• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
OnlyPans | Gluten-Free Recipes
  • All Recipes
  • Main Dish
  • Sides
  • Desserts
  • Party Foods
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • Main Dish
  • Sides
  • Desserts
  • Party Foods
  • Contact
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Main Dish
  • Sides
  • Desserts
  • Party Foods
  • Contact
×

Home > Recipes > Non Gluten-Free

Iowa Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Published: May 3, 2022 • Updated: Feb 10, 2023 • This post may contain affiliate links.

Breaded in crushed oyster crackers and fried, this Iowa Pork Tenderloin Sandwich is extra crispy on the outside and ultra juicy on the inside.

the best pork tenderloin sandwich on a bun with lettuce and onion; shown on a white plate with tomatoes and lettuce.
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Substitutions
  • Serving ideas
  • Tips & tricks
  • Recommended tools
  • Storing and reheating
  • Sandwich side dishes
  • Recipe
  • Comments

Why you'll love this recipe

Similar to a Pork Schnitzel, this Midwestern delicacy consists of pounded out pork tenderloin, dredged in seasonings, eggs, and crushed oyster crackers, and fried to crispy, golden perfection. Then, we take it a step further and sandwich it between two buns and add all the fixins. YUM.

Did I mention it takes less than 30 minutes to make??

If y'all have never had the chance to try this sandwich, you are missing out. Here in Iowa, these sandwiches are generally found in bars and a few restaurants. In my opinion, it tastes so much better homemade- and it's super easy!

Crispy breaded pork tenderloin on a cooling rack, with brioche buns, yellow mustard, lettuce, onion, and tomatoes.

Pork tenderloin origin

So many great foods have originated in the Midwest. Tator Tot Casserole, Buckeyes, and of course: the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich. This comforting sandwich is said to have come from Nick's Kitchen in Indiana- created in 1904. Thank you, Nick!

Ingredients

The ingredients for this breaded tenderloin are quite simple and easy to find. Here's what you will need:

  • Pork tenderloin (usually found in a two-pack)
  • Flour
  • Oyster crackers
  • Eggs
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt and pepper
Ingredients needed for the best pork tenderloin sandwich recipe: pork tenderloin, flour, oyster crackers, eggs, seasonings.

Step-by-step instructions

Heat a large deep fryer to 375 degrees.

Slice the pork tenderloin completely in half crosswise. Slit the tenderloin lengthwise down the center. Do not cut all the way through, but just enough to open it like a book.

Butterflied pork tenderloin on a white cutting board with a knife on the side.

Place the butterflied pork tenderloin between two pieces of parchment paper. Pound the pork loin until it is ⅓-inch thick.

Create a dipping station with three large bowls (or dishes). In the first bowl, add the flour, salt, garlic, paprika, and pepper. Add the eggs and whisk them up in the second bowl. In the last bowl, add the crushed oyster crackers.

Dipping station: flour and seasonings, eggs, crushed oyster crackers, each in separate bowls. Pounded pork loin shown on a plate.

Dredge the first tenderloin into the seasonings and shake off the excess. Next, dip into the eggs and allow the excess to drip off. Finally, firmly press the tenderloin into the crushed oyster crackers.

Repeat with the second tenderloin.

Top photo shows tenderloin dredged in flour and seasonings. Bottom photo shows pork dredged in oyster crackers.

Carefully place the breaded tenderloin into the preheated fryer. Fry for about three minutes, flip, and fry for another two to three minutes, or until golden brown.

Repeat with the remaining tenderloin. Transfer to a cooling rack and build your sandwich!

Substitutions

My favorite breading has to be crushed oyster crackers. It's also delicious on Steak Fingers. The breading turns out golden and crispy- and downright delicious!

Alternatively, crushed saltine crackers can be substituted for the same delicious crunch.

Serving ideas

Are you wondering what delicious topping can go on a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich?

Whenever I craft these sandwiches, I like to stick to the classics: mustard, white onion, and lettuce. So simple and so delicious!

If you're feeling adventurous, give these condiments a try: pickles, tomato, purple onion, and mayonnaise.

Tips & tricks

Substitute saltine crackers. Swap out the crushed oyster crackers with two cups of crushed saltine crackers (should be about 56 crackers).

Pound the pork loin until it is ⅓" thick. Try to get this as even as possible. If some parts are too thick or too thin, it may not cook correctly.

Make smaller tenderloins. These tenderloins are huge. If you want to make smaller sandwiches, cut the pork loin crosswise into thirds (3 sandwiches) or fourths (4 sandwiches).

Recommended tools

  • Large Deep Fryer. If you're making large tenderloin patties, you'll need a large deep fryer. This one works so well for this recipe, as well as Beer Battered Onion Rings and Boneless Hot Honey Wings.
finished recipe shown on a cutting board placed on a red checkered towel. Breaded tenderloin dressed with lettuce and onions.

