Wiener Schnitzel

Viennese Cutlet - Wiener Schnitzel Recipe from about.com

Das Wienerschnitzel

J.McGavin

Few foods are more evocative of Austrian cuisine than the humble Wiener Schnitzel, or Viennese Cutlet. As with many simple recipes, the quality of the ingredients are what will make or break your experience with this golden fried treat. Old oil or meat should be avoided and watch your schnitzel carefully, to avoid burning. Eating it fresh is also important.

Ingredients:

• 4 veal cutlets (traditional) pounded to 1/4 inch thickness (about 5 oz. each) (you may use chicken or boneless pork chops, as well)
• 1/4 c. flour (all purpose or brown rice)
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 c. bread crumbs
• 2 eggs
• Oil or lard for frying (lard is traditional)

Preparation:

• To pound meat thin you may want to place the cutlet between sheets of plastic wrap for easier washing up. Use a heavy, flat-surface pan to pound (not a meat mallet).
  
• Pound the meat evenly to 1/4  to 1/5 inch thickness for best results.
  
• Do not press the bread crumbs into the meat. The crust should not adhere completely, but form a loose shell around the schnitzel.
  
• Make sure the breaded meat “swims” in fat. Contrary to instinct, the breading will take on less oil than if the meat is sticking to the pan. Also, the breadcrumb topping has a chance to puff up a little, and your clean up is easier. 
• If schnitzel is not cooked all the way through, can cover with lid and allow to cook longer as well.

Directions:

1. Set up 3 shallow dishes. Place the flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt in one and breadcrumbs in another. Beat eggs well and place in the third dish.
2. Heat at least 1/4 inch of oil in the pan to 350°F.
3. Working one at a time, dredge cutlets first in flour until the surface is completely dry. Dip in egg to coat, allow the excess to drip off for a few seconds and then roll quickly in the breadcrumbs until coated. Do not press breadcrumbs into the meat. Place meat immediately in the pan with the hot oil. Do not crowd the pan. Cook the schnitzel in batches, if necessary.
4. Fry the schnitzel for on a lower setting (about 280 F) for about 5 min/side. You may want to swish them around a little with your fork to make sure they are not sticking to the pan. Turn them over once and fry until both sides are golden brown. Remove from pan, allow the oil to drain off, place on a plate with lemon slices and serve.

Also good with Wiener Schnitzel: cucumber salad and french fries.