Crisp Turkey Cutlets - An Easy Thanksgiving Substitute

A whole turkey can be way too much food for a small family, leading to increased food expenses and waste. Rather than deal with preparing an oversized turkey for Thanksgiving, crisp turkey cutlets are an awesome alternative. Not only are they delicious and easy to prepare, but they go great with scaled down portions of traditional sides. And you may substitute turkey with chicken, if preferred.

Recipe (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

• 4 T. grapeseed oil
• ½ t. fine sea salt (or more if desired)
• ¼ t. freshly ground black pepper (or more if desired)
• 4 thin turkey cutlets (about 1 lb. total)
• ½ c. all-purpose flour
• 1 t. ground thyme
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2/3 c. panko breadcrumbs (Japanese breadcrumbs)

Directions:

Season the cutlets with salt and pepper. Mix the breadcrumbs with the thyme and set aside. Coat the cutlets with the flour, dip them into the beaten eggs (let excess drip off), then coat them with the breadcrumbs, pressing them lightly to adhere. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the cutlets until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let breaded cutlets drain on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the oil before serving.  Serves 4.

Turkey Fun Fact: Benjamin Franklin never proposed the turkey as a symbol for America, but he did once praise it as being “a much more respectable bird” than the bald eagle, per Smithsonian Magazine.