The Classic Wiener Schnitzel: A Delicious Austrian Dish

History of Wiener Schnitzel

The origin of Wiener Schnitzel can be traced back to the 19th century in Vienna, Austria. The dish was originally made with pork, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that veal became the more popular choice of meat. Today, Wiener Schnitzel is considered to be a national dish of Austria, and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Recipe for Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel is a simple dish that can be made with just a few basic ingredients. Here’s a classic recipe for Wiener Schnitzel:

Wiener Schnitzel Ingredients:

4 veal cutlets, pounded thin

1/2 cup of all-purpose flour

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup of breadcrumbs

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup of vegetable oil

Lemon wedges, for serving

Wiener Schnitzel Instructions:

Season the veal cutlets with salt and pepper.

Place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in three separate shallow dishes.

Coat each veal cutlet in flour, shaking off any excess.

Dip each cutlet in the beaten eggs, making sure it’s coated on both sides.

Press each cutlet firmly into the breadcrumbs, making sure it’s completely coated.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Once the oil is hot, add the breaded veal cutlets and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Transfer the cooked cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.

Serve the Wiener Schnitzel with lemon wedges and your choice of side dish.

Cooking Tips for Wiener Schnitzel

When pounding the veal cutlets, use a meat mallet or the back of a heavy skillet to achieve a uniform thickness. This will help the cutlets cook evenly and quickly.

Make sure the oil is hot before adding the breaded cutlets, as this will help ensure that they’re crispy and golden brown. You can test the oil by adding a small piece of breaded meat to the skillet. If it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is ready.

To keep the Wiener Schnitzel warm while you’re cooking the remaining cutlets, you can place them on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) until ready to serve.

If you can’t find veal cutlets, you can use pork or chicken instead. However, keep in mind that the taste and texture will be slightly different.

Conclusion

Wiener Schnitzel is a classic dish that’s loved by many around the world. Its crispy and flavorful exterior, coupled with the tender and juicy meat, makes it a favorite among meat lovers. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or it’s one of your favorite dishes, Wiener Schnitzel is a must-try for anyone who enjoys hearty and delicious meals.