What Is Schnitzel? (2024)

This classic European dish can transform any meat cutlet into an impressive meal.

Published on September 13, 2021

With a crispy coating and tender fillet of meat, it's no wonder that schnitzel is a popular dish in a lot of parts of the world. But what exactly is this hearty dish? And where did it come from? Read on to learn more:

What Is Schnitzel Made From?

In its most basic form, schnitzel is a slice of meat, often pounded until fairly thin, then breaded and fried. The dish's name actually comes from the German word schnitt, which translates to "cut." The most popular type of meat for schnitzel is veal (wiener-schnitzel) or pork (schweine-schnitzel), but you also see varieties made with chicken (hänchen-schnitzel), or turkey (puten-schnitzel). The breading is typically an easy coating of flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. Schnitzel is not typically highly seasoned, relying instead on bold toppings such as fresh lemon wedges, mushroom sauce, or cream sauce to add a boost of flavor.

What Is Schnitzel? (1)

Where Did Schnitzel Originate?

The origins of schnitzel are typically attributed to Eastern Europe. Today, it's particularly popular in Germany and Austria, though it's served everywhere from Finland to Hungary, too. Though the idea of a crispy breaded cutlet of thinly pounded meat isn't distinctly European, looking at other countries' dishes, like the Japanese tonkatsu or America's chicken fried steak, and you'll see that every region seems to love a good schnitzel-esque meal.

How to Make Schnitzel at Home

Schnitzel is very easy to make at home. Simply pound out a cut of your preferred meat, give it a quick coating, and fry until golden brown. If you don't know where to start, we recommend looking through the list of Our Best Schnitzel Recipes to get you started. Once the schnitzel is cooked, you can smother it in bold mushroom sauce, drizzle on a mustard cream sauce, or simply plate it with wedges of fresh lemon. For a traditional Austrian- or German-inspired meal, serve your schnitzel alongside something carby-like spaetzle, warm potato salad, or even just a handful of fries to round out the plate.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

What Is Schnitzel? (2024)

FAQs

What is schnitzel called in America? ›

United States

Chicken fried steak, also called country fried steak, is nearly identical to schnitzel. It is a breaded and deep fried beef steak.

What kind of meat is a schnitzel? ›

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.

Is schnitzel just fried meat? ›

Schnitzel is a dish that uses a very thin boneless cutlet from meat such as veal, pork, beef or chicken. The meat can be breaded and then deep fried or it can also be pan fried and then be used as breading or just be consumed without the bread.

Is schnitzel a German thing? ›

The origins of schnitzel are typically attributed to Eastern Europe. Today, it's particularly popular in Germany and Austria, though it's served everywhere from Finland to Hungary, too.

Why do Jews eat schnitzel? ›

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.

Do Americans have schnitzel? ›

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.

What is served with schnitzel? ›

Typical German and Austrian side dishes for schnitzels include spaetzle, potato salad (particularly vinegar-based ones), cucumber salad, vegetable slaws and potato dishes like fries or rosti.

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 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. And spinach is one of the healthiest foods you can eat if you d...

Is Subway chicken schnitzel real? ›

A hearty chicken schnitzel made with 100% chicken breast. Some items may not be available in all markets. Prices and participation may vary.

What is slang for chicken schnitzel? ›

The schnitty, the slang name for the legendary chicken schnitzel, comes with a generous side of chips and a forest of salad. Just thinking of that butterflied chicken breast makes me want to step away for an early lunch. Aussies regularly order from a menu of slang foods.

Why put schnitzel in fridge before frying? ›

Place into the fridge, uncovered, for one hour before cooking. This step dries the breading and ensures it will stick perfectly to the meat during the frying process. As long as you fry in hot oil, it will come out perfectly crispy with all of its breading intact!

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.

What do Italians call schnitzel? ›

In Italy they call schnitzel cotoletta alla Milanese, and it is traditionally served with a wedge of lemon and finely shredded radicchio. The first record of the dish is on an 1134 menu for a feast at Milan's cathedral.

Why is schnitzel so good? ›

The magic of Viennese schnitzel is in the way the cook coaxes the crust to puff away from the meat, a process known as soufflieren in German. Credit... David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.

What are other names for schnitzel? ›

What is another word for schnitzel?
cutletescalope
breaded cutletpork cutlet
veal cutlet

Is Wienerschnitzel the same as 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.

What is schnitzel in English? ›

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.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tish Haag

Last Updated:

Views: 6315

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tish Haag

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 30256 Tara Expressway, Kutchburgh, VT 92892-0078

Phone: +4215847628708

Job: Internal Consulting Engineer

Hobby: Roller skating, Roller skating, Kayaking, Flying, Graffiti, Ghost hunting, scrapbook

Introduction: My name is Tish Haag, I am a excited, delightful, curious, beautiful, agreeable, enchanting, fancy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.