Master the art of making authentic pork schnitzel, and learn to recreate this Austrian culinary classic at home, achieving a perfect balance of tender meat and crispy coating. The process is simpler than you think.
Schnitzel, the culinary classic with deep Austrian roots, is as beloved today as ever, with its crispy, breaded, pan-fried cutlet of pork. The name is a nod to its creation, stemming from the German “schnitz,” meaning “cut” or “slice.” And while the original Wiener Schnitzel used veal, the pork variant is a staple in our house.
Creating a perfectly tender pork schnitzel with a crispy, golden-brown crust isn’t as intimidating as it might seem. In fact, the home kitchen is an ideal setting for this classic dish, and you’ll definitely be able to recreate that perfect balance between crispy outside and juicy inside.
The secret to achieving this balance? A beer brine. This not-so-secret-anymore trick helps to retain the juiciness of the pork, even when it’s pounded thin and fried. The result is a pork schnitzel that is succulent on the inside, gently hugged by an irresistibly crisp exterior.
After brining, we’ll thin out the pork. It’s simple really – by pounding the pork to a thin layer, it ensures even and quick cooking in the pan. Next, we take the pork through a straightforward three-step dredging process. It goes like this: first a dip into seasoned flour, then a bath in a beaten egg, and finally a roll in panko breadcrumbs. This doesn’t just add flavor, it also gives that essential crunchy crust to the schnitzel.
Frying the schnitzel is the crucial part, transforming it to a tempting golden brown. You’ll see firsthand how basic ingredients can turn into a classic dish. And to finish it off? A touch of salt, a squeeze of fresh lemon to cut through the richness, and a sprig of parsley for garnish. Served alongside a German lager, you’ve got a complete schnitzel meal, homemade and hearty.
Now, let’s get started!
STEP BY STEP GUIDEBrine Preparation:
Start by preparing the brine. This process infuses your pork with extra flavor and tenderness. Combine the water, salt, brown sugar, quartered lemon, garlic, and thyme in a medium pot. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool for 15 minutes before adding ice and dark lager beer. It’s crucial the brine is at or below 40°F before adding the pork, so pop it into the fridge if needed.
Pork Preparation:
While the brine is cooling, get your pork ready. Placing your pork chops between two sheets of plastic wrap, use a meat tenderizer, the back of a pan, or a rolling pin to flatten them to about ¼ inch thickness. This ensures even and fast cooking when frying. Once your brine is suitably chilled, add your pork chops to the mixture and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours. This time in the brine ensures your meat absorbs those delicious flavors and stays tender.
