Recipe(tried): Best Crispy Fried Meatloaf

BEST CRISPY FRIED MEATLOAF

FOR THE MEATLOAF:
1 1/2 pound ground beef
1 egg
1 onion, chopped
1 cup milk
1 cup dried bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
FOR TOPPING:
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1/3 cup ketchup

FOR THE BREADING:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg
1 cup Panko or dried bread crumbs
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 to 2 cups canola or peanut oil (for frying)

TO MAKE THE MEATLOAF:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine the beef, egg, onion, milk, 1 cup bread crumbs and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place in a lightly greased 9x5-inch loaf pan, or form into a loaf and place in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard and ketchup. Mix well and pour over the meatloaf.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour. Let it cool and then refrigerate for 2 hours or more.

TO BREAD THE MEATLOAF:
Cut the meatloaf into slices and set aside.

Set three wide, shallow dishes (such as pie plates) in a row on the counter. Put the flour in the first dish. Crack the egg into the second dish and beat it lightly with a fork. Put the Panko or crumbs in the third dish and toss them with salt and pepper.

Dredge a slice of meatloaf in the flour and then in the egg. Lay the slice in the crumbs and make sure you cover every part of it. Set aside and repeat step with all of the slices.

When all are coated, refrigerate for an additional ten to fifteen minutes to let the bread crumbs set.

WHEN READY TO COOK:
Pour oil into heavy duty, sided pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it immediately and vigorously bubbles.

With a slotted metal spatula, carefully slip the breaded meatloaf into the oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 1 minute per side, using the spatula to carefully turn the slices. Transfer to a plate with paper towels, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let sit briefly to drain excess oil. Serve hot.