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Wiener Schnitzel Recipe

Wiener Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Meal Recipe

I recall my first encounter with wiener schnitzel. It was a crisp autumn day, and I wandered into a charming little cafe tucked away in Vienna. The aroma of frying meat and the lively chatter of diners filled the air. I made my way to a table and scanned the menu. There it was: wiener schnitzel.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Snack
Cuisine: German
Calories: 704

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup panko-style breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup plain flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Oil or light olive oil for shallow frying
  • 4 thin-cut veal medallions
  • 2 large eggs, lightly whisked
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes
  • 4 lemon wedges for serving

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Veal
  1. Start by tenderizing the veal medallions. Place each piece between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to about 1/4 inch thick using a meat mallet. This step ensures the meat cooks evenly and stays tender.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
  1. Prepare a station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add the plain flour. In the second, whisk the eggs lightly. In the third dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika.
Step 3: Bread the Veal
  1. Take each medallion and coat it in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it in the whisked eggs, letting any extra drip off before placing it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs onto the veal, ensuring an even coating. Repeat this process for each piece.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
  1. In a skillet, heat enough oil over medium-high heat to cover the bottom. You want it hot enough that a few breadcrumbs sizzle when they hit the pan, but not so hot that it smokes.
Step 5: Fry the Schnitzel
  1. Carefully place two breaded medallions into the hot oil, avoiding crowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
    Use a spatula to flip them over gently. Once cooked, transfer the schnitzels to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
  1. Plate the schnitzels and serve with lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon elevates the dish, cutting through the richness beautifully.

Notes

  • Use a Meat Thermometer: The internal temperature for veal should reach 145°F for safety and tenderness.
  • Don’t Skip the Lemon: A squeeze not only adds flavor but also balances the richness of the dish.
  • Keep the Oil Hot: If the temperature drops, the schnitzel can become oily. A consistent sizzle is key!
  • Try Different Breading: While panko is traditional, you can experiment with regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers for variety.
  • Make Extra: Cook a few more. Leftover schnitzel makes for great sandwiches the next day!