I’ve perfected a tender and juicy thin sliced pork recipe that cooks in just 20 minutes. This quick and delicious dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast.
The secret to achieving tender pork is cooking it at the right temperature – 400°F – for the right amount of time. With this recipe, you’ll get perfectly cooked pork every time, with a delicious crust on the outside and juicy meat inside.
👨🍳
Difficulty
Medium
🥩
Diet
Meat
⏱️
Total Time
30 min
🔥
Calories
Med Cal
Ingredients for Thin Sliced Pork
Simple ingredients come together to make tender and juicy thin sliced pork.
The pork cutlets matter here. Look for thinly sliced pork at your local butcher or Costco. If you’re slicing yourself, aim for about 1/4 inch thickness. I’ve found that center-cut pork chops work best for this recipe.
No smoked paprika? Regular paprika works, but add a splash of liquid smoke for that deep flavor. For the flour dredge, all-purpose with a bit of cornstarch gives a nice crisp. The garlic powder is a convenience—two cloves fresh, minced works too. Don’t skip the fresh parsley on top—it makes a difference.
This dish reheats beautifully in the oven at 300°F. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The raw pork cutlets can be breaded ahead and refrigerated overnight—just be sure to let them come to room temperature before cooking.
❤️
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I’ll be real: I love that I can make this recipe using pantry staples like all-purpose flour and spices I already have on hand – it makes it a budget-friendly option for a delicious dinner.
Quick Weeknight Fix: I can throw this thin sliced pork recipe together in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I’m juggling dinner and homework help.
Flavor Bomb: The combination of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder creates a ridiculously good flavor profile that makes these pork cutlets truly crave-worthy – that crispy edge is the perfect contrast to the tender meat.
Family Friendly: This recipe is a solid choice for family dinners or meal prep because it’s easy to scale up or down depending on how many people I’m feeding, and the leftovers are just as good the next day.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Thin Sliced Pork
Here’s the method that delivers tender, juicy results in just 20 minutes.
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Cutlets for Cooking
Start by seasoning the 1.5 lb Pork Cutlets with the 1 tsp Salt and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper. I like to make sure they’re evenly coated on both sides. Next, mix the 1 cup All-Purpose Flour, 2 tsp Paprika, 1 tsp Garlic Powder, and 1 tsp Onion Powder in a shallow dish. The flour mixture should be well combined, with no lumps of paprika or other spices.
Dredge the seasoned pork cutlets in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres. Shake off any excess flour—you want a light, even coating. This step is crucial for creating that beautiful crust on the pork.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Cutlets to Perfection
Heat the 0.25 cup Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers and slightly smokes, it’s ready for the pork. Add the coated pork cutlets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden brown crust. You might need to cook them in batches depending on your skillet size.
Once the pork cutlets are cooked, transfer them to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked through at this point—they’ll finish cooking with the butter.
Step 3: Finish with Butter and Fresh Parsley
Reduce the heat to medium and add the 2 tbsp Butter to the same skillet. Once melted, tilt the pan to ensure the butter coats the entire surface. Return the pork cutlets to the skillet and spoon some of that butter sauce over the top of each cutlet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they’re cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Remove the pork from the skillet and sprinkle with the 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley. The heat from the pork will slightly wilt the parsley, releasing its fresh flavor. Serve immediately with the 4 whole Lemon Wedges on the side.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Plate the pork cutlets and drizzle any remaining butter sauce from the skillet over the top. The lemon wedges add a bright, citrusy contrast to the rich pork and buttery sauce. Squeeze a wedge over your pork just before taking a bite for the best flavor experience.
This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the pork is still warm and the sauce is at its most flavorful. The combination of the crispy flour coating, tender pork, and tangy lemon is sure to impress.
👨🍳
Pro Tips For Making Thin Sliced Pork
Pound Thin Evenly: Make sure to pound your pork cutlets to an even thickness, about 1/4 inch, so they cook consistently and don’t have raw spots. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden crust.
Season Flour Mixture: Don’t just mix the All-Purpose Flour with Paprika, Garlic Powder, and Onion Powder; take a moment to taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning. I learned this the hard way—I once ended up with a dish that was too bland because I didn’t season the flour.
Don’t Overcrowd Pan: Cook the pork cutlets in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room in the pan. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, resulting in greasy or undercooked cutlets.
Crank Up Heat: Get your pan scorching hot before adding the pork cutlets; you want it almost smoking. High heat helps create that crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
Storing and Reheating This Dish
Refrigerator Storage Tips
Store leftover thin sliced pork in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. I prefer glass containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent moisture loss. The pork will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezer Storage Considerations
For longer storage, freeze the cooked pork on a parchment-lined baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. This prevents the pieces from sticking together. Frozen pork maintains quality for up to 3 months. ❄️
Oven Reheating Method
The oven is my preferred method for reheating thin sliced pork as it maintains the crispy coating. Preheat your oven to 300°F. Place the pork on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow air circulation. Reheat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Stovetop Reheating Alternative
For quicker reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a pat of butter or splash of oil to prevent sticking. Heat for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through. This method works well when you’re short on time.
Microwave Reheating
While not ideal, microwave reheating works in a pinch. Place pork on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat.
Maintaining Quality During Reheating
Regardless of the reheating method, let the pork come to room temperature before reheating for more even warming. If you’ve frozen the pork, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results. 🔥
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 420kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 24g31%
Saturated Fat 6g30%
Cholesterol 60mg20%
Sodium 450mg20%
Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 0g
Protein 35g70%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What’s the best way to ensure thin sliced pork stays tender?
The key to tender thin sliced pork is cooking it quickly over medium-high heat and not overcooking it. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for perfect doneness.
2
Can I use thicker pork cutlets for this recipe?
While you can use thicker cutlets, the cooking time will need to be adjusted. For thicker cuts, cook at medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side to ensure they cook through without burning the outside.
3
How do I store leftover thin sliced pork?
Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. The pork will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze it on a parchment-lined baking sheet before transferring to freezer-safe bags.
4
What’s the best way to reheat thin sliced pork?
The oven method is best for maintaining crispiness. Reheat at 300°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat in a skillet with a pat of butter over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
I'm Nathan Turner, and I've been messing around with pots and pans since my Aunt Linda handed me a whisk at age six in her cramped Portland, Oregon kitchen, teaching me to stir roux while Fleetwood Mac played on her old boom box. The smell of sizzling garlic and butter still yanks me back to Sunday gravy sessions when she'd call me 'Little Chef' even though I could barely see over the counter. After college, I spent eight years in Chicago working in restaurant kitchens, learning more from burning my fingertips on sheet pans than any culinary textbook. These days, I live back in Portland with my wife Sophie, our daughter Maya (age 9), and our judgmental tuxedo cat Pickles. When I'm not experimenting with new recipes, I'm usually trail running in Forest Park or restoring vintage cast iron I find at garage sales. My proudest moment was Thanksgiving 2017 when my green bean casserole finally beat my cousin's at our family cook-off—he'd held the title since 2004, so that victory tasted better than the crispy onions on top.
