Knock-ya-socks-off-good, this Pork Schnitzel recipe requires minimal prep and takes minutes to cook. Pounded out pork loin chops are coated with panko bread crumbs and fried in a cast iron pan until golden brown. Serve with a fresh lemon wedge and you have one delicious dinner!
I was elated when friends and fellow bloggers, Milena and Chris, from Craft Beering asked me if I wanted to partake in an Oktoberfest round up they were hosting. Of course I said yes! There are 12 of us participating, which means 12 delicious recipes!
Oktoberfest is a traditional festival held in Germany around this time of year with lots of beer and good times; this year it runs from September 16th – October 3rd so there’s lots of time to celebrate! My contribution is this delicious Pork Schnitzel. I was originally thinking that I would make a sandwich with the pork schnitzel. However, honestly, when I saw how yummy these looked ‘naked’ I just had to leave as is. Why mess with a good thing?
What is Schnitzel?
Schnitzel is meat that is pounded thin with a tenderizer or mallet (or something of the sort) and then coated with flour, eggs and a bread crumb mixture. It’s then fried until golden brown. Because the meat is on the thinner side, it cooks rather quickly so it makes for a delicious and easy weekday dinner.
What Type of Meat for Schnitzel? How to Make Pork Schnitzel?
There are various types of protein that can be used for schnitzel, but today we’re making an easy pork schnitzel recipe for Oktoberfest! However, chicken would work lovely here too if you want to branch out and try chicken schnitzel.
I have to admit, it was quite therapeutic using that mallet on those pork loin chops. When I’ve flattened protein in the past, I’ve used a rolling pin (which does work too), but that mallet did the trick so much better.
Other than getting those frustrations out (so much better than yoga, lol), get your dredging station ready and it’s no more to it than that.
Basically, all you do is –
- Get your dredging station ready (i.e. flour, panko and eggs)
- Cover pork with plastic food wrap and flatten
- Dredge pork in flour, egg and panko
- Fry until golden brown and cooked through
Tips for Making this Traditional Pork Schnitzel Recipe
- This recipe goes super fast! I would suggest getting all your prep work done, laid out and ready to go.
- You want the pork schnitzel on the thinner side, about ¼ inch think so they brown up and cook through quickly.
- Obviously, I just had to use my cast iron pan for this one. Don’t have the heat too high. Medium is the way to go. You want to crisp up those panko bread crumbs and make ’em buttery and golden, but not burn ’em, which can easily happen if your pan is too hot.
- Speaking of oil, what type of oil to use of pork schnitzel? Use something neutral with a decent smoke point, like grapeseed or vegetable oil.
- Place cooked pork schnitzel on brown paper towels to remove any excess grease while you are continuing with your batches.
What to Serve with Pork Schnitzel
- Potato salad
- Potatoes with some parsley and butter
- Lemon
- Sauerkraut
- Simple green salad
- Spaetzle (type of pasta)
How to Garnish
I roughly chopped some parsley for colour and freshness and sprinkled on. There’s absolutely nothing fancy here, folks – just good, comfort food eats.
A little squeeze of lemon is always a good idea too!
I recommend serving these pork schnitzel immediately but, honestly, why would you wait?
Cheers, my friends…..or as they say in German – Prost
More Recipes for Oktoberfest
Don’t forget to check out these other delicious Oktoberfest recipes; your belly will be happy you did 😉 All the delicious links are below and there’s everything from savoury to sweet recipes!
