Pork Cutlets with Sweet and Spicy Pepper Sauce

Name: Pork Cutlets with Sweet and Spicy Pepper Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb thin-sliced pork cutlets; 2 large eggs; 2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs; 1 cup avocado oil, for frying; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1 tsp hot pepper sauce (like Calabrian chili paste); 1/2 cup marinara sauce; 1 cup dry white wine; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, sliced, with juice; 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Crispy breaded pork cutlets are finished in a bright, garlicky sweet and spicy pepper sauce, then topped with melted fresh mozzarella for a restaurant-quality weeknight meal.

🌍Italian-American 🏷️Pork cutlets 🏷️Sweet and spicy 🏷️Pepper sauce 🏷️Mozzarella Comfort food

🏷️

-0:00

kathyquad123onTikTok

Total

1h

Servings

4

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$26–$43

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by kathyquad123

-0:00

kathyquad123onTikTok

Ingredients

1 lb thin-sliced pork cutlets
2 large eggs
2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
1 cup avocado oil, for frying
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 tsp hot pepper sauce (like Calabrian chili paste)
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken broth
1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, sliced, with juice
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

14 Ingredients

Delivery in as fast as one hour.^*

Powered by Instacart

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
Crack eggs into a shallow bowl and whisk. Place seasoned breadcrumbs in another shallow bowl.
2
Dip each pork cutlet first in the egg wash, then press firmly into the breadcrumbs to coat both sides.
3
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the breaded cutlets and fry until the edges are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4
Flip the cutlets and continue frying until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
5
In a clean skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted, add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
6
Stir in the hot pepper sauce, followed by the marinara sauce.
7
Deglaze the pan with white wine, then add the chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
8
Add the sliced roasted red peppers and a splash of their juice to the sauce. Stir to combine.
9
Arrange the fried pork cutlets in a single layer in a baking dish.
10
Top each cutlet with slices of fresh mozzarella.
11
Pour the pepper sauce evenly over the cutlets.
12
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
13
Cover the dish and bake for 15 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Use thin-sliced pork cutlets or pound thick chops to 1/4 inch for even cooking and tender results.
Don't skip the double-dredge: egg wash + breadcrumbs creates a crispy, golden crust that won't separate.
Let the breaded cutlets rest on a plate for 10 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere.
Toast the garlic slices gently in butter and oil—don't let them brown or they'll taste bitter.

Substitutions

Avocado oil → vegetable oil or canola oil (neutral flavor, high smoke point)
Calabrian chili paste → red pepper flakes or sriracha (1/2 tsp for similar heat and flavor)
Dry white wine → dry vermouth or chicken broth (slightly less acidity)
Fresh mozzarella → provolone or Italian blend cheese (melts more uniformly)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 10 minutes.

Equipment

meat mallet (optional, for pounding) · shallow bowls (for breading station) · large skillet or frying pan

Common Questions

Can I pound the pork cutlets thinner myself?

Yes. Place pork chops between plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until thin and even, about 1/4 inch thick, for faster, more even cooking.

What does Calabrian chili paste do in this recipe?

It adds depth and heat to the sauce without overpowering it. The sweet marinara and white wine balance the spice for complexity rather than pure heat.

Should I use fresh or low-moisture mozzarella?

Low-moisture mozzarella melts cleanly and prevents the dish from becoming watery. Fresh mozzarella can be used but will release more liquid.

Can I make this ahead?

Bread and fry the cutlets ahead, then store in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes before finishing with sauce and mozzarella.

What's the best way to know when the cutlets are done?

The breading should be golden brown and the pork internal temperature should reach 145°F. In the sauce, cook until the cheese melts and bubbles at the edges.