The Classic Crispy Wiener Schnitzel Recipe
Are you craving some authentic Austrian cuisine? Look no further than the classic crispy wiener schnitzel! This dish is a staple in Austria and can be found on countless menus throughout the country. It is a thin slice of breaded and fried veal or pork that is typically served with a side of potato salad or sautéed potatoes. In this article, we will go through the steps of preparing this classic dish and tips for making it perfect every time.
Gather Your Ingredients
The first step in making the perfect wiener schnitzel is gathering all of the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:
– 4 veal cutlets (each about 150g and roughly 1cm thick)
– Salt and pepper
– Flour
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tbsp of heavy cream
– 200g of breadcrumbs
– Oil (for frying)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
Prepare The Meat
Before you start breading the meat, it is essential to prepare the meat properly. Using a meat mallet, gently pound each cutlet to an even thickness of about 3-4mm. This helps to tenderize the meat and ensure that it cooks evenly.
Once the meat is pounded thin, season each side with salt and pepper. The seasoning will help to enhance the flavor of the meat once it is cooked.
Breading The Cutlets
The breading process is one of the most crucial steps in preparing a wiener schnitzel. It is essential to follow the correct order of breading to achieve a perfect, crispy coating.
First, coat each cutlet in flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream in a shallow dish. Dip each floured cutlet into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
Finally, coat each cutlet in breadcrumbs, pressing down lightly to ensure that the breadcrumbs stick to the meat. Once each cutlet is breaded, set them aside on a plate until you are ready to fry them.
Frying The Cutlets
To fry the cutlets, heat up enough oil in a large frying pan to cover the cutlets halfway. Once the oil is heated to around 160°C, carefully place each cutlet into the pan.
Fry each cutlet for around 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the coating is golden brown. Make sure to flip the cutlets gently to avoid the breading from falling off.
Once cooked, remove the cutlets from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain off any excess oil.
Serving The Wiener Schnitzel
The classic way to serve a wiener schnitzel is with a lemon wedge and a side of potato salad or sautéed potatoes. The lemon wedges are used to squeeze over the schnitzel to add a bright and tangy flavor to the dish.
To make the potato salad, simply mix boiled diced potatoes, chopped onions, a little bit of vinegar, and mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to taste. For sautéed potatoes, slice the potatoes thinly and fry them until they are golden brown.
Tips for a Perfect Wiener Schnitzel
– Make sure to pound the cutlets evenly to ensure that they cook evenly.
– Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought breadcrumbs for a crispier coating.
– Do not overcrowd the pan when frying the cutlets.
– Do not stack the cooked cutlets on top of each other, as this can cause the breading to become soggy.
– It is essential to use enough oil when frying the cutlets to get the crispy crust.
– Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished schnitzel before serving. It helps balance the flavors of the dish.
The Bottom Line
The classic crispy wiener schnitzel is one of Austria’s most beloved dishes, and it’s easy to understand why. This dish is perfect for dinner parties or a cozy family dinner as it is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. By following these simple steps and tips, you can master the art of making a perfect wiener schnitzel every time. So, gather your ingredients and channel your inner Austrian chef for a delicious and authentic taste of Austria. Prost!