Craft Beering – Schweinshaxe (Bavarian Roasted Pork Knuckle)
Itsy Bisty Kitchen – Bee Sting Cake
Tasty Ever After – (Kartoffelsuppe) German Potato Soup
Beer Girl Cooks – Beer Mustard Crusted Pork Loin
Sugar Love Spices – Porchetta Panini
Seasons & Suppers – German Beef Rouladen
The Bearded Hiker – Sauerbraten
Kelly Lynn’s Sweets & Treats – German Chocolate Cake Cookies
Leeks and High Heels – Beef with Beet Puree and Purple Cauliflower
The Home Cook’s Kitchen – Cheese and Cherry Strudel
What Should I Make For – Bavarian Soft Pretzels
Traditional Pork Schnitzel Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork loin chops -approximately 4 ounces each
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour -approximatly
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 egg -approximately. I used large
- 1.25 tsp salt -divided
- 1.25 tsp black pepper -divided
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 4 tbsp grapeseed oil -divided or veg oil
- 1 lemon -cut int wedges (4)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley -roughly chopped
Instructions
- Place two pork chops at a time, side to side, on top of a heavy duty board covered with plastic wrap. Place two layers of plastic food wrap on top. Using a mallet, pound chops to roughly ¼ inch thickness. Sprinkle ¼ tsp each of salt and pepper among the 4 pork chops.
- Crack egg in a bowl and whisk to mix up. On a plate add flour, ½ tsp of salt and ¼ tsp of black pepper. Stir to combine. On another plate add panko bread crumbs, ½ tsp of salt, ¼ tsp of black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
- Dip each pork chop in flour, shaking excess. Then, dip in egg, shaking excess. Then dip in panko, pressing down to coat both sides.
- Heat 2 tbsp. of oil In a 12-inch cast-iron pan on medium heat.
- Add two pork chops and cook 3 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove and lay to one side and continue with remaining 2 pork chops (add remaining 2 tbsp. of oil before placing last two chops in pan). Note: Cook time may vary, depending on the thickness of your pork chops.
- Garnish with parley and fresh lemon. Enjoy!
Nutrition (ESTIMATE ONLY)
Nutrition estimate (if provided) is based on 1 serving.
Nutrition information (if provided) is provided as a courtesy and should be considered an estimate only. Ingredients can vary and Girl Heart Food makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are guidelines only.
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
I am totally into schnitzel — and yours looks perfect. My family would love this for a weeknight dinner.
Girl Heart Food
So happy to hear that Lisa! Thanks so much 🙂
Jill
I had pork schnitzel for the first time a couple of years ago. Now I make it at home sometimes. Such a simple and delicious dinner option! And can’t skip the fresh lemon on top!
Girl Heart Food
I agree! Really brings it together, doesn’t it? Thanks Jill 🙂
Dannii
That coating looks so delicious and crispy. I bet my husband would love this!
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Dannii 🙂 I sure hope so!
Kelly Anthony
Pork schnitzel is a staple at our house. Excited to try your recipe. I also love your list of other recipes for Oktoberfest.
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Kelly 🙂 So yummy, right??
Katherine Hackworthy
Oktoberfest sounds like an amazing feast of delicious foods and drinks. Food is such a great way of getting together to enjoy, and very social. This is a very tasty sounding recipe, the coating looks amazing and crispy.
nicole triebe
this is making me so excited for fall! Bring on Oktoberfest and all the schnitzel!!
Girl Heart Food
Right?! Thanks Nicole! I agree 😉
Kim | The Baking ChocolaTess
Pork Schnitzel reminds me of a German Restaurant we used to always go to that we loved because it was authentic German food and I remember ordering it and how good it was! This looks amazing Dawn!!
Girl Heart Food
Food like that is always the best, right? Thanks so much Kim 🙂 Have a lovely week!
Adina
Love the schnitzel, one of my son’s favorite foods! Never had them in Munich though, the only things I seem to crave at Oktoberfest seem to be the Pretzel with Obatzda. 🙂 You should try Obatzda, it is one of the best bread spreads ever, if you ask me. 🙂
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Adina! I’ve never had Obatzda, but I do love pretzels. I’ll have to look it up! I’m sure it’s delish!
karrie @ Tasty Ever After
My Grandfather LOVED German food and he always ordered pork schnitzel out. I used to order it to be just like him too! It’s crispy and perfect with a little gravy, red cabbage, spaetzle, and lots of beer! Def making this for our Oktoberfest dinner at home 🙂 Gorgeous pics girl!
