This delicious Pork Schnitzel comes together in about 30 minutes and involves just frying for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Seriously, who doesn’t love versatile meals that are quick to whip up after a busy day?
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing Pork Schnitzel:
- 20 oz pork cutlets (about 4 five-ounce cutlets)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp table salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper (yep, again for extra flavor)
- 2 large eggs (well beaten)
- ¼ cup milk (or water)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 slices lemon (for garnish)
- 1 tsp Italian parsley (finely chopped for garnish)
Let’s break down these ingredients. You can definitely switch things up! Don’t have panko? Regular bread crumbs will do, although panko gives that lovely crunch we all appreciate. Running low on pork? Chicken cutlets can be substituted for a delightful twist! That’s the best part about cooking: it’s a platform for creativity.
Let’s Get Cooking!
So, how do we make this fabulous Pork Schnitzel? Gather your ingredients, and let’s dive in!
- First things first, using a meat mallet (or any heavy object you have on hand), pound out those pork slices until they’re about ¼ inch thick. This step is crucial as it helps tenderize the meat, making it juicy and delightful!
- Next up, grab a shallow bowl, and combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper by whisking them together. Set this aside for a moment.
- Then, in another bowl, crack those two large eggs and mix them with the ¼ cup of milk or water until well combined. This will be your egg wash.
- In yet another bowl, add the panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, mix until well combined. This magical coating is where the flavor truly blooms!
- Now, when it comes to the fun part, dredge the cutlet in the flour mixture, coating it thoroughly. Then dip it into the egg wash. Finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure you press down gently to get a solid coating.
- As you finish each cutlet, place them on small sheets of parchment or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. Trust me on this!
- In a large skillet (or frying pan), heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. This signals it’s ready for frying.
- Carefully add the breaded cutlets into the hot oil. Fry each side until golden brown and crispy, this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Once fried, let those cutlets cool for about a minute on a wire rack or some paper towels to absorb that excess oil. Nobody likes greasy schnitzel!
- Finally, serve with lemon slices and your favorite sides, like German potato salad, a light tossed salad, cucumber salad, or even crispy French fries (the options are endless!).
If you loved this pork schnitzel recipe, be sure to check out my air fryer pork belly bites for another twist on pork that’s packed with flavor!
Tips for Success
Quick & Easy
One of the best things about this Pork Schnitzel is how quickly it comes together. You’ll really have dinner ready in just about 30 minutes. This is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable
Feel free to play around with the seasoning! Want some extra kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Swap in some herbs like thyme or oregano. There’s lots of flavor potential here!
Meal Prep Friendly
If you prep a batch of the breaded cutlets ahead of time, you can have a freezer stash ready for those nights you want something quick. Just make sure to freeze them in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer bag once solidified a bit, this prevents clumping!
Comfort Food
This dish is loaded with tons of flavor, and it’s comfort food at its finest! The crispy outside gives way to tender, juicy meat. Pairing it with a tangy lemon and your favorite side is truly heavenly!
Serving Suggestions
What to Serve With This
When serving your Pork Schnitzel, consider pairing it with a light cucumber salad or some vibrant, roasted veggies. You can’t go wrong with a hearty German potato salad or a simple tossed salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. And oh, if you’re feeling indulgent, French fries are the ultimate comfort side!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you happen to have any leftovers (unlikely, but it happens), store the pork schnitzel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side until crispy again.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze the cooked Pork Schnitzel by placing it in a single layer in a freezer-safe dish. It should last about 2 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 375°F until heated through and crispy (I find about 15-20 minutes works well).
So, there you have it, a wonderful, quick, and easy recipe that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table.
Let me know how your schnitzel turns out, and don’t forget to share your own variations!
Happy cooking! And follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Pork Schnitzel
Ingredients
Method
- Using a meat mallet, pound out the pork slices until they’re about ¼ inch thick.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mix the eggs and milk or water to make the egg wash.
- In a third bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Dredge each cutlet in the flour mixture, dip in the egg wash, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated cutlets on small sheets of parchment or wax paper to keep them from sticking.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the breaded cutlets into the hot oil and fry each side until golden brown (about 2 to 3 minutes per side).
- Remove the fried cutlets and let cool for a minute on a wire rack or paper towels.
- Serve the schnitzel with lemon slices and your favorite sides.