Bife à milanesa

Here’s a traditional and tasty recipe for Bife à Milanesa — a classic breaded beef cutlet, popular in Brazil and Portugal. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and perfect served with rice, fries, or a simple salad.

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🥩 Bife à Milanesa (Brazilian Breaded Beef Cutlet)

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 4 thin beef steaks (like top sirloin, rump, or eye of round)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

• 2 eggs

• 1 tablespoon milk (optional)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups breadcrumbs (regular or panko for extra crunch)

• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

• Lemon or lime wedges (for serving)

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🔥 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Steaks:

   • Pound the steaks gently with a meat mallet to even out thickness (about ¼ inch).

   • Season both sides with salt, pepper, and minced garlic (if using). Let sit for 10 minutes.

2. Bread the Steaks:

   • Set up 3 bowls:

     1. Flour

     2. Eggs beaten with milk

     3. Breadcrumbs

   • Dredge each steak in flour (shake off excess), dip in egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs. Press breadcrumbs in well to adhere.

3. Fry:

   • Heat about ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Fry each steak for about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.

   • Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.

4. Serve:

   • Serve hot with white rice, salada de alface e tomate, farofa, or batata frita.

   • A squeeze of lime or lemon juice over the top adds great flavor.

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🍽 Optional Variations:

• Add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

• Turn it into Bife à Parmegiana: top with tomato sauce and cheese, then bake until melted.

Would you like a side dish to go with it, like Brazilian vinaigrette, feijão tropeiro, or vinaigrette rice?