Authentic Austrian Schnitzel
Crispy Golden Perfection: Making Austrian Schnitzel with Strawberry Jam
Discover the delightful Austrian dish, Schnitzel, famously paired with strawberry jam! This recipe, inspired by TV features, transforms thinly pounded pork cutlets into a crispy, golden delight. We’ll guide you through preparing the meat, coating it perfectly, and frying it to a delightful crunch. The bright, zesty lemon juice cuts through the richness, while the sweet strawberry jam adds a surprising yet familiar flavor, reminiscent of toast with jam. This combination is truly a ‘thumbs up’ experience – not heavy or greasy, but refreshingly delicious. If you’re curious about this unique flavor pairing, give this recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at how well these elements come together!
Schnitzel Ingredients- 150g Pork Loin (or thinly sliced cut)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 large Egg
- Breadcrumbs, as needed
- All-purpose Flour (or frying flour), as needed
Creamy Potato Salad- 1 medium Potato
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
For Serving- Strawberry Jam, generous amount
- 1/4 Lemon
- 1 medium Potato
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
For Serving- Strawberry Jam, generous amount
- 1/4 Lemon
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare all the ingredients for our delicious Schnitzel.
Step 2
Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. If the cutlets aren’t already sliced thin, carefully slice them horizontally to create thinner pieces, ensuring the meat doesn’t separate.
Step 3
Depending on the thickness, you might need to slice each piece 2-3 times to achieve a nice, thin cutlet. The key to great Schnitzel is very thin meat.
Step 4
Place the sliced pork between sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag. Use a meat mallet (or the flat side of a heavy knife) to gently pound the meat until it’s very thin.
Step 5
Pound the meat until it’s almost translucent, so thin you can see your hand through it. This step requires a bit of effort and time, but it’s crucial for a tender Schnitzel.
Step 6
Lightly season both sides of the pounded pork with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 7
Tip: Be mindful of the salt. A light, even sprinkle over the surface is sufficient.
Step 8
While the pork is marinating, let’s prepare the creamy potato salad. Peel the potato, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
Step 9
Tip: Using the microwave is a quick and convenient way to cook a small amount of potato. If your microwave has a specific potato-cooking function, feel free to use that.
Step 10
Once cooked and still warm, mash the potatoes with salt and pepper. For an extra creamy texture, you can add a splash of milk or heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 11
Now, let’s bread the Schnitzel. Set up three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour (or frying flour), one with a beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge each piece of pork first in the flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
Step 12
Tip: Apply a thin layer of flour and egg wash. When coating with breadcrumbs, press gently with your hands to ensure the coating adheres well. This prevents the breading from falling off during frying and results in a crispier finish.
Step 13
In a frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil to generously cover the Schnitzel, about 180°C (350°F). Carefully place the breaded Schnitzel into the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 14
For an extra crispy texture, you can double-fry. Once fried, remove the Schnitzel from the oil, let it rest briefly, then increase the oil temperature to 200°C (400°F). Fry for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. This second fry will make the exterior exceptionally crisp while keeping the inside juicy.
Step 15
Serve the hot, crispy Schnitzel immediately. Arrange it on a plate alongside a generous dollop of strawberry jam, the creamy potato salad, and a wedge of fresh lemon. A squeeze of lemon juice over the Schnitzel adds a refreshing citrus note. And there you have it – your delicious Austrian Schnitzel with strawberry jam is ready to be enjoyed! Bon appétit!
