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Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel arrives at the table with a shell of pure gold, each veal cutlet transformed into a thin, tender parcel beneath its crisp coating. Four pieces of veal, pounded to a uniform quarter-inch thickness and lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, await their turn at the breading station. There, a shallow dish of all-purpose flour gives way to two beaten eggs, which in turn yield to a mound of plain breadcrumbs. Each cutlet slips through these layers in succession, emerging ready for the skillet. A generous cup of clarified butter—or any neutral oil—heats over medium–high flame until it shimmers. The first schnitzel sizzles as it meets the fat, and after two or three minutes per side, it develops that signature hue: warm, amber, and utterly inviting. A brief rest on paper ensures excess oil drains away, preserving the crust’s brittle integrity. This preparation spans mere ten minutes of active cooking, making it equally apt for a quiet family dinner or an assembled celebration. The finished schnitzels travel from pan to platter; bright parsley leaves scatter over the tops, and wedges of fresh lemon stand ready to coax out the subtle sweetness of the veal. Should veal prove hard to source, a swap for pork or chicken maintains the spirit of the dish without compromise.

Wiener Schnitzel
4Servings
20 minutesPreparation
10 minutesCooking
450 kcalCalories
Course
Main
Cuisine
Austrian
Difficulty
Medium

Overview

Wiener Schnitzel epitomizes the essence of Austrian cuisine. Renowned for its soft veal inside and crispy, golden crust, this meal really captures Austria's gastronomic past. Perfect for family dinners or special events, Wiener Schnitzel is a basic but elegant meal that will send your taste senses directly to Vienna.

Ingredients

Recipe card

Wiener Schnitzel

Yield4
Preparation: 20 mCooking: 10 m

Ingredients

Directions

01Step 1

Prepare the VealLightly pound the veal cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap until they are about ¼ inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

02Step 2

Set Up a Breading StationPlace the flour in a shallow dish, beat the eggs in another dish, and pour the breadcrumbs into a third dish. Arrange these in an assembly line.

03Step 3

Bread the CutletsDredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off any excess.Dip the floured cutlet into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.Finally, press the cutlet into the breadcrumbs, coating evenly. Do not press too hard, as the breadcrumbs should adhere lightly.

04Step 4

Heat the PanHeat the clarified butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.

05Step 5

Fry the SchnitzelsFry the breaded cutlets one at a time (or two if your pan is large enough), cooking for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.

06Step 6

Drain and ServeTransfer the cooked Schnitzels to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley.

Nutrition

Calories450 kcal