Oven-baked pork cutlets: A refreshing summer alternative

Even the biggest fans of traditional pork cutlets might give up on these hot July days. Who wants to stand over a scorching frying pan? Moreover, dietitians advise against fried dishes, especially in the heat. Luckily, I have an alternative recipe for pork cutlets that's perfect for baking in the oven. You might find you prefer it over the traditional version.

Are you worried that pork cutlets baked in the oven will be too dry? Don't fret. The key is to choose the right piece of meat and handle it with care. This method is straightforward, and the result will pleasantly surprise you.

For this dish, choose pork loin sold loose by weight. Pay attention to its colour – it should be light pink. If it's too dark, the meat will be tough and dry; if it's too pale, too soft. Opt for meat with some fat, as it keeps the cutlets juicy. A delicate layer of fat should be evenly distributed. The central part of the pork loin works well.

Once you have a piece of pork loin at home, cut it into slices. Then, cut each slice diagonally in a criss-cross pattern. This technique allows the butter you place on each portion to penetrate the meat quickly. This addition will make the pork perfectly soft, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Such prepared pork can be baked with various additions. It tastes great simply with fresh rosemary, which imparts an herbal aroma. You can add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and cheese to enrich the dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of pork loin,
• 200 grams of butter,
• Salt and pepper to taste,
• A few sprigs of fresh rosemary.

Optional additives:

• 1 onion,
• 200 grams of mushrooms,
• 200 grams of cheese, e.g., mozzarella,
• 1 egg,
• 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise.

Preparation method:

1. Cut the pork loin into slices 2 cm thick. Cut each slice diagonally in a criss-cross pattern. Then, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Season the pork with salt and pepper. Place a generous piece of butter on each slice and spread it slightly.
3. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the meat for 25 minutes. For the last 15 minutes, add rosemary sprigs.
4. If you want to prepare the pork with additives, place canned mushrooms and onion slices on the pork slices.
5. Grate the cheese, add the egg and mayonnaise, and mix. Season the sauce to taste and spread it on the pork slices.
6. Place the prepared cutlets in a preheated 180°C oven and bake for 30 minutes.