Schnitzel is a traditional dish that is widely enjoyed in many parts of the world. It is a thin slice of meat that is typically breaded and fried until crispy, and is often served with various side dishes and condiments. Let's take a look at the history of schnitzel and how it became one of the most beloved dishes in European cuisine and a staple at some of America's finest restaurants. At Den's Hog Dogs, we encourage you to try our pork and chicken schnitzel.
The history of schnitzel starts in Austria
The history of schnitzel can be traced back to 19th century Austria. The dish was likely pioneered by Austrian Field Marshal Joseph Radetzky, who was known for his love of fine food and drink. Legend has it that Radetzky discovered a recipe for a breaded and fried veal cutlet during his travels in Italy, and brought it back to Austria where it became an instant hit.
The dish quickly spread throughout Austria and Germany, and became a staple of traditional German and Austrian cuisine. It was often served with potatoes, cabbage, or other hearty side dishes, and was a popular choice for family meals and celebrations.
Over the years, schnitzel has evolved and taken on many different variations. While the original recipe called for veal, it is now commonly made with pork, chicken, or even turkey. The breading and frying process has also been adapted to include different types of breadcrumbs and seasonings, resulting in a wide variety of flavors and textures.
When did Schnitzel become popular in the United States?
Schnitzel started its rise to popularity in the United States in the mid-20th century, with the influx of German and Austrian immigrants. These immigrants brought with them their culinary traditions, including schnitzel, which quickly became a popular dish in German-American restaurants and households.
In the decades following World War II, there was a growing interest in international cuisine and culinary exploration in the United States. As a result, schnitzel began to appear on the menus of non-German restaurants as well, and became a favorite among adventurous eaters.
Today, schnitzel is widely enjoyed in the United States, both in traditional German and Austrian restaurants and in contemporary establishments that offer their own unique variations on the classic dish. It has become a beloved part of American culinary culture, and is a popular choice for anyone looking for a satisfying and comforting meal.
What are some great tasting side dishes that will go well with pork or chicken schnitzel from Grumpy Butcher?
If you are looking for something authentic to serve with your pork or chicken schnitzels, from Grumpy Butcher, here are some ideas to try:
- Potatoes: Potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with schnitzel. They can be prepared in a variety of ways, including mashed, roasted, or fried. German-style potato salad, which is made with vinegar and bacon, is also a popular choice.
- Cabbage: Red cabbage or sauerkraut are often served as a side dish with schnitzel. These tangy and flavorful vegetables provide a nice contrast to the richness of the meat.
- Spaetzle: Spaetzle, which are small, soft egg noodles, are a traditional side dish in German cuisine. They are often served with gravy or a creamy sauce and make a great accompaniment to schnitzel.
- Green vegetables: Schnitzel can also be paired with green vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. These vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the crispy and savory schnitzel.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also be a great side dish to serve with schnitzel. The acidity of the dressing can help cut through the richness of the meat.
You can easily prepare the schnitzel entree kits from Grumpy Butcher in under ten minutes. Enjoy these entrees and others from some of the finest restaurants in the United States.
FAQs
There's no doubt about it: schnitzel is the most famous dish we have on our menu. It's our namesake, after all. But where exactly did this delicious food come from? It's said to hail from Germany, and other sources have stated that its roots may be in Austria.
What do Americans call schnitzel? ›
schnitzel, a thin meat cutlet, pounded until tender and then breaded and fried, that is a culinary staple in German-speaking countries and communities. The Americanized version of the dish is chicken-fried steak. schnitzel.
Is schnitzel from Italy? ›
Wiener schnitzel—an unassuming breaded, fried veal cutlet—has so captured Vienna's taste buds that it bears the city's very name (Wien = Vienna). Yet Austria's national dish may actually have originated in northern Italy as costoletta alla Milanese, a similarly prepared slice of veal.
