A comforting Lithuanian classic with a cheesy twist Looking for a hearty and satisfying dinner that brings a taste of Eastern Europe to your table? 🐖 Karbonadas su Sūriu, or Pork Cutlet with Cheese and Onion, is a beloved Lithuanian dish that combines crispy breaded pork with sweet sautéed onions and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight meals or festive family gatherings, this upgraded version of the traditional breaded pork escalope is rich, filling, and incredibly flavorful.

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🛒 Ingredients & Notes

For the Cutlets:

• 4 pork loin steaks (approx. 480g total), about 1cm thick
  Traditionally, a small fat edge is left untrimmed, but trimming is totally fine. Alternatively, use thin pork chops and tenderize them.
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (plain flour)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ¾ cup (90g) breadcrumbs
  Classic dried breadcrumbs are common, but panko adds a lighter crunch.
• ½ tsp salt + ¼ tsp black pepper
• Oil & butter for frying
  Neutral oils like canola or rapeseed are preferred, but olive oil works too.

For the Topping:

• 2 small onions, thinly sliced (red, brown, or shallots)
• 3½ oz (100g) grated cheese
  Mature cheddar, Gouda, Emmental, or mozzarella – as long as it melts well!

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Breading Station

Spread flour on a large plate and season with half the salt and pepper. On a second plate, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining seasoning. In a shallow bowl, beat the egg.

2. Prepare the Pork

Trim the pork steaks if desired. Place each between sheets of greaseproof paper or in a ziplock bag and gently pound to 5mm (¼ in) thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Pat the cutlets dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better.

3. Bread the Cutlets

Dip each pork piece into the seasoned flour, then the beaten egg, and finally coat evenly in breadcrumbs. Repeat for all cutlets.

4. Sauté the Onions

In a skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 6–8 minutes until soft and golden. Set aside in a bowl.

5. Cook the Pork

Wipe the pan clean and heat a bit of butter with oil. Fry the breaded cutlets in batches (avoid overcrowding) for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked inside.

6. Add the Toppings

Once the pork is done, lower the heat. Top each cutlet with a generous spoonful of the sautéed onions, then pile on the grated cheese.

7. Melt & Serve

Cover the pan with a lid and let the cheese melt gently over low heat. Once melted, serve hot and enjoy! 🤤

Oven Option: Prefer a crispier finish? After frying the cutlets, place them on a baking sheet, top with onions and cheese, and broil or bake at 200°C (400°F) for a few minutes until bubbly.

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🍽️ What to Serve with Karbonadas su Sūriu

This cheesy pork cutlet is best served with hearty sides that soak up all the flavor:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buckwheat with carrots and onions
• Boiled potatoes with butter and dill 🌿
• Steamed white rice
• A fresh cabbage and carrot salad or a simple tomato salad with sour cream

And for those who love a little extra sauce? Tomato sauce is a favorite addition among Lithuanian families — especially for dad! 🍅