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Traditional Viennese Schnitzel

This easy, traditional Viennese Schnitzel is crispy, classic, and perfect for all occasions, providing a taste of Vienna at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Austrian, European
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 cutlets veal cutlets (classic) or pork/chicken cutlets, about 4–6 oz (120–170 g) each Choose veal for traditional flavor or pork/chicken as alternatives.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour For breading.
  • 2 large eggs, beaten For breading.
  • 1 cup fine breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch) For breading.
  • 1/2 cup clarified butter (Butterschmalz) or a neutral oil (canola, sunflower) + 2 tbsp butter for flavor For frying.
Serving Ingredients
  • 1 wedge lemon, for serving For squeezing over the schnitzel.
  • to taste fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish) Optional garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place each cutlet between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment. Gently pound with a meat mallet until about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick.
  2. Remove wrap and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in a second, and breadcrumbs in a third.
Breading
  1. Lightly coat a cutlet in flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Dip into beaten egg, then gently coat with breadcrumbs. Do not press crumbs into the meat.
  3. Rest the breaded cutlets for 10 minutes on a cooling rack.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, add enough clarified butter or oil to cover the pan surface by about 1/8–1/4 inch and heat over medium-high.
  2. Add cutlets one at a time, cooking 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  3. Transfer cooked schnitzels to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate and let rest for 2–3 minutes.
Serving
  1. Squeeze fresh lemon over each schnitzel and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

For the authentic flavor, use clarified butter. To reduce fat, consider air frying or oven baking options.