What kind of meat is schnitzel made from? ›
What kind of meat is used for Schnitzel? Schnitzel can, of course, be made from almost any thin, boneless meat cut. However, traditionally, Wienerschnitzel is made using only veal, and German Schnitzel is made with boneless pork chops. You can also try using chicken, mutton, beef, or turkey.
Where is schnitzel cut from? ›
One of the most versatile cuts around, schnitzel is a thin slice of meat achieved by pounding it with a meat tenderiser. This boneless cut is sliced thinly and typically comes from the thick flank.
Where did Schnitz start? ›
In 2007 the family decided to make the schnitzel the centrepiece of the menu and started a small city café in Melbourne called Schnitz. Since then, Schnitz has grown to become a nationwide franchise.
Why do Jews eat schnitzel? ›
The schnitzel tradition was brought from Europe to Israel by Ashkenazi Jews. During the early years of the state of Israel, veal was not obtainable, and chicken or turkey proved to be inexpensive and tasty substitutes. Packaged schnitzels are widely available in the frozen food section of most supermarkets.
Do Americans eat schnitzels? ›
It is a thin slice of meat that is typically breaded and fried until crispy, and is often served with various side dishes and condiments. Let's take a look at the history of schnitzel and how it became one of the most beloved dishes in European cuisine and a staple at some of America's finest restaurants.
What do you call a schnitzel in English? ›
British English: cutlet /ˈkʌtlɪt/ NOUN. A cutlet is a small piece of meat which is usually fried or grilled.
Why is schnitzel so expensive? ›
The costs for the investment of separate transport, slaughtering, butchering and distribution to the shops are relatively high.
Basically, all schnitzels are breaded and fried thin pieces of meat, but only wiener schnitzel is made with veal. Cooking term: Schnitzel is a cooking term used to describe any meat pounded thin, then breaded and fried. Key ingredient: Schnitzel is made with pork, chicken, beef, or veal.
Is there a French version of schnitzel? ›
Pariser schnitzel (from German Pariser Schnitzel 'Parisian cutlet') is a schnitzel variation from French cuisine. Unlike Wiener schnitzel, it does not incorporate bread crumbs.
Who invented schnitzel? ›
The genesis of the schnitzel
Going by the name alone, many people assume that the origins began in Germany or Austria, but it was Israel in the Middle East where the dish was believed to have been served first.
Is schnitzel healthy? ›
Schnitzel is usually fried, which isn't the healthiest thing, but if you have no weight issues or cardiac markers, it won't hurt you. The chicken in schnitzel is skinless white meat, which is high in protein and low in fat.
What side dishes go well with schnitzel? ›
Pork and chicken schnitzel are traditionally served alongside potatoes and vegetables for a hearty meal or a zingy summer salad for a lighter one. Almost any type of potato works with pork schnitzel, but our favorites are red-skinned potato salad or buttery mashed potatoes.
Where did the schnitzel come from in Israel? ›
By the beginning of the 20th Century, central European immigrants had brought schnitzel to Israel. This dish was ideally suited to the culinary necessities of the period in Israel. At a time when few people owned ovens in their homes, these thin cutlets could be easily prepared over an open flame.
What's the difference between wiener schnitzel and a schnitzel? ›
Basically, all schnitzels are breaded and fried thin pieces of meat, but only wiener schnitzel is made with veal. Cooking term: Schnitzel is a cooking term used to describe any meat pounded thin, then breaded and fried. Key ingredient: Schnitzel is made with pork, chicken, beef, or veal.
Is wiener schnitzel from Germany? ›
Wiener schnitzel means "Viennese cutlet" in German, and it is one of Austria's most traditional and representative dishes. So much so, in fact, that its definition is fiercely protected by Austrian law. It must be made of veal; when made with any other type of meat, it cannot technically be called Wiener schnitzel.
What part of the cow does schnitzel come from? ›
The best beef cuts for making schnitzels are thin beef escalopes or thinly sliced boneless shoulder steak or topside. If you are slicing the meat yourself, you will need to use a meat tenderiser to ensure the meat is extra tender.