Storing and reheating

As with most fried foods, fresh is best! If you have leftovers, store the cooled fried tenderloin (patty only) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

To reheat a pork tenderloin patty, bake it for 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

Sandwich side dishes

  • Beer Battered Onion Rings
  • Cheesy Hash Browns
  • Crispy Fried Potatoes
  • Beer Battered Mushrooms

Hungry for more? Sign up for our newsletter and join us on Facebook and Pinterest for all of our latest updates!

Be sure to check out our brand-new Gluten-Free Facebook community!

Recipe

Iowa Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Breaded in crushed oyster crackers and fried, this Iowa Pork Tenderloin Sandwich is extra crispy on the outside and ultra juicy on the inside.
5 from 7 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 12 mins
Total Time 27 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2 sandwiches
Calories 724 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pork tenderloin
  • ½ c flour
  • 2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 c crushed oyster crackers

Fixins

  • 2 hamburger buns
  • lettuce
  • onion
  • mustard
  • pickles

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large deep fryer to 375 degrees.
  • Slice the pork tenderloin completely in half crosswise. Slit the tenderloin lengthwise. Don’t cut all the way through, but just enough to open it like a book.
  • Place the butterflied pork tenderloin between two pieces of parchment paper. Pound the pork loin until it is ⅓” thick.
  • With three large bowls (or dishes), create a dipping station. In the first bowl, add the flour, salt, garlic, paprika, and pepper. In the second bowl, add the eggs and whisk them. In the last bowl, add the crushed oyster crackers.
  • Dredge the tenderloin into the seasonings and shake off the excess. Next, dip into the eggs and allow the excess to drip off. Finally, firmly press into the crushed oyster crackers. Repeat with the second tenderloin.
  • Carefully place the breaded tenderloin into the preheated fryer. Fry for about 3 minutes, flip, and fry for another 2 to 3minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Repeat with the remaining tenderloin. Transfer to a cooling rack and build your sandwich!

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 724kcalCarbohydrates: 77.6gProtein: 62.7gFat: 16.7g
Nutritional Disclaimer

The nutritional information provided is only an estimate. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.

Keyword crispy iowa skinny, deep-fried, pork, sandwich
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

more good mood food

  • Smokey slow cooker Kalua Pork shown in a dish with a serving fork.
    Kalua Pig
  • Homemade Taco Seasoning
  • Easy mashed potatoes make a quick and comforting side dish. Not to mention, it's also naturally gluten free!
    Easy Mashed Potatoes
  • Homemade Garlic Aioli

Like our recipes? Follow us on Pinterest!

Let's do it!

Did you enjoy Iowa Pork Tenderloin Sandwich? Be sure to leave a comment and a rating below!

More Non Gluten-Free

  • Super easy two ingredient french onion dip is perfect for snacking or a party
    Sour Cream and Onion Dip
  • French onion beef casserole is the best and most comforting dinner
    French Onion Beef Casserole
  • easy hot crab rangoon dip with homemade wonton chips for dipping
    Crab Rangoon Dip
  • Cold spinach dip featured Knorr vegetable soup mix, spinach, and sour cream to make an easy appetizer dip!
    Easy Spinach Dip
74 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Did you make this recipe? Let us know! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Deck Decker

    December 30, 2022 at 10:47 pm

    5 stars
    Reminds me of my childhood in the Midwest. Perfect.

    Reply
    • OnlyPans

      January 01, 2023 at 1:06 am

      That's so great to hear!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Join our brand new gluten-free Facebook community today and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for healthy living without gluten. Get advice, share recipes, and find support on your gluten-free journey. Join now!

Let's do it!

Hi, I'm Ashleigh and I'm passionate about creating healthy, flavorful dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

As a recipe developer, food blogger, and avid cook, my goal is to inspire you to cook wholesome meals that are both simple and vibrant. Our recipes are designed to be accessible to all levels of home cooks and are so delicious that you'll want to make them again and again.

As an Iowa native, I love to incorporate local, in-season ingredients into my gluten-free recipes. So come join me on a culinary journey that celebrates the joys of food and a healthier lifestyle!

-xo

Latest & greatest

  • Creamed Spinach
  • Super easy monster cookie bars are the best and naturally gluten free
    Monster Cookie Bars
  • Cheesy chili mac with leftover chili makes a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
    Gluten-Free Chili Mac
  • easy pea pasta salad potluck and party side dish
    Gluten-Free Pea Pasta Salad

Categories

  • Appetizers
  • Desserts
  • Gluten-Free
  • Kitchen Basics
  • Low Carb
  • Main Dishes
  • Non Gluten-Free
  • Party Foods
  • Sides

Footer

↑ back to top

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

Sign Up! for emails and updates

  • Contact
  • Web Story Archive
  • Recipe Index

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2023

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT