonful of tomato sauce, and grated cheese.
- 7
Place the dish in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 8
While the milanesas are in the oven, fry one egg per serving in a separate pan with butter until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny.
💡 Tip: A perfectly fried egg is key to this dish. - 9
Serve the baked milanesa immediately, topped with a fried egg.
💡 Tip: Serve with a side of french fries or a simple salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use good quality breadcrumbs for a crispier coating.
- ✓Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the milanesa from becoming greasy.
- ✓The tomato sauce should not be too watery.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a layer of sautéed onions or mushrooms before the tomato sauce.
- Use a different type of cheese for variation.
- Some variations omit the ham.