Authentic Hungarian Wiener Schnitzel: A Crispy Delight Recipe
Imagine tender veal cutlets, perfectly crisp and golden brown, thanks to a generous coating of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Pan-fried to perfection and finished with a bright squeeze of citrus and a sprinkle of salt, this is a dish that embodies comfort and flavor.
While you might recognize it as “Wiener Schnitzel,” in my family, it’s affectionately known as “Little Guys.”
The origin of the “Little Guys” moniker is a bit of a mystery. There’s no grand story behind it, just a quirky, random name that stuck with my siblings and me throughout our childhood. It might sound a little odd, and you’re certainly welcome to tilt your head in confusion!
Even now, my family still laughs about the unusual name. But regardless of what we called it, “Little Guys” were a constant presence on our dinner table, a cherished part of our American-Hungarian home. We enjoyed them with creamy mashed potatoes, savory Hungarian egg noodles, refreshing cucumber salad, and sometimes, even with a surprising dollop of barbecue sauce.
Traditional Wiener Schnitzel is made with veal, but my family often embraced an Americanized version, substituting it with chicken, turkey, or even pork. If you’re looking for a quick and easy chicken version that the whole family will love, you should try my chicken schnitzel recipe. It’s ready in just 30 minutes!
For years, I always used regular breadcrumbs for my schnitzel. However, a Christmas cooking lesson from the renowned chef Wolfgang Puck changed everything. He revealed the secret to the lightest, crispiest, and most beautifully golden-brown crust: crushed Panko breadcrumbs.
Hungarian Wiener Schnitzel Recipe
This Wiener Schnitzel recipe comes straight from my family’s Hungarian heritage. My dad immigrated to the United States from Hungary as a child, and luckily my mom has perfected several Hungarian dishes since. This simple entree pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, red cabbage, or even applesauce. This recipe will teach you how to make crispy, golden-brown perfection every single time.
Author: Kelly Senyei
Course: Main Course
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
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Ingredients for Authentic Wiener Schnitzel
- Veal or turkey cutlets (one or two per person, depending on size)
- 3 eggs
- Flour
- Panko seasoned bread crumbs
- Olive oil and butter, for sautéing
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions for Perfect Wiener Schnitzel
- Place a large pan over medium heat.
- Place the veal or turkey cutlets between two pieces of wax paper and use a meat tenderizer (any large can or bottle will do) to pound the cutlets until they are roughly ¼-inch thick. This step is essential for achieving the signature tenderness of Wiener Schnitzel.
- Now that the pan is warm, add enough olive oil and butter to coat the bottom of the pan. The combination of olive oil and butter adds a rich flavor and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
- Set up an assembly station with three parts: a plate for the flour, a dish for the eggs (beaten together), and a plate for the Panko bread crumbs.
- Dredge each cutlet first in the flour, then the eggs, and finally the Panko bread crumbs. Ensure each cutlet is evenly coated for maximum crispiness.
- Place the coated cutlets into the pan of melted butter and oil and sauté on both sides for approximately 4 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are golden brown and the meat is fully cooked. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and result in soggy schnitzel. Work in batches if necessary.
- Serve immediately with a slice of lemon and salt and pepper to taste. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor and cuts through the richness of the dish.
Kelly’s Recipe Notes and Tips
- Traditional Hungarian wienerschnitzel is typically made with veal, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great alternative due to their availability and ease of preparation.
- Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below! Your feedback helps other home cooks discover this delicious recipe.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional content per serving of this delicious Hungarian Wiener Schnitzel:
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 11g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 123mg
- Sodium: 267mg
- Potassium: 137mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 180IU
- Calcium: 78mg
- Iron: 3.5mg
Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment below with your star rating!