Lithuanian Pork Cutlet With Cheese and Onion (Karbonadas Su Sūriu)
Breaded Pork Escalopes, known as Karbonadas, are often served for weeknight dinner in Lithuania. But for more special occasions, we like to top thin pork cutlets with cheese and onion for a decadent, filling and extremely satisfying meal. Here, we will talk you through the steps of making a Lithuanian Pork Cutlet with Cheese and Onion topping.
Ingredients
- 4 pork loin steaks approx. 480g pork loin, cut into steaks
- 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 egg extra large
- ¾ cup (90g) breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- oil & butter for frying
- 2 small onions red or brown, thinly sliced
- 3½ oz (100g) grated cheese cheddar, Emmental or Gouda
Instructions
- Begin by spreading the flour onto a large plate and season it with half of the salt and pepper.
- On a separate plate, combine the breadcrumbs with the remaining salt and pepper.
- In a shallow bowl, beat an egg until well mixed.
- If desired, trim any excess fat from the pork steaks (though traditionally, it's left intact). Using a meat tenderizer or a rolling pin, gently flatten each pork steak inside a sturdy zip lock bag or between two sheets of greaseproof paper (or plastic wrap) until they're about 5mm (¼ in) thick. Dab the pork cutlets with paper towels to remove any surface moisture.
- Next, coat each pork escalope by dipping it first in the seasoned flour, then in the heated egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating. Repeat the process for the remaining pork cutlets.
- Heat a large skillet with a little oil. Add the sliced onions and saute over low-medium heat for 6-8 minutes until the onions are soft and tender. Place them into a small bowl and set aside.
- Wipe the pan clean and melt a knob of butter along with a tablespoon of oil. Add the pork cutlets in batches if necessary (or use multiple pans), and cook for approximately 4–5 minutes on each side or until they're golden brown and cooked through.
- Once cooked, reduce the heat to low. Top each pork cutlet with a generous tablespoon of sauteed onions, and add a mount of grated cheese on top.
- Cover the pan with a lid and continue to cook until the cheese melts. Serve immediately!