What is a Pork Tenderloin Sandwich Made Of?

A pork tenderloin sandwich is a popular Midwestern dish consisting of a breaded and fried pork cutlet served on a bun. The sandwich is typically made with a thinly sliced piece of pork loin, which is then pounded thin with a meat mallet. The meat is then dipped in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers before being deep fried in oil. After cooking, the pork cutlet is placed on a bun and served with a variety of condiments, such as mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, lettuce, onions, and pickles.

Origins of the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

The pork tenderloin sandwich is believed to have originated at Nick’s Kitchen restaurant in Huntington, Indiana, near Fort Wayne. The sandwich quickly gained popularity in the Midwest and is now a staple on many restaurant menus in the region.

Variations of the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

There are many variations of the pork tenderloin sandwich, but the most common ingredients include:

Pork loin: The pork loin is the primary ingredient in the sandwich. It is a lean cut of meat that is typically sliced thin and pounded thin with a meat mallet.
Breading: The breading on the pork tenderloin sandwich can vary, but it typically consists of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers.
Frying oil: The pork tenderloin sandwich is typically deep fried in oil.
Bun: The pork tenderloin sandwich is typically served on a bun.
Condiments: The pork tenderloin sandwich can be served with a variety of condiments, such as mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, lettuce, onions, and pickles.

Nutritional Value of the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

The nutritional value of a pork tenderloin sandwich will vary depending on the ingredients used. However, a typical pork tenderloin sandwich contains approximately:

Calories: 500-600
Fat: 25-30 grams
Protein: 30-35 grams
Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

How to Make a Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Making a pork tenderloin sandwich is relatively easy. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Slice the pork loin. Slice the pork loin into thin pieces, about 1/4 inch thick.
Pound the pork loin. Place the pork loin slices between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them thin with a meat mallet.
Dip the pork loin in flour. Dip the pork loin slices in flour.
Dip the pork loin in eggs. Dip the pork loin slices in eggs.
Dip the pork loin in breadcrumbs. Dip the pork loin slices in breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers.
Fry the pork loin. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the pork loin slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve the pork loin sandwich. Place the pork loin slices on a bun and serve with your favorite condiments.

Tips for Making the Best Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Here are a few tips for making the best pork tenderloin sandwich:

Use a good quality pork loin. The quality of the pork loin will greatly affect the taste of the sandwich. Look for a pork loin that is fresh and has a good amount of marbling.
Pound the pork loin thin. Pounding the pork loin thin will help it to cook evenly and will make it more tender.
Use a good breading. The breading on the pork tenderloin sandwich is important for adding flavor and texture. Use a breading that is flavorful and that will adhere to the pork loin.
Fry the pork loin in hot oil. Frying the pork loin in hot oil will help it to cook quickly and evenly.
Serve the pork loin sandwich with your favorite condiments. The pork tenderloin sandwich is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of condiments. Experiment with different condiments to find your favorite combination.

Making A HUGE Pork Tenderloin Sandwich From Scratch | Cooking The States (Indiana)

FAQ

What is a tenderloin sandwich made of?

This pork tenderloin sandwich is made from center-cut pork loin chops. Each chop is thinly sliced and pounded with a meat mallet so that its tenderized and flattened to about 6 to 8 inches wide. After the pork is coated with flour, buttermilk, and cracker crumbs, it’s fried to golden perfection.

What state is known for pork tenderloin sandwich?

The pork tenderloin sandwich is central to the state’s cultural identity. Some say it’s exactly like the people in Indiana: simple, not too showy, sometimes a little too big for its britches. Above all, it’s familiar and reliable — and to a displaced Hoosier (as I once was), it’s home.

Where did the pork tenderloin sandwich come from in Indiana?

In fact, while some will argue that the pork tenderloin sandwich was invented in the Czech neighborhoods of Cedar Rapids, evidence suggests the sandwich was born in 1904, created by a pushcart operator named Nicholas Freinstein—in Huntington, Indiana. The idea was to bring the German Wiener schnitzel to the masses.

What type of meat is pork tenderloin?

A pork tenderloin is a long, narrow, boneless cut of meat that comes from the muscle that runs along the backbone. A pork loin is wider and flatter, and can be a boneless or bone-in cut of meat. Pork loin comes from the back of the animal.