Milanesas, those crispy, flavorful breaded cutlets, are a beloved dish across Latin America. Traditionally made with chicken or veal, they can be surprisingly expensive. But what if you could enjoy the same satisfying crunch and delicious taste without breaking the bank? This recipe unveils the secret to budget-friendly, yet incredibly delicious, ground beef milanesas! We'll transform humble ground beef into a family-pleasing meal that even the pickiest eaters will devour. Forget the pricey cuts – this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and stretching your food budget further.
These ground beef milanesas are not only economical but also incredibly versatile. They’re fantastic served with a simple side salad, hearty mashed potatoes, or even tucked into warm tortillas for a unique twist. Ready to create a flavor explosion that’s easy on the wallet and big on taste? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step instructions below to make these amazing ground beef milanesas.
Tools Needed
- Rolling pin
- Frying pan
- Fork
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 500g
- Bolillo bread (day-old): 1/2
- Milk: a little
- Onion: 1/4
- Garlic: 1 clove
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika: a little
- Mustard: a little
- Parsley (or cilantro): a few tablespoons
- Egg: 1
- Breadcrumbs: a little
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Meat Mixture
- Hydrate half a bolillo roll with a little milk. This makes the meat juicy and soft. You can substitute with 1-2 slices of white bread.
- Incorporate the hydrated bread, ground beef, grated onion, pressed garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, mustard, and parsley (or cilantro).
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly with a fork, then with your hands until well combined.
- Lightly beat an egg and add it to the meat mixture.
- Add grated breadcrumbs to the mixture.
Step 2. Shape and Bread the Milanesas
- Form the meat mixture into balls, then flatten them into thin patties using plastic wrap and a rolling pin.
- Season breadcrumbs with salt and pepper.
- Bread the milanesas by coating them in the seasoned breadcrumbs.
Step 3. Chill and Firm Up
- Refrigerate the breaded milanesas for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
Step 4. Fry to Perfection
- Fry the milanesas in hot oil until golden brown on both sides.
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Tips
- Using day-old bread helps create juicy milanesas.
- Grating the onion helps incorporate it better into the meat.
- Adding mustard enhances the flavor of the ground beef.
- Refrigerating the breaded milanesas prevents them from falling apart during frying.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of meat besides ground beef?
While this recipe uses ground beef for its affordability, you can experiment with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly.
2. How can I make these milanesas even healthier?
Reduce the amount of breading, use whole wheat breadcrumbs, and bake the milanesas instead of frying them for a healthier, lower-fat option. You can also add finely chopped vegetables to the meat mixture.
3. What can I serve with my ground beef milanesas?
These milanesas are incredibly versatile! Serve them with a simple side salad, mashed potatoes, rice, or even in a sub roll with your favorite toppings for a fun twist.
So there you have it – a delicious and affordable meal the whole family will love! These budget-friendly ground beef milanesas are a simple weeknight winner, proving that delicious food doesn't have to break the bank. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful results and get ready for requests for seconds!