Description
Wiener Schnitzel is a classic Austrian dish featuring thin veal cutlets coated in golden breadcrumbs and fried until crisp. It’s simple, elegant, and full of flavor, often served with lemon wedges and potato salad.
Ingredients
4 veal cutlets (about 5 oz each), pounded to 1/4-inch thick
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon milk
1 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs (preferably homemade or very dry)
1/2 cup clarified butter or neutral oil (for frying)
Lemon wedges, for serving
Optional: chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Place each veal cutlet between sheets of plastic wrap or parchment and gently pound to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- Season both sides of the cutlets with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off excess, dip into the egg mixture, and coat with breadcrumbs without pressing the crumbs in.
- Heat clarified butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry one or two schnitzels at a time for 2–3 minutes per side, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
- Transfer the schnitzels to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley if desired.
Notes
You can substitute veal with pork loin or chicken breasts pounded thin.
Add paprika or garlic powder to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
Mix fresh herbs into the breadcrumbs for a herbed crust variation.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat in oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Austrian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
