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Beef Milanesa

By Chef Melanie November 11, 2025
  • beef
  • milanesa
  • breaded
  • cutlet
  • latin american
  • fried
Difficulty Intermediate
Servings 4
Estimated Cost $18.00
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Beef Milanesa

Classic breaded beef cutlets that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This traditional Latin American dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Serve with rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Instructions

  1. 1

    If your beef cutlets are not already thin, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet until they are about 1/4 inch thick.

  2. 2

    Season both sides of each cutlet with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

  3. 3

    Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: Place flour in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs (mixed with Parmesan cheese and paprika if using) in the third.

  4. 4

    Dredge each cutlet first in the flour, shaking off any excess.

  5. 5

    Dip the floured cutlet into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.

  6. 6

    Finally, coat the cutlet with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.

  7. 7

    Place the breaded cutlets on a plate and let them rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. This helps the breading stick better during cooking.

  8. 8

    Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when it shimmers and a breadcrumb dropped in sizzles immediately.

  9. 9

    Carefully place the breaded cutlets in the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.

  10. 10

    Fry for 3-4 minutes on the first side, until golden brown and crispy.

  11. 11

    Flip and fry for an additional 3-4 minutes on the second side until golden brown.

  12. 12

    Remove the cutlets from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

  13. 13

    Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

  14. 14

    **Tips:** For a healthier option, you can bake the breaded cutlets on a greased baking sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure to flip gently to keep the breading intact!