Iowa Pork Tenderloin sandwiches, AKA tenderloins or breaded pork sandwiches, are a staple throughout the Midwest. Easy and inexpensive, they are one of the few things I truly miss about Iowa–besides my family, of course!
A tenderloin consists of a trimmed and pounded-tender slice of pork loin, traditionally (in Iowa, at least) pounded out as wide as a dinner plate, breaded, and fried until golden brown and served on a regular hamburger bun. In fact, the tenderloin is normally so big, it doesn’t allow you to get your hands on the bun. You actually have to tear off the edges of the tenderloin to eat before you can sink your teeth into the bun covered portion of the sandwich. Mmmmm, a little taste of paradise!
A tenderloin is normally dressed with lettuce, pickles, mustard, and onions (YUCK, I hate onions!) but I topped it off with my Tangy Apple Slaw. This is my family’s favorite coleslaw. It’s not a typical coleslaw. Even my youngest, who refuses to eat most veggies, thinks it’s delicious!
My daughters beg me to make tenderloins all of the time! So much, that I finally bought a huge package of boneless pork chops at the wholesale club and made a bunch to keep in the freezer. They freeze nicely (last for about 6-8 months) and you can pop them in the hot oil directly from the freezer.
If you don’t have a wholesale club in your area, another place to get delicious, affordable whole pork tenderloins is Aldi. And when they go on sale you can’t beat the price anywhere. I always stock up and then have a major prep session so I can keep my freezer full of ready-to-cook tenderloins.
I hope you love them as much as we do!
Iowa Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Iowa Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Traditionally, a tenderloin is served with just mustard and pickles, but you can dress it with nearly anything. It's delicious with my tangy apple slaw. I also love it with jalapeno chutney.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops or pork tenderloins
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup bread crumbs (I have used both bread crumbs and panko. I actually prefer the bread crumbs, it gives the sandwich a nice texture... you can substitute crushed saltines or potato chips... I'm thinking about trying it with crushed Goldfish crackers next time!)
- 1/2 tsp each salt, fresh ground pepper and granulated garlic (not garlic salt)
- vegetable oil (enough to fry the tenderloins, about 1/4 to 1/3 cup)
- buns
Instructions
- Place a chop on a cutting board and pound it out until it’s less than 1/4 inch thick. Repeat with the rest of the chops.
- If using, crush crackers/chips finely in a Ziploc bag.
- Mix the salt, fresh ground pepper and granulated garlic into the flour. (If using potato chips, omit the salt.)
- Pour flour, breadcrumbs (or cracker/chip crumbs) and whisked egg into three separate shallow bowls.
- Dredge the tenderized loin in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat the meat evenly with the breadcrumbs.
- Set the breaded tenderloin on a piece of waxed paper or a baking sheet and repeat with the rest of the tenderloins.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with enough oil to come halfway up the sides of the tenderloins, about 1/4-1/2 cup depending on the size of your pan.
- When the oil is heated to approximately 360 degrees (if you do not have a thermometer, place a grain or rice in the oil, if it pops right back up and starts to cook the temp is correct, you can also place the handle of a wooden spoon in the oil, if it bubbles the oil is ready) gently lay 1 or 2 breaded chops in the pan of oil. (I cook two at a time.)
- Cook about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oil, and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Cook remaining tenderloins.
- Place cooked tenderloins on a bun and dress to your taste.
- Enjoy!
My favorite is beef & tomato soup.
I like meatloaf.
The sandwich looks so yummy!
Oh my goodness, that looks so yummy!
My husband would love this!
Loved being your partner. You came up with an awesome recipe and I can’t wait to make it for our family!
Mashed potatoes are my favorite.
This looks super good!! The corn actually caught my eye first!!
This sounds amazing!!! The tangy apple slaw would be soooo good with it.
My husband would be thrilled if I made this!
my mouth is totally watering!!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
YUM, this looks amazing!
That sandwich looks so good!
This is recipe is an absolute must try! It looks so good!
I’ve never tried a Pork Tenderloin sandwich. This looks yummy!
I’m saving this recipe! This sandwich looks amazing!
Oh my goodness. This looks so amazing!
Yummy! Thanks for sharing!
Pizza is my comfort food
Holy moly, that corn looks incredible!
I love potato salad and macaroni
I love chicken and dumplings as comfort food.
I love baked mac and cheese the most.
Chocolate peanut butter oatmeal cookies
pizza
Favorite comfort food is fried chicken.
My favorite comfort food is chicken and dumplings!
My favorite is beef stew.
Homemade veggie soup is my comfort food.
I love pizza and macaroni and cheese as my favorite comfort foods.
Goodness, this Tenderloin Sandwich looks good. My normal comfort foods are items like Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Rocky Road Ice Cream, and Hot Chocolate.
Homemade chicken and dumplings is my favorite comfort food!
YUM! I love chicken and dumplings. So happy the cooler weather is here so I can make it again!
My favorite comfort food is macaroni & cheese! I also love anything with cheese lol. I think the picture of your sandwich looks very delicious! Good luck all, and I seriously hope I would win! LOL! Fingers Crossed!
One of my favorite comfort food is meatloaf. Especially served with mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese! 🙂
I love macaroni and cheese.
My favorite comfort food is mac n cheese.
I definitely think mashed potatoes are my favorite comfort food. Meatloaf is a close second!
My favorite comfort food is ice cream with orange juice poured over it. It always improves my mood.
I love mac n cheese
I love pizza!
My favorite comfort food is pasta salad.
my favorite is potato soup and cornbread