The Perfect Pork Cutlets: Mastering The Bbq Timing

Cooking pork cutlets on a BBQ is a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy and tender meal. The cutlets are thin, boneless cuts of meat that can be grilled in a snap, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout. With a simple marinade or seasoning, you can have delicious pork cutlets ready in about 20 to 30 minutes. So, fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy some mouth-watering BBQ pork cutlets!

How to make a marinade for pork cutlets

Ingredients

You can use a variety of ingredients to make a marinade for pork cutlets. Here are some common ingredients:

• Olive oil or canola oil
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic
• Lemon juice
• Spicy brown mustard
• Dried thyme
• Onion powder
• White wine vinegar
• Mesquite-flavoured seasoning
• Fresh thyme
• Chicken stock
• Maple syrup
• Chipotle powder

Instructions

• Place your chosen ingredients in a bowl and whisk together.
• Place your pork cutlets in a large zip-top bag.
• Pour the marinade over the cutlets in the bag.
• Refrigerate for several hours, or overnight, mixing the bag around occasionally.
• Drain the cutlets and reserve the juice if desired.
• Thread the cutlets on skewers by size for an outdoor grill. This makes them easier to turn.
• Grill the cutlets for a couple of minutes on each side until done.

Tips

• You can also use the marinade as a sauce. Simply simmer the leftover marinade for a few minutes and strain if needed.
• If you want to add extra moisture to your pork cutlets, try adding olive oil to your marinade.
• For a touch of sweetness, add honey or maple syrup to your marinade.
• Soy sauce is a great secret ingredient to add flavour and moisture to your pork cutlets.

How to grill pork cutlets

Ingredients

• Pork cutlets
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil
• BBQ sauce (optional)
• Pineapple or apple juice (optional)
• Maple syrup (optional)
• Chicken stock (optional)
• Chipotle powder (optional)
• Thyme (optional)
• Cornstarch (optional)
• Water (optional)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the pork cutlets

If you're using a marinade, place the cutlets in a large zip-top bag and cover them with the liquid. Refrigerate for several hours, or even overnight, turning the bag over occasionally to ensure the meat soaks evenly. If you're not using a marinade, simply season the cutlets with salt and pepper and brush with a little oil.

Step 2: Preheat the grill

If you're using a barbecue, preheat it to medium heat and oil the grates. If you're using a grill pan, heat it to medium-high.

Step 3: Grill the cutlets

Place the cutlets on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes. If you're using BBQ sauce, turn the cutlets over, brush with sauce, and cook for 5-7 minutes. If you're not using sauce, cook for 4-5 minutes, then turn and cook for a further 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Rest the meat

Place the cooked cutlets on a plate or cutting board and leave to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• If you're using a barbecue, you can thread the cutlets onto skewers to make them easier to turn.
• If you're using a marinade, don't throw it away! Simmer it for a few minutes, then place the cooked cutlets in a crockpot, cover with the marinade, and hold on low for a few hours to make an appetizer.
• If you're using BBQ sauce, make it ahead of time so you can focus on grilling the cutlets.

How to make a glaze for pork cutlets

To make a glaze for pork cutlets, you can use a variety of ingredients, depending on the flavour profile you want to achieve. Here is a simple recipe for a maple chipotle glaze:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried chipotle powder
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 tablespoon canola oil

Instructions:

• In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, chicken stock, chipotle powder, and thyme. Bring this mixture to a boil.
• In a separate small jar, mix together the cornstarch and cold water. Put the lid on and shake vigorously until it forms a thick slurry.
• Pour the cornstarch slurry into the boiling glaze mixture. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, or until it becomes clear and thickens.
• Season your pork cutlets with salt and pepper and brush them with a little oil.
• Preheat your grill. Grill the cutlets for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, brushing the glaze onto the meat while cooking.

You can also try a honey garlic glaze by bringing honey, soy sauce, and garlic to a boil in a saucepan and reducing it to a simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in black pepper. Brush this glaze onto your pork cutlets during the last few minutes of grilling.

Additionally, a basic BBQ glaze can be made by combining cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Brush this liberally onto your pork cutlets while they are grilling.

How to bread pork cutlets

To make breaded pork cutlets, you'll first need to prepare the pork by cutting or pounding it into 1/4-inch-thick cutlets. If you're using boneless pork chops, place them between two sheets of heavy plastic (or waxed paper) and use a meat mallet to pound them to the desired thickness.

Next, you'll need to set up a breading station. This typically involves using three shallow bowls or pie plates. In the first bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, lightly beat some eggs and milk. And in the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs with any desired seasonings, such as Parmesan cheese, thyme, paprika, or lemon zest.

Now you're ready to bread the pork cutlets. Start by dredging a cutlet in the flour mixture, coating it lightly on all sides. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it's fully coated. Finally, place it into the breadcrumbs, using your fingers to press the mixture onto the meat and ensure all sides are covered. Repeat this process with the remaining cutlets.

Once all your cutlets are breaded, heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You'll want the oil to be about 1/8-inch deep, and you'll know it's ready when it reaches a temperature of 325 to 350°F or when the end of a wooden spoon or chopstick bubbles when stuck into the oil.

Add 2-3 cutlets to the hot oil and cook until browned, typically around 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked cutlets to a plate or platter and repeat the process with the remaining cutlets, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy, tender pork cutlets that can be served as-is or with your favourite sauce. Enjoy!

How to cook pork cutlets in a pan

Pork cutlets are thin, tender cuts of boneless meat. They can be bought pre-sliced or you can buy thicker boneless pork chops and slice them yourself.

Marinade

You can marinate your pork cutlets in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Place the cutlets in a large zip-top bag and cover with your chosen marinade. Pineapple or apple juice is a good option.

Cooking

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to be about 1/8-inch deep. Heat the oil to 325-350°F. You can test if the oil is hot enough by sticking the end of a wooden spoon or chopstick in; if it bubbles, the oil is ready.

Dredge the cutlets in flour, coating lightly on all sides, then dip them into beaten egg and fully coat. Place the cutlets into a bowl of panko breadcrumbs, cheese, thyme, and lemon zest. Use your fingers to press the mixture onto the meat.

Add 2 or 3 cutlets to the pan and cook until browned, which should take around 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining cutlets, wiping out the skillet and adding more oil as needed.

Resting

Let the meat rest on a plate or cutting board, covered, for 2-5 minutes before serving. This will help keep the pork cutlets nice and juicy.

Serving

Pork cutlets can be served as they are, or with a squeeze of lemon. They can also be topped with a mushroom or cream sauce, or served in a sandwich roll with a sauce.

Frequently asked questions