“Řízek”, is a Czech dish you will very likely find in any Czech restaurant. It’s a slice of meat coated in breadcrumbs and fried. Usually served with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, potato salad, baked potatoes or french fries. It’s garnished with lemon wedges, pickles, or cucumber salad. Schnitzel with potato salad is also very popular Christmas dish in Czech republic.
And you know what? It’s very common “go on vacation” comfort food. We, Czech, pack our stuff to car for 10 hours trip to Croatia or somewhere else and fry a heap of schnitzels, take slices of bread and pickles to eat it on the way.
Ingredients for Czech Schnitzel
Schnitzel is a dish made from thin slices of meat (usually pork, veal, or chicken) that are breaded and fried. Here is a list of ingredients you would typically use to make Schnitzel:
- Meat (pork, veal, or chicken)
- Flour
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oil (for frying)
For serving (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Schnitzel recipe
To make the Schnitzel, you would first pound the meat to an even thickness, then season it with salt and pepper. Next, you would set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip the meat in the flour, then in the eggs, and finally in the breadcrumbs to coat it evenly. Finally, heat oil in a frying pan and cook the Schnitzel until it is golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Serve the Schnitzel with a squeeze of lemon juice and your choice of sides, if desired.
Schnitzel recipe variations
There are many variations of Schnitzel that include different flavors and ingredients. Here are a few popular variations:
- Parmesan Schnitzel: The breadcrumbs are mixed with grated Parmesan cheese, giving the Schnitzel a nutty, salty flavor.
- Herb Schnitzel: Fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or thyme, can be added to the breadcrumbs to add an herbal flavor to the Schnitzel.
- Garlic Schnitzel: Minced garlic can be added to the breadcrumbs or mixed into the egg wash for a garlicky flavor.
- Spicy Schnitzel: Paprika, cayenne pepper, or other spices can be added to the breadcrumbs for a spicy kick.
- Zinger Schnitzel: A spicy and tangy variation made by coating the Schnitzel in a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated lemon zest, and chili flakes before frying.
- Wiener Schnitzel: The traditional Schnitzel made with veal, originating from Vienna, Austria, but very popular also in Czech Republic.
These are just a few examples of the many variations of Schnitzel. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients to make your own unique version of this classic dish!
