Argentinian Italian-Style Milanesa Napolitana

By
Marian Blazes
Marian Blazes
Marian Blazes is a freelance writer and recipe developer with a passion for South American food. She wrote a cookbook focusing on the cuisine of Brazil.
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Updated on 09/11/21
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 25 mins
Servings: 4 servings

Milanesa napolitana is a variation on the breaded fried steak called milanesa that is popular in Argentina and Uruguay. Milanesa a la Napolitana does not originate from Milan or Naples; it's thought to have been invented in the 1940s at a Buenos Aires restaurant called “Nápoli”.

Milanesa napolitana is similar to veal parmesan, but with South American touches. After the steak is breaded and fried, it's topped with a slice of ham, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, and served with french fries. Leftovers make great sandwiches, especially when paired with a soft but crusty roll.

Milanesa napolitana - Argentinian fried steak, Italian-style
Marian Blazes

Ingredients

  • 4 thinly sliced skillet steaks(such as top round)

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon oregano

  • Kosher salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 2 cups fresh bread crumbs

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

  • 1/3 cup olive or vegetable oil

  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce

  • 4 slices deli ham

  • 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • French fries, for serving

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Place eggs in a shallow bowl or pan, and whisk together with oregano and salt and pepper.

  3. Stir Parmesan cheese and garlic into bread crumbs and place in another shallow pan.

  4. Dip steaks first in egg mixture, then in bread crumbs, coating well with crumbs.

  5. Heat oil in a heavy skillet, and cook steaks for several minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain steaks on paper towels.

  6. Place steaks on a baking sheet. Turn on broiler.

  7. Top each steak with a slice of ham, 2 to 3 tablespoons tomato sauce, and 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over cheese, and place steaks under ​broiler until cheese melts.

  8. Serve warm, with fries. Enjoy!

What's the Difference Between Milanesa and Schnitzel?

Milanesa, aka milanese, is similar to Schnitzel, as both are thin meats (cutlets) that are breaded and fried. The main difference is milanesa includes parmesan cheese in the recipe.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
939 Calories
56g Fat
56g Carbs
53g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 939
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 56g 71%
Saturated Fat 15g 77%
Cholesterol 277mg 92%
Sodium 1345mg 58%
Total Carbohydrate 56g 20%
Dietary Fiber 4g 16%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 53g
Vitamin C 5mg 24%
Calcium 357mg 27%
Iron 6mg 35%
Potassium 901mg 19%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)