New twist on classic pork chops: A Mexican-inspired delight

Pork chops are a true classic. However, occasionally, it's worth stepping beyond tradition and giving the dish a new character. The Mexican-style version perfectly combines favourite pork chops with Mexican cuisine's intense flavours and aromas. This recipe not only delights with its unique blend of spices but also introduces a crispy breading that perfectly complements the tender, juicy inside of the chop.

Mexican-style pork chops are an ideal alternative to the traditional version. The key to success for this dish is the carefully selected spices that give the chops an intense flavour. In this recipe, you will find cumin, sweet paprika, oregano, and a touch of chilli to enhance the meat’s flavour without overwhelming its delicate taste. Parsley added to the breading makes the chops taste good and look appetizing.

Ingredients:

                    
• 600 grams pork loin,
• 125 ml milk,
• 2 tablespoons clarified butter (for frying),
• 1 egg,
• 8 tablespoons breadcrumbs,
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley,
• 1 teaspoon chopped chili pepper,
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano,
• 1/3 teaspoon sweet paprika powder,
• 1/3 teaspoon ground cumin,
• salt and pepper.

How to prepare Mexican-style pork chops?

1. Preparing the meat – Start by slicing the pork loin into four pieces. Remove the white membrane on the outer part of the meat to make the chops more tender. Pound each meat slice with a mallet into thin fillets, ensuring they are not too thin – the optimal thickness is about 1 centimetre.
2. Soaking the meat – Season the chops with salt and pepper and then dip them in milk. You can do this at least half an hour before frying, but it's best if the meat soaks overnight in the refrigerator. This way, the pork will become tender and juicy, and the spice flavours will be better absorbed.
3. Preparing the breading—In the meantime, prepare the breading by combining breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, chilli, oregano, sweet paprika, and ground cumin. This spice mix will give it an intense Mexican character, and the parsley will add freshness.
4. Breading the chops – Once the meat is ready, remove it from the milk and pat dry with a paper towel. Then, beat an egg and dip each chop, then coat it in the prepared breadcrumb and spice mixture.
5. Frying – Heat the clarified butter in a pan. When the fat is hot, fry the chops until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. The meat must be well-cooked but still juicy inside. The breading should be crispy, and the chops should achieve a beautiful golden colour.

The recipe for Mexican-style pork chops is a real hit that attracts crowds. Combining traditional chops with aromatic Mexican spices is a perfect way to diversify your everyday dinner. The crispy breading, with the addition of chilli, paprika, cumin, as well as juicy meat, and refreshing tomato salsa, gives this dish a new, intense flavour.