Turkey Cutlets with Parmesan Crust
Crisp, savory, and perfectly golden, these Turkey Cutlets with Parmesan Crust are the ultimate in simple yet satisfying weeknight dinners. With a light Parmesan coating and a quick pan-fry, they bring an irresistible crunch in each bite.
Perfectly seasoned with a blend of breadcrumbs and Parmesan, these cutlets balance flavor and texture, appealing to both kids and adults alike. The zesty squeeze of lemon enhances their taste, making each serving feel refreshingly bright.
Ideal for busy nights, these cutlets cook up quickly in just minutes, delivering restaurant-worthy results at home. Serve them with a favorite side for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
Turkey Cutlets with Parmesan Crust Ingredients
- Turkey Breast Cutlets: Tender and lean, these cutlets provide the perfect base, soaking up flavors while staying light and satisfying.
- Egg Whites: Essential for binding, they create a sticky surface, ensuring the breading clings beautifully to each cutlet.
- Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Crisp and flavorful, they add texture and a hint of spice, delivering a delicate crunch with every bite.
- Parmesan Cheese: Rich and savory, Parmesan elevates the breading, infusing the cutlets with a nutty, golden finish.
- Butter and Olive Oil: A duo of richness and depth, combining for a golden, crispy crust that’s both delicious and aromatic.
Turkey Cutlets with Parmesan Crust
A delicious and versatile recipe, these Turkey Cutlets with Parmesan Crust are a quick and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights. With a crisp, golden crust and a tender inside, these cutlets are ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Below are some helpful tips to enhance the recipe, serving suggestions to make the meal complete, and answers to common questions for the best results.
Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Thickness for Even Cooking: To achieve perfectly cooked cutlets, make sure each turkey breast cutlet is of a similar thickness. If they vary, use a meat mallet to gently pound the thicker pieces so they cook evenly. This prevents overcooking thinner areas while thicker sections cook through. Ideally, aim for about ½-inch thickness.
- Optimize the Breading Process: For a uniform, crisp coating, allow any excess egg white to drip off before dipping the cutlets into the breadcrumb mixture. Lightly pressing the breadcrumbs onto the cutlets ensures they adhere well, giving you a beautifully golden crust during cooking. Additionally, let the breaded cutlets rest for 5 minutes before frying, which helps the coating stay on.
- Avoid Overcrowding in the Pan: When frying the cutlets, avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming and lead to a soggy crust. Fry in batches if needed, adding a little more butter and oil between batches to maintain the perfect golden color. This method gives each cutlet room to brown evenly, delivering that crisp, satisfying texture.
What to Serve with Turkey Cutlets with Parmesan Crust
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair these cutlets with a side of roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini. Their natural sweetness and slight caramelization from roasting contrast beautifully with the savory crust, adding a touch of color and variety to your plate.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a comforting and delicious match for these turkey cutlets. The rich and fluffy texture of the potatoes balances the crispiness of the cutlets, creating a hearty meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful.
- Simple Arugula Salad: For a lighter option, serve the cutlets with a fresh arugula salad tossed with lemon juice, olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. The peppery arugula and lemon bring brightness to the dish, enhancing the flavors in each bite.
FAQ
Q1: Can I make this recipe with chicken cutlets instead of turkey?
Yes, you can substitute turkey cutlets with chicken breast cutlets. Just ensure they are of similar thickness and cook them similarly, adjusting the time if needed to avoid overcooking.
Q2: Is there a way to make these cutlets gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the seasoned breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and verify that any other ingredients used are certified gluten-free. The process and flavor will remain nearly identical.
Q3: Can I air-fry the turkey cutlets instead of pan-frying?
Yes, air-frying is a great option for a lighter version. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, spray the cutlets with cooking spray, and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Q4: How can I store and reheat leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the cutlets in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or in an air fryer for a few minutes to retain the crispiness.
Turkey Cutlets with Parmesan Crust
Ingredients
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 turkey breast cutlets about 4 ounces each
- 2 large egg whites whisked
- 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the turkey cutlets to season them.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese, mixing well to incorporate.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until fully blended. Dip each cutlet into the egg whites, allowing any excess to drip off, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any surplus breadcrumbs.
- Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil, allowing the butter to melt fully.
- Place the breaded cutlets in the skillet and cook for about 6 minutes per side, or until they achieve a golden-brown crust and are cooked through.
- Serve the cutlets immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for a touch of brightness.
