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Bon Appétit

Pork Shoulder Cutlets With Fennel and Asparagus Salad

By Claire Saffitz

4.1

(4)

Pork shoulder cutlets with fennel and asparagus salad on a white plate.
Pork Shoulder Cutlets with Fennel and Asparagus SaladNicole Franzen

Opposites attract: This bright, sprightly salad is just the thing to cut through the richness of succulent pan-fried pork.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    30 minutes

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

1 1/4 pounds boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt), fat trimmed to 1/4", cut into 4 steaks
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 1/2 cups dried breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
3/4 cup vegetable oil
Flaky sea salt
1 small fennel bulb, cored, thinly sliced, plus 2 tablespoons fennel fronds
6 asparagus, shaved lengthwise into ribbons with a vegetable peeler
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving
2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pound pork steaks between 2 layers of plastic wrap to 1/4" thick. Place flour in a shallow bowl. Lightly beat eggs in another shallow bowl. Toss breadcrumbs and cornstarch in a third shallow bowl; season with kosher salt and pepper.

    Step 2

    Working one at a time, season cutlets with kosher salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off excess. Transfer to bowl with egg and turn to coat. Lift from bowl, allowing excess to drip off. Coat with breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.

    Step 3

    Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Working in 2 batches, cook cutlets, shaking pan occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a wire rack; season with sea salt.

    Step 4

    Combine fennel, fennel fronds, asparagus, onion, and parsley in a medium bowl. Toss with lemon juice and olive oil; season with kosher salt and pepper. Serve salad alongside cutlets with lemon wedges for squeezing over.

TagsCutletPork ShoulderPorkMeatAsparagusVegetableFennelRoot VegetableMainDinnerDairy FreeEasyQuickWeeknight Meals30 Minutes or LessFrySpringBon Appétit

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