Best 3 Traditional Indiana Breaded Tenderloin Sandwich Recipes

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**Discover the Hoosier State's Culinary Gem: The Traditional Indiana Breaded Tenderloin Sandwich**

Venture into the heartland of the United States and uncover a culinary gem that has captured the hearts of locals and food enthusiasts alike: the traditional Indiana breaded tenderloin sandwich. This sandwich, a testament to the state's rich agricultural heritage, showcases the simplicity of fresh, high-quality ingredients elevated to greatness through expert preparation. Dive into the crispy, golden-brown breading that encases a tender and juicy pork tenderloin, perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. Served on a soft, fluffy bun and accompanied by an array of classic toppings, this sandwich is a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Embark on a culinary journey as we unveil the secrets behind this iconic sandwich and guide you through a collection of recipes that pay homage to its legacy.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BREADED PORK TENDERLOIN SANDWICH



Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich image

This pork tenderloin sandwich (with a crispy golden cutlet that is so wide, no bun can contain it) is the deep-fried darling of Indiana. It's is so beloved in the Hoosier state that it inspired a documentary about the search for the perfect version of it. We hope it will inspire you to try an uncommon way of cooking pork tenderloin, whether you're a fan or a skeptic.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 4h30m

Yield 4 sandwiches

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pork tenderloin, trimmed (about 1 1/4 pounds)
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/4 teaspoon sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups plain breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying
4 toasted hamburger buns
Lettuce, tomato slices, onion slices, pickle rounds, mayonnaise and mustard, for serving

Steps:

  • Cut the pork tenderloin crosswise into 4 even pieces. Cut each piece crosswise again, but do not go all the way through; you should be able to open it like a book. Pound each piece with a mallet until 1/4-inch thick and 6 to 8 inches across.
  • Whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sugar, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a shallow dish. Add the pork cutlets. Make sure all the pieces are coated well with the buttermilk marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.
  • Set up a breading station with 3 shallow dishes: the flour in the first dish, eggs in the second and breadcrumbs in the third. Sprinkle all 3 dishes with salt and pepper.
  • Fill a large, high-sided skillet with about 1/2-inch oil, attach a deep fat fry thermometer and heat to 350 degrees F.
  • Dredge each pork cutlet in the flour first, then in the egg and finally in the breadcrumbs. Gently place into the hot oil without overcrowding the skillet. You will need to fry the cutlets in batches. When the cutlets are golden brown on one side, about 2 minutes, carefully turn and cook for another 2 minutes. Drain well on a paper-towel-lined plate.
  • Build the sandwiches by putting the cutlets between the burger buns and garnishing with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, mayonnaise and mustard. The cutlet should hang generously over the bun.

HOOSIER PORK-TENDERLOIN SANDWICH



Hoosier Pork-Tenderloin Sandwich image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 pounds center-cut boneless pork loin
2 large eggs
2 cups buttermilk
2 cloves garlic, crushed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 sleeves saltines (about 80 crackers)
2 cups instant flour (such as Wondra)
Peanut oil, for frying
4 soft hamburger buns, split
1/3 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
4 half-sour dill pickles, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Cut the pork crosswise into 4 equal pieces. Put each piece flat on a cutting board and slice horizontally almost in half (stop about 1 inch from the other side). Open like a book. Sprinkle each piece with water, place between 2 pieces of heavy-duty plastic wrap and pound to 1/4 inch thick with a mallet or heavy skillet.
  • Whisk the eggs, buttermilk, garlic, 1 teaspoon each salt and black pepper, and the cayenne in a shallow bowl. Add the pork, cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • Pulse the crackers into coarse crumbs in a food processor, then transfer to a shallow dish. Put the flour in another dish. Remove each piece of pork from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge both sides in the flour, dip in the buttermilk marinade again, then coat with the cracker crumbs.
  • Heat 1/4 to 1/2 inch peanut oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 360. Fry the pork in batches until golden and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
  • Spread both halves of each bun with mayonnaise and mustard. Layer the lettuce, tomatoes and onion on the bottom halves. Add a piece of pork and a few pickle slices. Cover with the bun tops.

PORK TENDERLOIN SANDWICH



Pork Tenderloin Sandwich image

A classic sandwich in the Midwest, particularly popular in Iowa and Indiana, but there are regional variations throughout the entire United STates. I've always thought of this as a German schnitzel on a sandwich. It's crispy and crunchy... tender deliciousness!

Provided by lutzflcat

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (1 pound) pork tenderloin
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 large egg
½ cup buttermilk
1 cup panko bread crumbs
½ cup olive oil
4 medium soft rolls
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
4 leaves lettuce
12 slices dill pickle

Steps:

  • Trim pork tenderloin of any fat and silver skin, and cut into 4 equal pieces. Place each piece between 2 sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag. Pound the cutlets using a meat mallet to 1/4-inch thickness, flattening each piece.
  • Combine flour, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper in a shallow dish. Whisk together buttermilk and egg in a second dish. Add panko breadcrumbs to a third dish.
  • Dry cutlets with paper towels, and dredge each in the flour mixture on both sides, shaking off any excess. Next dredge tenderloins in the egg-buttermilk mixture, shaking off the excess. Finally, turn cutlets in the bread crumb mixture, pressing down until completely coated. Transfer to a plate and let dry for at least 5 minutes.
  • Heat oil over medium heat in a 12-inch skillet to between 350 to 375 degrees F (175 to 190 degrees C). Place a couple of breaded cutlets in the skillet, making sure not to crowd, and fry on each side for about 3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally until cutlets are deep golden brown and crisp. Transfer the cutlets to a wire rack to drain any excess oil. Repeat the procedure with the remaining cutlets.
  • Spread each roll with mayonnaise then add lettuce, pickle slices, and cutlets.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1064.6 calories, Carbohydrate 109.8 g, Cholesterol 116.2 mg, Fat 53.7 g, Fiber 4.9 g, Protein 40.3 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Sodium 1995.4 mg, Sugar 2.3 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality tenderloins: Look for tenderloins that are thick and evenly cut. Avoid tenderloins that are thin or have a lot of connective tissue.
  • Pound the tenderloins: Pounding the tenderloins helps to tenderize them and makes them more evenly cooked. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to pound the tenderloins to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
  • Use a buttermilk marinade: Buttermilk is a great way to tenderize and flavor the tenderloins. Marinate the tenderloins in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
  • Use a seasoned breading: The breading is what gives the tenderloins their signature flavor and crunch. Use a breading that is made with a variety of spices and herbs, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  • Fry the tenderloins in hot oil: The oil should be hot enough so that the tenderloins sizzle when they are added to the pan. Fry the tenderloins for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  • Serve the tenderloins on a bun with your favorite toppings: Traditional toppings for a breaded tenderloin sandwich include lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. You can also add cheese, bacon, or your favorite sauce.

Conclusion:

The breaded tenderloin sandwich is a classic Hoosier dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a simple sandwich to make, but it is packed with flavor. If you are looking for a delicious and hearty meal, the breaded tenderloin sandwich is a great option.

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