Indiana

Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Indiana's most iconic sandwich features a breaded pork tenderloin pounded so thin and fried so large that it comically dwarfs its modest bun. This Hoosier tradition originated at Nick's Kitchen in Huntington in 1904 and has been a state fair and diner staple ever since.

Total 45min 🍴 Serves 4 Hoosier Icon 🥩 State Fair Famous

Equipment Needed

🥤 Meat Mallet
🍳 Large Cast Iron Skillet
🥣 Breading Station
🥙 Thermometer

Instructions

1

Slice the tenderloin: Cut the pork tenderloin into 4 portions, about 6 oz each. Trim any silver skin or excess fat.

2

Pound it thin: Place each portion between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound the pork until it's about 1/4 inch thick and extends to 8-10 inches in diameter. This is the signature of an Indiana tenderloin - it must dwarf the bun!

Tip: Pound from the center outward for even thickness. The tenderloin should be comically large compared to the bun.
3

Set up breading station: Place seasoned flour (flour mixed with salt, pepper, and garlic powder) in one dish. Beat eggs with milk in another dish. Put crushed saltine crackers in a third dish.

4

Bread the tenderloin: Dredge each pounded tenderloin in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg wash, then press firmly into crushed crackers, coating both sides completely.

5

Let them rest: Place breaded tenderloins on a wire rack and let rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the coating adhere during frying.

6

Heat the oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large cast iron skillet. Heat to 350F. You'll need a large pan to accommodate the enormous tenderloins.

7

Fry the tenderloins: Carefully lower one tenderloin into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145F. The tenderloin will hang over the sides of most pans - rotate it to ensure even cooking.

8

Drain and season: Remove to a wire rack and season immediately with a pinch of salt. Keep warm while frying remaining tenderloins.

9

Prepare the buns: Toast the hamburger buns lightly. Spread mayo on one half and mustard on the other - this is the traditional Hoosier way.

10

Assemble and serve: Place the massive tenderloin on the bottom bun (it will overhang dramatically). Add pickles, onion, lettuce, and tomato. Place the top bun - it will look like a hat on a giant. Serve with extra pickles on the side.

💡 Pro Tips & Variations

  • Size matters: A true Indiana tenderloin should extend at least 3-4 inches past the bun on all sides. Don't be modest with the pounding!
  • Cracker coating is authentic: While some use breadcrumbs, crushed saltine crackers are the traditional Hoosier coating and give a distinctive flavor and crunch.
  • Keep the bun simple: A standard hamburger bun is traditional - no fancy brioche or pretzel buns. The tenderloin is the star.
  • Visit the original: Nick's Kitchen in Huntington has been serving the original since 1904. The Indiana State Fair is also famous for its tenderloin vendors.
  • Hoosier toppings only: Keep it classic with just mayo, mustard, pickles, onion, lettuce, and tomato. No fancy sauces needed.
  • Eat it like a pizza: Some Hoosiers fold the tenderloin overhang up like pizza slices to eat it. Others just embrace the mess.