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.

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What Is Schnitzel? (2024)

FAQs

What is a 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.

What does schnitzel mean in Wiener schnitzel? ›

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.

Is schnitzel just breaded chicken? ›

For the uninitiated, chicken schnitzel is merely a chicken breast pounded thin, breaded, and fried. It's one of those foods that you can't help but love, which is probably why it's so prolific—versions of the recipe can be found in cultures around the world.

Is chicken-fried steak just schnitzel? ›

Chicken fried steak, contrary to its ame is made with beef but is similar, eaten in southern US and usually topped with gravy. And schnitzel is the German version of fried steak, although the traditional form is with veal.

Is A schnitzel a meat or chicken? ›

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).

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 do Jews eat schnitzel? ›

Originally brought from Europe to Israel by Ashkenazi Jews, schnitzel instantly became a hit. During the early years of the state of Israel, veal was not widely available, so chicken or turkey became a substitute. Nowadays, the meat used is generally chicken or turkey breast to keep it kosher.

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...

What is slang for chicken schnitzel? ›

What's Great About It: Schnitty is Australian slang for schnitzel – thinly sliced meat that has been crumbed and fried. This Australian classic can be found on almost every pub menu across the country.

What is the 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.

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.

Is Subway chicken schnitzel real chicken? ›

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

Why is there no chicken in chicken-fried steak? ›

As for the origin of the name, it is generally agreed that the term is referencing the style of cooking. A “chicken fried steak” is prepared similarly to traditional fried chicken. That is, you season flour, prep the meat with egg before battering it, and fry it in oil.

How do Germans eat schnitzel? ›

Germany. In Germany, the term Schnitzel means cutlets in general, not just breaded, fried ones. Schnitzel Wiener Art ('Viennese style schnitzel') is a pounded, breaded and fried cutlet, more often made of pork than of veal. Restaurants mostly serve it with a slice of lemon and french fries.

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