Traditional German Schnitzel

Step 1

Lightly salt and pepper the pork cutlets. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to 1/8 inch thick using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Set the cutlets aside.

Step 2

Melt 2 Tbsp of butter in a medium sauté pan and add enough oil to fill the pan to 1/8 inch. Heat the oil and butter over high heat. Toss a little breading into the hot oil, if it crisps up nicely, but doesn’t burn, then you know your oil is ready.

Step 3

Place flour and breadcrumbs each in their own shallow dish. Place the beaten eggs in a shallow bowl.

Step 4

Dip a pounded cutlet in flour, covering it completely.

Step 5

Then, dip the cutlet in the beaten eggs, moistening it entirely. Let any excess egg drain off.

Step 6

Finally, dip the cutlet into the breadcrumbs, covering it completely, but not pressing the breadcrumbs into the cutlet. Let any excess breadcrumbs fall off.

Step 7

Immediately transfer the breaded cutlet to the hot oil. Fry the cutlet for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the cutlets to a paper towel lined platter or wire rack.

Step 8

Repeat with another cutlet.

Step 9

After 2 cutlets, add the remaining 2 Tbsp butter and additional oil if necessary. Heat your oil/butter and continue with the remaining cutlets.

Step 10

To serve, garnish the hot schnitzel with lemon slices and parsley. Serve immediately with spätzel, fries, or German potato salad.