Wiener Schnitzel is a classic Austrian dish made with thinly pounded veal, coated in crispy golden breadcrumbs, and traditionally served with lemon wedges and potato salad. Here’s how to make it perfectly at home!
Ingredients:
✅ 4 veal cutlets (about 150g each) (you can also use pork or chicken as alternatives)
✅ 1 cup all-purpose flour
✅ 2 large eggs (beaten)
✅ 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh, not panko)
✅ 1 teaspoon salt
✅ ½ teaspoon black pepper
✅ 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
✅ ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying, traditionally sunflower or canola oil)
✅ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for extra crispiness and flavor)
✅ 1 lemon (cut into wedges, for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Veal Cutlets
1️⃣ Place each veal cutlet between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
2️⃣ Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound them until they are about ¼ inch (6mm) thin. This ensures they cook evenly and stay tender.
3️⃣ Season both sides lightly with salt, black pepper, and optional paprika.
Step 2: Bread the Schnitzel
4️⃣ Prepare a breading station with three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs
5️⃣ Dredge each cutlet lightly in flour, ensuring it’s fully coated.
6️⃣ Dip into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
7️⃣ Coat evenly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick. Don’t press too hard—the coating should be light and airy.
Step 3: Fry the Schnitzel
8️⃣ Heat vegetable oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about ½ inch deep.
9️⃣ Once the oil is hot (around 170°C / 340°F), carefully place the schnitzel in the pan.
🔟 Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon hot oil over the schnitzel while frying for extra crispiness.
1️⃣1️⃣ Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
🌿 Serve hot with lemon wedges, potato salad, cucumber salad, or buttered parsley potatoes. A dollop of cranberry sauce is also a popular Austrian addition! 🍋🥔