A briny-peppery mayonnaise adds zing to these slightly spicy fried pork cutlets. Round out the meal with a butter lettuce salad.

4-1/2-inch-thick boneless pork chops (about 1 lb.)
1/4 tsp. chipotle powder or smoked hot paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 lemon
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 Tbs. small capers, rinsed, drained, and coarsely chopped
2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
1 large clove garlic, mashed to a paste with a pinch of kosher salt
3-1/2 oz. (3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1-1/2 cups panko
6 Tbs. olive oil
Pound each chop between two pieces of plastic wrap with a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan until 1/4 inch thick. Mix the chipotle powder with 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper and sprinkle on the chops.

Finely grate the zest of half the lemon and then juice that half. Cut the remaining half into wedges for serving.

In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise with the lemon juice and zest, the capers, 1 tsp. of the thyme, the garlic, 1 tsp. pepper, and 1/4 tsp. salt.

Put the flour, eggs, and panko in separate shallow bowls. Toss the panko with the remaining 1 tsp. thyme and 1/2 tsp. salt. Dredge each cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess, then in the egg, and then in the panko to coat well. Transfer to a plate or platter.

Heat 3 Tbs. of the oil in a 10- to 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Add 2 of the cutlets, reduce the heat to medium, and cook, flipping once, until browned on both sides and cooked through (cut into a thicker chop to check), about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Wipe out the skillet and repeat with the remaining 3 Tbs. oil and cutlets. Serve with the sauce and lemon wedges.

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nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 630, Fat (kcal): 49, Fat Calories (g): 440, Saturated Fat (g): 9, Protein (g): 29, Monounsaturated Fat (g): 23, Carbohydrates (mg): 17, Polyunsaturated Fat (mg): 15, Sodium (g): 910, Cholesterol (g): 155, Fiber (g): 1,