The Origin and Recipe of Wiener Schnitzel: A Tasting History

TLDRLearn about the origin and recipe of wiener schnitzel, a classic Austrian dish, as host Max Miller explores its history and shares a traditional recipe from 1824.

Key insights

🍽️Wiener schnitzel is a traditional Austrian dish made with thinly sliced veal that has been breaded and fried.

📚One of the earliest known recipes for wiener schnitzel dates back to 1824, in a cookbook titled "Useful Book for the Kitchen when Preparing Meals."

🧂The 1824 recipe calls for seasoning the veal with salt, pepper, and herbs, then dipping it in an egg mixture and coating it in breadcrumbs.

🔥Wiener schnitzel is traditionally fried in clarified butter, which gives it a rich and flavorful taste.

🍋Traditionally, wiener schnitzel is served with a wedge of lemon and parsley on the side.

Q&A

What is the difference between wiener schnitzel and other types of schnitzel?

Wiener schnitzel specifically refers to a veal cutlet that has been breaded and fried. Other types of schnitzel can be made with chicken, pork, or beef.

Is it necessary to use veal for wiener schnitzel?

Traditionally, veal is used for wiener schnitzel. However, you can also use chicken or pork if you prefer.

What is the best oil to use for frying wiener schnitzel?

Clarified butter is traditionally used for frying wiener schnitzel, as it adds a rich and buttery flavor. However, you can also use other cooking oils with a high smoke point.

Can I bake wiener schnitzel instead of frying it?

While traditional wiener schnitzel is fried, you can also bake it in the oven. However, frying gives it a crispy texture that is characteristic of the dish.

What are some traditional side dishes to serve with wiener schnitzel?

Traditional side dishes to serve with wiener schnitzel include potato salad, cucumber salad, and sauerkraut. You can also serve it with roasted potatoes or spaetzle.

Timestamped Summary

00:08Wiener schnitzel is a classic Austrian dish made with thinly sliced veal that has been breaded and fried.

01:20One of the earliest known recipes for wiener schnitzel dates back to 1824 in a cookbook titled "Useful Book for the Kitchen when Preparing Meals."

06:14The 1824 recipe calls for seasoning the veal with salt, pepper, and herbs, then dipping it in an egg mixture and coating it in breadcrumbs.

06:44Wiener schnitzel is traditionally fried in clarified butter, which gives it a rich and flavorful taste.

13:12Traditionally, wiener schnitzel is served with a wedge of lemon and parsley on the side.