A Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich is a tasty delight originating in the American Midwest, particularly in Iowa. It features a large, thinly pounded, breaded pork tenderloin fried to crispy, golden-brown perfection, it is known for its generous size, served on a soft burger bun that is considerably smaller than the pork itself. Common toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and mustard or mayonnaise are served alongside. This is iconic Midwestern comfort food at its best.
2sleeves of saltine crackersabout 80 crackers, 2 cups
1teaspoongarlic powder
1teaspoononion powder
½teaspoonblack pepper
½teaspoonsalt
1cupflour
2large eggs
3-4cupsvegetable oilfor frying
4hamburger buns
For Serving: MayoMustard, onion slices, dill pickle slices, lettuce and tomato slices
Instructions
Prep the chops: Butterfly each chop, cutting through horizontally, but not all of the way through.
Place in a plastic bag or between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until each is about ¼” thick.
Crush crackers in a zippered bag or with your food processor until they are in small pieces (not like bread crumbs) Add the seasonings to the cracker crumbs. Mix. Pour into a rimmed dish. (a pie plate works great!)
Add the flour to another shallow dish.
Whisk the eggs and add to another rimmed plate.
Dredge pork chops in flour. Then in the egg wash. Then press into the cracker crumbs until well coated.
Add oil to a 10 or 12-inch skillet, about 1/2 inch deep. Heat over medium heat until the temperature reaches 350F.
Using tongs add the breaded tenderloin into the hot oil one at a time and fry about two to three minutes per side. They are cooked internally when a meat thermometer reads 145 degrees F.
Place fried pork tenderloins on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Sprinkle with salt. Serve on hamburger buns with your choice of toppings.