Pork Scaloppine with Lemon Cream Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish where tender boneless pork chops are breaded, pan-fried to a crispy golden brown, and then topped with a luscious lemon cream sauce. The tangy lemon complements the richness of the cream, making it an easy and comforting meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Pork Scaloppine:

  • 3 boneless, center-cut pork chops (2-inch thick)

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• For the Lemon Cream Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)

  • ½ cup grated pecorino Romano cheese

  • 2 tsp dried parsley

  • ¼ tsp kosher salt

  • ⅛ tsp black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Pork: Cut the pork chops in half horizontally and pound them to about ½ inch thick. Set up three bowls: one with flour and lemon zest, one with whisked eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge each piece of pork in the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally in the breadcrumbs. Set aside.

2. Make the Lemon Cream Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add flour and whisk to form a roux. Stir in lemon juice, milk, pecorino Romano cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

3. Pan-Fry the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded pork for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

4. Serve: Place the pork on a serving platter, drizzle with the lemon cream sauce, and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 281 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 23g

• Protein: 9g

• Fat: 17g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 81mg

• Sodium: 362mg

• Potassium: 144mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 3g

• Vitamin A: 251 IU

• Vitamin C: 3mg

• Calcium: 180mg

• Iron: 2mg

This delicious dish combines crispy, golden pork with a creamy, tangy lemon sauce, making it a perfect comfort food for any occasion!

The Perfect Texture: Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside

One of the key elements that make this dish so irresistible is the texture contrast between the crispy exterior and tender interior of the pork. The pork chops are first pounded thin, which ensures that they cook quickly and evenly. By breading and frying them, you achieve a beautiful crispy crust that locks in the pork’s juiciness. The breading adds a satisfying crunch, providing a wonderful contrast to the tender, moist pork inside.

This crispy texture serves as the perfect base for the creamy lemon sauce. The sauce, with its velvety consistency, coats the pork beautifully, enhancing the dish’s flavor without overpowering the delicate taste of the pork. The combination of the crispy breading and creamy sauce creates a delightful bite with every forkful.

Lemon Cream Sauce: A Perfect Complement

The true star of this dish, beyond the perfectly pan-fried pork, is the lemon cream sauce. It’s tangy, creamy, and packed with flavor. The sauce starts with a simple roux, made by cooking flour and butter together. Once the roux is prepared, lemon juice is added, giving the sauce its signature tartness. The richness of the milk (or heavy cream, for an even richer sauce) adds a luxurious smoothness that contrasts with the brightness of the lemon.

Pecorino Romano cheese is then stirred in, giving the sauce a salty, savory depth. The dried parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby flavor that ties the sauce together. The slight heat from the simmering sauce helps thicken it, creating a creamy consistency that’s just the right texture to drizzle over the crispy pork. The result is a sauce that’s both tangy and indulgent, perfectly complementing the richness of the pork while providing a fresh burst of lemony flavor.

How to Make Pork Scaloppine with Lemon Cream Sauce

Making Pork Scaloppine with Lemon Cream Sauce is simple and quick, but the results are impressive. Here’s how you can make this delectable dish at home:

1. Prepare the Pork: Start by cutting the pork chops in half horizontally and then pounding them to about ½ inch thick. This ensures that the pork will cook evenly and quickly, while remaining juicy and tender. Set up three bowls for the breading process: one with a mixture of flour and lemon zest, one with whisked eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each piece of pork in the flour mixture, then dip it into the eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumbs. This triple-dipping process ensures a crispy, flavorful crust.

2. Make the Lemon Cream Sauce: While preparing the pork, start the sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the flour and whisk to create a roux. Once the roux has formed, stir in the lemon juice, milk (or heavy cream), Pecorino Romano cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Pan-Fry the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded pork chops and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain the pork on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep the breading crispy.

4. Serve: Place the fried pork on a serving platter and drizzle the lemon cream sauce over the top. Garnish with additional parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately, and enjoy the crispy, creamy, and tangy combination!

Serving Suggestions

Pork Scaloppine with Lemon Cream Sauce is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few great options to complete your meal:

1. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots make a great accompaniment. Their slightly caramelized sweetness pairs wonderfully with the tangy lemon sauce.

2. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that complements the richness of the pork and the creamy sauce. The potatoes also soak up the delicious sauce, making each bite even more indulgent.

3. Pasta: For a heartier option, serve the pork with a side of pasta. Simple spaghetti or fettuccine would work well, allowing you to enjoy the creamy sauce alongside the pork.

4. Sauteed Greens: A side of sautéed spinach or kale provides a light, slightly bitter contrast to the richness of the pork and sauce, helping balance the flavors of the meal.

5. Rice: A serving of steamed white or brown rice can absorb the creamy sauce, making it a perfect base for this flavorful pork dish.

Why You’ll Love Pork Scaloppine with Lemon Cream Sauce

Pork Scaloppine with Lemon Cream Sauce is a simple yet satisfying meal that brings comfort and elegance to the table. The crispy, breaded pork provides a satisfying crunch, while the creamy lemon sauce adds richness and brightness, making it a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare and quick to cook, making it a fantastic option for those busy nights when you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. The fresh, zesty lemon flavor cuts through the richness of the sauce, creating a balanced dish that is both comforting and refreshing.

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Comforting Meal

Pork Scaloppine with Lemon Cream Sauce is a simple, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines crispy, tender pork with a rich and tangy lemon sauce. The combination of the crispy breading, creamy sauce, and bright lemon flavor makes this dish irresistible. It’s an easy-to-make meal that is perfect for any weeknight dinner and will leave you craving more. Whether served with pasta, potatoes, or vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!