Milanesa Research (Thanks, Mom!)

Milanesas (plural of milanesa) are a common meat dish mostly in Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay as well as in other American countries at a lesser extent, such as Mexico, where breaded meat fillet preparations are known as a milanesa (In Portuguese, the beef version is called bife à milanesa and the chicken version is called frango à milanesa).

Homemade milanesas.

The milanesa was brought to Argentina from Central European immigrants, its name reflecting the original Milanese preparation cotoletta alla milanese, which is similar to the Austrian wiener schnitzel. [1][2]

A milanesa consists of a thin slice of beef, or sometimes chicken or veal. Each slice is dipped into beaten eggs, seasoned with salt, and other condiments according to the cook's taste (like parsley and garlic). Each slice is then dipped in breadcrumbs (or occasionally flour) and shallow-fried in oil, one at a time. Some people prefer to use very little oil and then cook them in the oven as a healthier alternative.

In Argentina and Uruguay, milanesas are frequently served hot with fried or mashed potatoes, this dish is known as milanesa con papas. They are often used as a sandwich filling, with salad. Lemon juice is also commonly used as a seasoning. Their low cost and simple preparation make milanesas a popular meal.

"Milanesa a la napolitana" with French fries.

By adding tomato paste, mozzarella cheese and sometimes ham, Argentines created a dish called "Milanesa a la napolitana" (Milanese alla Neapolitan). "Neapolitan" was taken from "Neapolitan Pizza", which has these ingredients, but results in a peculiar name since "Neapolitan" means "from Naples" and "Milanesa" means "from Milan".

Milanesa Kaiser is variant eaten in Chile (where normal milanesas are also eaten) that have a layer of melted cheese between the beef and a layer of ham.

In Mexico and Southern United States milanesas are eaten in some regions, but in a torta (a sandwich made with bolillo or telera buns). Avocado, onion, chilies and refried beans are commonly added, and in Northern Baja (due to American influence), it features lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise like a traditional sandwich. A milanesa "Memela napolitana" is made with a thick fried tortilla with a milanesa on top, with ham, tomato sauce and grated cheese. In Mexico, milanesa usually refers to the preparation method, any type of meat that is pounded thin, breaded and fried might be referred to as a milanesa. While eating milanesa in a sandwich is most common, it might be served as a main course as well.