Marinated pork cordon bleu

Marinated Pork Cordon Bleu

Cordon bleu is a savory dish that perfectly combines meat, cheese, and bacon, offering a unique culinary experience. This marinated pork cordon bleu recipe, inspired by my cousin Roxy from Fălticeni, is an excellent choice for a delicious dinner or festive meal. I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result, and in the end, you will have a dish that is crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy on the inside.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 12 hours
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total: 12 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 750 g pork tenderloin
- 100 g smoked cheese
- 100 g bacon
- 2 eggs
- 100 g breadcrumbs
- 100 g flour
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- Oil for frying

Preparing the meat:
1. Preparing the meat: A day before, wash the pork tenderloin under cold running water to remove impurities. Cut it into thick strips of about 1.5 cm. Use a meat mallet to pound the strips, so you achieve an even texture similar to that of schnitzels. This step not only helps tenderize the meat but also allows the marinade to penetrate better.

2. Marinating: Season the meat with basil, chili, and salt. Place the strips in a bowl and add the soy sauce. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. Marinating is essential as it will give the meat an intense flavor and juicy texture.

Preparing the rolls:
3. Preparing the ingredients: The next day, take the meat out of the refrigerator. Beat the eggs with a little salt in a deep bowl. On a plate, place the flour in one corner and the breadcrumbs in another. Cut the cheese and bacon into long strips that will be placed inside the meat rolls.

4. Assembling the rolls: Take a strip of meat, place a few strips of cheese and bacon on the edge. Roll it up tightly, ensuring that the ingredients do not spill out. Use a toothpick to secure the roll so it doesn't unravel during frying.

5. Breading: Dip the rolls in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs. Make sure each roll is well coated in all three ingredients, including the sides, to prevent the cheese from leaking during frying.

Frying:
6. Heating the oil: In a deep frying pan, add enough oil to cover the rolls halfway. Heat the oil over medium heat. The oil needs to be very hot before adding the rolls; this way, you will achieve a crispy crust.

7. Frying the rolls: Carefully place the rolls in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd them. Let them fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Once browned, remove the toothpicks and let the rolls rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Serving:
8. Serving: The cordon bleu rolls are served hot, alongside spring vegetables such as carrots, peas, or asparagus. These not only add a splash of color but also provide a fresh contrast to the rich flavor of the meat.

Helpful tips:
- Variations: Try substituting the smoked cheese with cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor experience. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the filling.
- Oven cooking: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serving with sauce: This dish pairs excellently with a Greek yogurt garlic sauce or a spicy sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 550 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g

Marinated pork cordon bleu is a dish that will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Whether it’s a family dinner or a meal with friends, this dish will surely become a favorite. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Approximately 750 g of pork tenderloin, 100 g of smoked cheese, 100 g of bacon, two eggs, breadcrumbs, flour, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, a teaspoon of basil, chili powder, salt.

 Tags:  blue ribbon pig cheese bacon