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In Frankfurt, we learned the secret to crisp, juicy German pork Schnitzel
German Pork Schnitzel
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During a visit to Berlin, we learned that the coating for authentic German pork Schnitzel, or Schweineschnitzel, is dry breadcrumbs made from kaiser rolls, which are extremely fine-textured. For ease, we developed this recipe using store-bought plain dry breadcrumbs, but if you’d like to make kaiser crumbs, which are a touch sweeter, wheatier and fresher tasting than prepared breadcrumbs, see the instructions below. Indian ghee (clarified butter) is a counterintuitive ingredient for Schnitzel, but adding just a small amount to the frying oil adds richer, fuller flavor; look for ghee in the refrigerator case near the butter or in the grocery aisle alongside the coconut oil. If you cannot find it, the Schnitzel still is tasty without. To fry the cutlets, we use a large Dutch oven instead of a skillet; the pot’s high walls safely contain the hot oil and reduce splatter on the stovetop. To test if the oil is at the correct temperature, an instant or deep-fry thermometer is best. Lingonberry preserves and lemon wedges are classic Schnitzel accompaniments.
4
Servings
Tip
Don’t use a heavy hand when pounding the tenderloin. A lighter touch works best to flatten the cutlets to a ⅛-inch thickness without inadvertent tears. After breading the cutlets, fry them right away; if left to stand, the coating won’t puff properly. Finally, when frying the cutlets, don’t crowd them in the pot or they will brown unevenly. Depending on the dimensions of the cutlets and the diameter of your pot, the pieces may need to be fried one at a time.
40 minutes
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon plus 2 cups grapeseed or other neutral oil
1 cup plain dry breadcrumbs (see headnote)
1¼ pound pork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
2 tablespoons ghee (optional)
Lingonberry preserves, to serve (optional)
Lemon wedges, to serve
Ingredients
-
1
cup all-purpose flour
-
2
large eggs
-
1
tablespoon plus 2 cups grapeseed or other neutral oil
-
1
cup plain dry breadcrumbs (see headnote)
-
1¼
pound pork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin
-
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
-
2
tablespoons ghee (optional)
-
Lingonberry preserves, to serve (optional)
-
Lemon wedges, to serve
Directions
-
01Set a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet and place in the oven on the middle rack; heat the oven to 200°F. Put the flour in a wide, shallow bowl. In a second wide, shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the 1 tablespoon oil. Put the breadcrumbs in a third wide, shallow bowl.
-
02Cut the pork tenderloin in 2 pieces crosswise, making the thinner end slightly larger, then cut each piece in half again. Place 2 pieces between 2 large sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat pounder, gently pound each piece to an even ⅛-inch thickness. Repeat with the 2 remaining pieces. Season each cutlet on both sides with salt and pepper.
-
03One at a time, coat the cutlets on both sides with flour, shaking off the excess, then dip into the eggs, turning to coat and allowing excess to drip off, then coat both sides with breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere. Place the cutlets on a large plate, stacking them if needed.See Demo
-
04In a large Dutch oven over medium-high, heat the 2 cups oil and ghee (if using) to 360°F.Carefully place 1 or 2 cutlets in the oil—add only as many as will fit without overlapping—and cook, gently jostling the pot so oil flows over the cutlets, until light golden brown on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes total; use tongs to flip the cutlet(s) once about halfway through.Transfer to the prepared rack in the oven to keep warm.
-
05Return the oil to 350°F and cook the remaining cutlets in the same way. Serve with lingonberry preserves (if using) and lemon wedges.
-
06Heat the oven to 300°F with a rack in the middle position. Tear 6 to 8 plain kaiser rolls (about 1 pound) into 1-inch pieces, then distribute in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast until completely dry but not browned, about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes or so. Cool completely, then transfer to a food processor and process to fine, even crumbs, about 2 minutes. Makes about 1 cup
Tip: Don’t use a heavy hand when pounding the tenderloin. A lighter touch works best to flatten the cutlets to a ⅛-inch thickness without inadvertent tears. After breading the cutlets, fry them right away; if left to stand, the coating won’t puff properly. Finally, when frying the cutlets, don’t crowd them in the pot or they will brown unevenly. Depending on the dimensions of the cutlets and the diameter of your pot, the pieces may need to be fried one at a time.
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Mains
Reviews
June 16, 2022
Don't forget the squeeze of lemon
I've traveled to Germany and Austria many times, and this recipe gets the flavors and texture done. Inexpensive boneless sirloin chops, trimmed and pounded, are delcious. Panko ground in the food processor makes great fine breadcrumbs.
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