Crispy German-Style Pork Schnitzel
This Crispy German-Style Pork Schnitzel brings the authentic flavors of Germany right to your kitchen! Inspired by the delightful schnitzels I savored while living in Germany, this recipe recreates the crispy, golden-brown coating that complements tender, juicy pork chops or tenderloin. While delectable on its own, this schnitzel reaches new heights when served with a luscious cream or mushroom sauce, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can impress your family or guests with a dish that's both comforting and satisfying. Plus, utilizing a large electric skillet allows you to fry all four schnitzels at once, omitting the hassle of cooking in batches!
N/A
Servings
550
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
1 cup (for breading)
Plain breadcrumbs
1 cup (for breading)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Pork chops or pork tenderloin
4 (1 1/2 lb) (pounded to 1/2 inch thickness)
Kosher salt
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Canola oil
4 tablespoons (divided for frying)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing your breading station. In a shallow bowl, add the flour. In a second bowl, place the plain breadcrumbs. In a third bowl, beat the eggs gently until they are blended.
2
Preheat your large electric skillet on medium-high heat for about 2–3 minutes.
3
Season both sides of the pork chops or tenderloin with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
4
Begin the breading process by coating each piece of pork in flour, ensuring that both sides are covered. Shake off any excess flour.
5
Next, dip the floured pork into the beaten egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
6
Finally, coat the pork in the plain breadcrumbs, pressing down lightly to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
7
Add 2 tablespoons of canola oil to the preheated skillet, swirling to coat the bottom of the skillet.
8
Carefully place 2 pieces of breaded pork into the skillet, cooking for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (for medium). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately.
9
Once cooked, remove the schnitzel from the skillet and cover them to keep warm.
10
Repeat the process with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and the other 2 pieces of pork. Serve the schnitzel warm, optionally topped with a cream or mushroom sauce.
Nutrition Information
27.5
Fat
55
Carbs
40
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is German-Style Pork Schnitzel?
It is a traditional dish consisting of thin, tenderized pork that is breaded in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, then fried until golden and crispy.
What cut of pork is best for this recipe?
You can use either boneless pork chops or pork tenderloin for authentic and delicious results.
How thick should I pound the pork?
The pork should be pounded to a uniform thickness of approximately 1/2 inch for even cooking.
Why do I need to pound the meat?
Pounding the meat breaks down the muscle fibers to tenderize it and ensures it cooks quickly and evenly in the skillet.
What are the three components of the breading station?
The breading station consists of three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with plain breadcrumbs.
In what order should I bread the pork?
The standard order is to coat the pork in flour first, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumbs.
Why should I shake off the excess flour?
Removing excess flour ensures the egg wash adheres properly and prevents the breading from falling off during frying.
What kind of breadcrumbs are used?
This recipe calls for plain breadcrumbs to achieve the classic, authentic German texture.
What is the safe internal temperature for pork schnitzel?
The pork should reach an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is cooked through and safe to eat.
Which oil is best for frying schnitzel?
Canola oil is recommended because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor profile.
How much oil is needed for this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of canola oil in total, divided into 2 tablespoons for each batch of frying.
Can I cook all the schnitzels at once?
Yes, if you use a large electric skillet, you can fry all four pieces at once, avoiding the need for batches.
How long does it take to fry each side?
It typically takes about 4 to 5 minutes per side on medium-high heat until the coating is golden brown.
What heat setting should I use?
A medium-high heat setting is ideal for getting a crispy exterior without burning the breadcrumbs.
How many calories are in a serving of this schnitzel?
Each serving contains approximately 550 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
One serving of this pork schnitzel provides 40 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 27.5 grams of fat per serving.
What sauces are traditionally served with schnitzel?
It is delicious when served with a creamy mushroom sauce or a simple white cream sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is a mild dish seasoned simply with kosher salt and black pepper.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 55 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I keep the first batch warm?
Once cooked, remove the schnitzels from the skillet and cover them with foil or a lid to retain heat.
Can I use table salt instead of kosher salt?
Yes, but you may want to use slightly less as table salt is finer and saltier by volume than kosher salt.
How many people does this recipe serve?
The recipe is designed to serve 4 people, using 4 pieces of pork weighing a total of 1.5 lbs.
How do I ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the meat?
When coating the pork in the final bowl, press down lightly to help the crumbs adhere firmly.
Can I use chicken for this recipe?
Yes, the same breading and frying technique works perfectly for chicken breast to make chicken schnitzel.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The schnitzel features a crunchy, golden-brown outer shell with tender and juicy meat inside.
Do I need to preheat the skillet?
Yes, preheat the skillet on medium-high for 2 to 3 minutes before adding the oil and meat.
Why use an electric skillet?
An electric skillet provides consistent heat and a large surface area, which is great for frying multiple pieces at once.
What are common side dishes for schnitzel?
Common sides include German potato salad, spaetzle, or a fresh green salad with lemon wedges.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it uses simple ingredients and a straightforward breading process, making it accessible for home cooks.