Forget the breadcrumbs! This easy homemade beef schnitzel recipe delivers ultra-crispy juicy meat minus the bready coating. With just a few basic ingredients and simple techniques, you can enjoy this classic German dish gluten-free. Let’s dive into the magic combination of flour and eggs that makes schnitzel without breadcrumbs so darn delicious.
This adaptable recipe walks you through all the steps for schnitzel success. I’ll also share tips to amp up flavors recipe variations, and how to serve this tasty pan-fried beef. With me as your schnitzel sensei you’ll be a pro in no time!
Master the Method for Maximum Crispy Joy
Here’s the basic method for how to cook incredible beef schnitzel without breadcrumbs:
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Pound thin steaks – Use a meat mallet to gently pound beef cutlets to 1⁄4-inch thickness. This helps them cook fast and evenly.
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Season generously – Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper and any other spices you dig. Let stand for 15-30 minutes to really absorb flavors.
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Coat in flour – Dredge steaks in all-purpose flour, coating both sides. Shake off excess. This helps achieve crispy exterior.
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Dip in egg wash – Beat a few eggs with water or milk to make the wash. Dip floured steaks in wash, coating completely.
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Pan fry – Add oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry steaks 2-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve hot!
It’s that easy to make crispy, juicy schnitzel without the breading. Try different cuts like sirloin tip or ribeye for fun flavor variations.
Pork Schnitzel? You Bet – Same Method Applies
This method works magically for pork, too. Simply swap out the beef for thin pork chops or cutlets and follow the same preparation. Pound pork about 1⁄4-inch thick, flour, egg wash, and fry up until perfectly golden and cooked through. A quick pork dinner ready in under 30 minutes!
For extra flavor, you can add spices like paprika or Italian seasoning to the flour. And herbs like parsley, dill or chives to the egg wash. Get creative!
6 Tips for Ultimate Schnitzel Perfection
Here are my best tips for nailing perfectly crispy, juicy schnitzel every time:
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Use high smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed oil for best texture
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Keep oil between 325-375°F degrees for even cooking
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Don’t crowd the pan – fry in batches for ideal crispiness
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Let schnitzel rest on a cooling rack after cooking to prevent sogginess
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Serve immediately for maximum crunch
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Pair with lemon wedges, traditional German sides like potato salad, roasted veggies or a fresh green salad
With these tips in your toolkit, you’ll be a schnitzel rockstar! Now let’s take your flavors up a notch.
Zesty Sauces & Toppings to Wake Up Your Schnitzel
A squeeze of lemon is classic, but don’t be afraid to spice up your schnitzel with zingy sauces and toppings:
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Tangy horseradish cream or savory gravy
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Creamy mustard, chili or green peppercorn sauce
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Fresh dill and caper butter
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Crisp bacon crumbles
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Melted Swiss cheese and caramelized onions
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Sautéed mushrooms for earthiness
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A runny fried egg for breakfast schnitzel
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Pickled vegetables like beets, cucumbers or red cabbage
Withmedallions
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brown crust and juicy, seasoned meat, schnitzel is the perfect canvas for bold flavors. Get creative with your own sauce creations!
5 Tasty Twists on Schnitzel Perfection
Ready to really up your schnitzel game? Try one of these fun and innovative variations:
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Cajun Blackened Schnitzel – Coat in Cajun seasoning before flouring and frying.
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Panko Schnitzel – For extra crunch, coat in panko breadcrumbs instead of flour after the egg wash.
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Parmesan Schnitzel – Dredge in a 50/50 mix of flour and finely grated parmesan before frying.
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Southwest Schnitzel – Add cumin, oregano, cayenne and paprika to flour and top with avocado salsa.
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Schnitzel Sandwich – Tuck crispy schnitzel, cheese, tomatoes and greens between slices of toasted rye bread with mustard and mayo.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to remixing this German classic. Try new flavors and combinations until you find your favorite!
Quick & Easy Side Dishes for Complete Schnitzel Supper
A hearty schnitzel dinner needs tasty accompaniments. Whip up one of these speedy sides:
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Creamy cucumber salad – Toss thinly sliced cucumbers with sour cream, vinegar, fresh dill and salt.
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Buttered spaetzle – Boil the beloved German egg noodles, then toss with butter and herbs.
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Sautéed green beans – Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with olive oil, garlic and toasted almonds.
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Crunchy coleslaw – Shredded cabbage and carrots dressed simply with oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
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Roasted tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes roasted with olive oil, balsamic glaze and garlic.
With minimal effort, you can round out your meal beautifully. A crisp green salad or hot buttery potatoes also make perfect pairings.
I hope you’re feeling ready to schnitzel like a pro! Ditch the breadcrumbs and try this easy, adaptable method for crispy, juicy schnitzel that will be your new favorite.
The elegantly thin, tender meat coated in ultra-crisp flour and eggs is simple yet scrumptious. Let your imagination run wild with flavors, tweaks and sides to make this German classic your own. From perfect pan-fried pork to zesty beef, a world of crispy, crave-worthy schnitzel awaits you!
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FAQ
Is schnitzel always breaded?
How do I cook store bought beef schnitzel?
Is it better to cook schnitzel in butter or oil?
Can I cook schnitzel in olive oil?
How do you make beef schnitzel?
Extra crispy and totally delicious beef schnitzel made with a handful of pantry staple ingredients. Whisk together the all purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture to coat, then dip in whisked eggs, then dip and coat in panko breadcrumbs.
How do you cook schnitzel in a pan?
Keep the pan hot and well-oiled: Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Use enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and ensure the schnitzel doesn’t stick. You can use butter, vegetable oil, or a combination of both.
Can you cook schnitzel in wine?
Delicious slow-cooked non-breaded beef schnitzel in a tasty, thick wine sauce. Marinate meat in wine with salt and pepper for at least one hour or overnight if possible. Drain meat from wine and save the liquid for making the sauce. Place oil in a frying pan and preheat to medium heat. Add schnitzel to frying pan to seal and flip once.
Can you cook schnitzel in a non-stick pan?
A non-stick skillet will help prevent the schnitzel from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the schnitzel in batches if necessary, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding the pan will result in uneven cooking and steaming, which can lead to soggy schnitzel.