What Is Schnitzel? (2024)

FAQs

What is a schnitzel? ›

schnitzel, a thin meat cutlet, pounded until tender and then breaded and fried, that is a culinary staple in German-speaking countries and communities. The Americanized version of the dish is chicken-fried steak. schnitzel.

Wiener schnitzel means "Viennese cutlet" in German, and it is one of Austria's most traditional and representative dishes. So much so, in fact, that its definition is fiercely protected by Austrian law. It must be made of veal; when made with any other type of meat, it cannot technically be called Wiener schnitzel.

For the uninitiated, chicken schnitzel is merely a chicken breast pounded thin, breaded, and fried. It's one of those foods that you can't help but love, which is probably why it's so prolific—versions of the recipe can be found in cultures around the world.

Chicken fried steak, contrary to its ame is made with beef but is similar, eaten in southern US and usually topped with gravy. And schnitzel is the German version of fried steak, although the traditional form is with veal.

The dish's name actually comes from the German word schnitt, which translates to "cut." The most popular type of meat for schnitzel is veal (wiener-schnitzel) or pork (schweine-schnitzel), but you also see varieties made with chicken (hänchen-schnitzel), or turkey (puten-schnitzel).

British English: cutlet /ˈkʌtlɪt/ NOUN. A cutlet is a small piece of meat which is usually fried or grilled.

Schnitzel is usually fried, which isn't the healthiest thing, but if you have no weight issues or cardiac markers, it won't hurt you.

In Italy, there is a similar dish called cotoletta. Cotoletta is very similar to the Austrian Wiener Schnitzel. The Italian veal Scaloppine is also somewhat similar although the meat is not breaded.

A hearty chicken schnitzel made with 100% chicken breast. Some items may not be available in all markets.

One of the most versatile cuts around, schnitzel is a thin slice of meat achieved by pounding it with a meat tenderiser. This boneless cut is sliced thinly and typically comes from the thick flank.

Why is there no chicken in chicken-fried steak? ›

As for the origin of the name, it is generally agreed that the term is referencing the style of cooking. A “chicken fried steak” is prepared similarly to traditional fried chicken. That is, you season flour, prep the meat with egg before battering it, and fry it in oil.

Originally brought from Europe to Israel by Ashkenazi Jews, schnitzel instantly became a hit. During the early years of the state of Israel, veal was not widely available, so chicken or turkey became a substitute. Nowadays, the meat used is generally chicken or turkey breast to keep it kosher.

Germany. In Germany, the term Schnitzel means cutlets in general, not just breaded, fried ones. Schnitzel Wiener Art ('Viennese style schnitzel') is a pounded, breaded and fried cutlet, more often made of pork than of veal. Restaurants mostly serve it with a slice of lemon and french fries.