Are you craving a delicious and crispy breaded pork tenderloin sandwich? Look no further than Hy Vee’s pre-breaded pork tenderloin!
Whether you prefer to fry it up in a skillet, air fry it to perfection, or bake it in the oven, there are plenty of ways to cook this tasty treat.
In this article, we’ll explore different methods for cooking Hy Vee breaded pork tenderloin and provide tips for achieving the perfect golden brown crust.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Hy Vee Breaded Pork Tenderloin?
Method 1: Skillet Fry
To cook Hy Vee breaded pork tenderloin in a skillet, heat up at least 2 inches of oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pork chops between plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to lightly pound them to 1/4-inch thickness.
In a shallow dish, combine flour, onion powder, garlic salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, combine egg and milk. In a third shallow dish, add bread crumbs. Coat the pork in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg mixture, then coat it with the bread crumbs.
Working in batches, gently add the pork to the hot oil and fry for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, turning once. Drain on paper towels and serve in buns with desired condiments.
Method 2: Air Fry
To cook Hy Vee breaded pork tenderloin in an air fryer, preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit according to the manufacturer’s directions. Generously spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray.
Place the breaded pork loin in the basket and spray it with nonstick spray. Close the air fryer and air-fry for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the top of the pork loin again with nonstick spray. Turn it over and lightly spray it with nonstick spray. Air-fry for 4 to 5 minutes more or until lightly golden and pork reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove from the air fryer and slightly cool. To assemble sandwich, place lettuce on bun bottom. Top with cooked pork loin, desired condiments, desired toppers, and bun top.
Method 3: Oven Bake
To cook Hy Vee breaded pork tenderloin in the oven, preheat it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Trim any visible fat and silverskin from a pork tenderloin and cut it into four approximately equal pieces by weight.
Next, “butterfly” the pieces by cutting 3/4 of the way through and folding it back to double the size. On the thinner end, which would be longer, do two cuts, one-third on opposite sides of the meat.
In a first pan, combine one egg and 1/4 cup milk. Whip well. In a second pan, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs, one tablespoon seasoning salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
Dry the meat very well with paper towels, then start with coating the meat with egg wash. Shake to remove excess. Coat well in the flour mixture and shake off excess.
Place four tablespoons of butter on a large baking tray and place in the oven for a few minutes to melt the butter. Place coated meat on tray with melted butter. Let them set for five minutes or so to help coating stick.
Place in oven for 20 minutes. Flip and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown.
Preparing The Breaded Pork Tenderloin
Before cooking the Hy Vee breaded pork tenderloin, it is important to prepare it properly. Start by taking the pork cutlets out of the refrigerator and letting them come to room temperature. This will prevent moisture from condensing on them during the cooking process.
Next, set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, mix together flour, onion powder, garlic salt, and pepper. In the second dish, whisk together egg and milk. In the third dish, add bread crumbs.
Take each pork cutlet and coat it in the flour mixture, making sure it is fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it is fully coated once again. Finally, coat it with the bread crumbs, pressing down gently to ensure that the crumbs stick.
If you plan to skillet fry the pork cutlets, heat up at least 2 inches of oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you plan to air fry them, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit according to the manufacturer’s directions. For oven baking, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
No matter which cooking method you choose, make sure that the pork cutlets are cooked until they reach an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
Once cooked, remove the pork cutlets from the heat source and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. They can be served on buns with desired condiments or as a main dish with sides such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Frying The Breaded Pork Tenderloin
Frying the breaded pork tenderloin is a popular method of cooking this delicious dish. To start, heat up at least 2 inches of oil in a skillet to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Take the pork chops and lightly pound them to 1/4-inch thickness between plastic wrap. In a shallow dish, combine flour, onion powder, garlic salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, combine egg and milk. In a third shallow dish, add bread crumbs. Coat the pork in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg mixture, then coat it with the bread crumbs.
Working in batches, gently add the pork to the hot oil and fry for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, turning once. Drain on paper towels and serve in buns with desired condiments.
