Deep Fried Pork Sandwich
My deep fried Pork Sandwich brings county-fair decadence to your kitchen with sweet-tea marinated pork chops fried to crispy crunchy perfection. They are juicy, tender, and ready in about 20 minutes. This post was originally sponsored by Tradewinds tea in 2017 and updated with new information in 2025.
I love Southern deep fried favorites like hushpuppies, mashed potato cakes, and chicken fried steak. My latest creation is this deep fried pork chop sandwich. While classic pork tenderloin sandwiches rely on basic marinades, this version uses sweet tea. SO flavorful and tender. Then it is breaded with seasoned flour and deep fried until crispy and golden brown. Stack it high on a soft bun with crisp lettuce and tangy pickles. It's also great in ramen bowls or with pasta. You have to try it with our Southern Mac and cheese.
Why This Recipe Works: A Sprinkle of Food Science
- Double Duty Sweet Tea Marinade: The tea's tannins break down muscle fibers and the natural sugars add great flavor.
- Thin Pork Chops: This ensures the meat cooks quickly and evenly without drying out. I chose pork chops over tenderloin as perfectly sized for your sandwich so you don't have to chop up raw pork like with a loin.
- Milk + Flour: The first time I tested this recipe the breading was patchy. Milk, flour, milk, flour created a coating that sticks and cooks up super crunchy.
Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips
- Pork Chops: Look for boneless chops and be sure to trim any visible fat.
- Milk: Full-fat milk creates the richest coating. Buttermilk works too and adds extra tang.
- Vegetable Oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.
- Sweet Tea: Use your favorite brand or make it fresh. I used Tradewinds sweet tea.
Krystle's Tips: Steal My Culinary School Secrets
- Pat Everything Dry before breading so the flour mixture sticks.
- Shake Off Excess Flour loose bits burn quickly and can make your oil taste bitter. Skim between batches as needed.
- Use a Deep Fry Thermometer: 325 is our sweet spot. Be sure to fry just a few at a time and bring the oil back up to temp in between batches. If the oil is too cold they'll be greasy, but if its too hot the outside will be done while the inside could still be raw.
- Drain on Wire Racks, not paper towels. This allows air to circulate around all sides which keeps them crunchy.
- Don't Overcook: A slight pink tinge is fine. Pull at 140, carryover cooking will bring the temperature up to the required 145 °F.
A minimum of 2 hours works in a pinch, but 6-12 hours gives you the best flavor.
Absolutely but the crust won't be quite as crunchy. Place breaded chops on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes per side.
Yes! Spray breaded chops lightly with oil and cook at 400°F for about 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
More Pork Recipes To Try
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📖 Recipe
Deep Fried Pork Sandwich
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Ingredients
- 4 Boneless pork chops
- 4 Cups Tradewind’s Sweet Tea Chilled
- Vegetable Oil For Frying
- 2 Cups All Purpose Flour
- 2 Teaspoons Pepper
- 2 Teaspoons Seasoning Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Salt
- 1 Cup Whole Milk
- 4 Buns
- Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickles, and condiments for serving if desired
Instructions
- Pound pork chops between 2 pieces of plastic wrap until they are around ¼ inch thick. In a large baggie combine Tradewind’s Sweet Tea and pork chops. Refrigerate for 6-12 hours.
- In a large skillet heat oil over medium high heat until it reaches 325 degrees.
- Create a breading station. Pour milk into one shallow bowl.
- In another shallow bowl combine flour, pepper, garlic salt, and seasoning salt. Mix well.
- Dip pork in milk, and then into flour mixture. Rest for 5-10 minutes and repeat.
- Fry 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Place onto sandwich with desired toppings and condiments.
Nutrition
I have never thought of using tea as a marinade. I will have to try that. This fried pork sandwich looks delicious. I will make this for dinner tomorrow. My family will love this, and of course, I have to make it spicy because they like it that way.
I have always loved that extra thick crisp on the breading. I've never been good at capturing it though! Love this!
This is an amazing recipe. I really enjoy seeing more pork options; beef is expensive.
I don't think I've made a dish using sweet tea as a marinade for any kind of meat before! That's really interesting and packed with flavor for sure! I'd love to make this for the kids!
love how you used the tea. so creative.
this sandwich looks great
This sounds ahh-mazing!! I would love to try that sweet tea marinade!
Sweet tea as a marinade is genius!!!
Be right back, telling my family the internet thinks I'm a genius! 🙂
I'm sure it's packed with flavor! It looks so good and I can't wait to make it for the family. It's perfect for gatherings and parties. It's really easy to make as well. Thanks for the recipe!
I have never thought to use tea as a marinade, but it really is a great idea! I am going to have to pick up a jug of Tradewind's tea to use during these last few weeks of summer grilling weather.
That looks so delicious. I may need to add this to the meal plan. I bet my kids would love it.
I'm not sure how I've never thought of this before, but it's genius! Can't wait to give it a try!
Now this must be incredibly flavorful. I'd love to make some marinated pork sandwiches this way. Great idea!
This looks so yummy. I never would have thought to use tea as a marinade. I can't wait to try this recipe.
This needs to get in my belly! OMG I am totally drooling over here. YUM.
That looks so good! I'm used to coming here and seeing desserts that make me drool. Now you've got sandwiches that make me drool, too! Om nom nom.