Make sure to keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying and avoid overcrowding the skillet as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy pork. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a perfectly crispy and flavorful breaded pork tenderloin that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Baking The Breaded Pork Tenderloin
The final step in cooking Hy Vee breaded pork tenderloin is baking it to perfection. There are three methods to choose from: skillet fry, air fry, and oven bake.
For skillet fry, heat up oil in a skillet and coat the pork chops in flour, egg, and bread crumbs. Fry for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
For air fry, preheat the air fryer, spray the basket with nonstick spray, and air-fry the breaded pork loin for 5 minutes. Flip it over, spray again, and air-fry for 4 to 5 minutes more or until lightly golden and pork reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
For oven bake, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Butterfly the pork tenderloin, coat it in egg wash and flour mixture, and place it on a baking tray with melted butter. Bake for 20 minutes, flip, and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown.
No matter which method you choose, make sure to check the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Once done, allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious Hy Vee breaded pork tenderloin!
Air Frying The Breaded Pork Tenderloin
Air frying the breaded pork tenderloin is a healthier and quicker alternative to traditional frying. To start, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit according to the manufacturer’s directions. Generously spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray.
Place the breaded pork loin in the basket and spray it with nonstick spray. Close the air fryer and air-fry for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the top of the pork loin again with nonstick spray. Turn it over and lightly spray it with nonstick spray. Air-fry for 4 to 5 minutes more or until lightly golden and pork reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once done, remove from the air fryer and let it slightly cool. You can then assemble your sandwich by placing lettuce on the bun bottom, followed by the cooked pork loin, desired condiments, desired toppers, and bun top.
Air frying is a great way to achieve a crispy texture without using a lot of oil. It’s also a healthier option as it reduces the fat content of your dish. The cooking time may vary based on the size and thickness of your pork tenderloin, so make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer before serving.
Tips For Achieving The Perfect Golden Brown Crust
Achieving the perfect golden brown crust on Hy Vee breaded pork tenderloin requires some attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect texture and color:
1. Use a hot pan or air fryer: Whether you’re using a skillet or an air fryer, make sure it’s preheated to the correct temperature. This will ensure that the breading crisps up and turns golden brown quickly.
2. Don’t overcrowd the pan or basket: When cooking in a skillet or air fryer, make sure not to overcrowd the pan or basket. This will prevent the pork from steaming and help it cook evenly.
3. Use nonstick spray: To prevent the breading from sticking to the pan or basket, use nonstick spray generously before placing the pork in.
4. Flip halfway through cooking: Whether you’re using a skillet, air fryer, or oven, flip the pork halfway through cooking to ensure that both sides get evenly browned.
5. Use a wire rack: When cooking in the oven, place the coated pork on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. This will allow air to circulate around the meat and help it cook evenly.
6. Let it rest before slicing: After cooking, let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a more tender and flavorful piece of meat.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to achieve that perfect golden brown crust on your Hy Vee breaded pork tenderloin every time.
Serving Suggestions For Hy Vee Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches
Hy Vee breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches are a classic Midwestern dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make your sandwich even more delicious:
1. Classic Sandwich: Place the cooked pork loin on a bun bottom with lettuce and your favorite condiments like mustard, ketchup, or mayo. Add some pickles or onions for extra crunch.
2. BBQ Sandwich: Mix together BBQ sauce and mayonnaise to make a tasty spread for your bun. Add the cooked pork loin, lettuce, and sliced onions for a delicious BBQ pork sandwich.
3. Spicy Sandwich: Mix together hot sauce and mayonnaise to make a spicy spread for your bun. Add the cooked pork loin, lettuce, and sliced jalapeños for a fiery kick.
4. Breakfast Sandwich: Serve the cooked pork loin on a toasted English muffin with a fried egg and cheese for a delicious breakfast sandwich.
5. Salad: Cut the cooked pork loin into thin strips and serve over a bed of mixed greens with your favorite salad toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, and croutons. Drizzle with your favorite dressing for a tasty salad.
6. Appetizer: Cut the cooked pork loin into bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks as an appetizer. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard.
No matter how you serve it, Hy Vee breaded pork tenderloin is sure to be a hit with family and friends!