Girl Heart Food
Yay! Happy to hear that! Thank so much, sweets! XOXO
Vicky Chin
Wow, these look mouth-watering and easy to make! My kids would love them ! And yes, I think mom can use the mallet to let out some frustration! ? Thanks for sharing!
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Vicky 🙂
Jenny | The Baking Skillet
Omg if only i knew that it is so easy to make it, i’d be eating schnitzel atleast once a week!! These look so scrumptious Dawn. I am going to have a mini OctoberFest at home with this and some beer!
Girl Heart Food
Right?! SO easy! Thank you so much, Jenny! Cheers 🙂
Jolina
Oktoberfest! Good food and beer! What is not to love. This pork schnitzel looks amazing. So crispy! I would never wait to devour this. I am so, ehem, elated, you shared this 🙂 This recipe will go to Red straightaway! Now that’s someone who enjoys using the mallet haha! Can’t wait to check out the rest of the Oktoberfest recipes too. TGIF my friend!
Girl Heart Food
Haha! Hope you guys love it! Have an awesome weekend 🙂
Markus Mueller | Earth, Food, and Fire
Schnitzel is awesome! It’s funny because I just went through this collection of recipes, and was thinking of how I should make schnitzel and rouladen again soon! And here we have both!! Delicious looking pictures, and a great diy explanation!
Girl Heart Food
Yay for that! Thanks so much, Markus 🙂 Have an awesome weekend!
Katherine | Love In My Oven
Using a mallet is totally therapeutic!! Plus, I love cooking with pounded down meat because it’s so super quick! This is a great recipe Dawn! How fun to be part of such a great roundup of recipes. I can’t wait to check out all of them! Have a great weekend friend!
Girl Heart Food
Right?! Thank you so much, Katherine 🙂 Have a great weekend too!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks
This absolutely looks knock-ya-socks-off good, Dawn! I don’t blame hubby for sneaking in and snatching some up. You are making me want some schnitzel right now and it’s only 9:43 am! Cheers!
Girl Heart Food
Haha! Thanks Rachelle 🙂 I don’t see anything wrong with having it that early 😉
Georgie | The Home Cook's Kitchen
nom! pork is one thing I rarely cook with! I think that should change though, I love schniztel just never make it!
Girl Heart Food
Definitely! This recipe is really delish 😉
jaxx the bearded hiker
Love schnitzel and yours looks amazing! Believe it’ll be on my to do list this week.
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Jaxx! Enjoy 🙂
Kaitie
Wow this looks amazing! My whole family would love it!
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Kaitie!
Marie-Pierre Breton
I love Schnitzels! My husband is actually from Munich and I’ve discovered so much nice recipe from there. Nothing like a good schnitzel! Gotta to celebrate Oktoberfest with this recipe. Prost!
Girl Heart Food
Me too! Thank you Marie! Have an awesome weekend 🙂
Sandra
yummy, this look amazing, will ve to try the recipe! txs for sharing
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Sandra! Hope you like it 🙂
Luci's Morsels
This looks amazing! I love that this recipe is so quick and easy, schnitzel can seem so daunting. Tasty!
Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Luci 🙂
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
My husband Tom and I are huge German food fans Dawn! And schnitzel of any kind is one of our favorites! Great list of Oktoberfest recipes. Thanks so much for sharing! Happy weekend!
Girl Heart Food
Awesome!! Lots of great recipes for sure 🙂 Thanks Mary Ann! You too!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
Oktoberfest!!! YES! This schnitzel would be the PERFECT way to celebrate! I mean, this definitely looks “Knock-ya-socks-off-good’! 😉 I haven’t had schnitzel in far too long… like, I’m thinking the last time I had it was when my dad made it, and he passed away 3 1/2 years ago.. so it’s been TOO long! Totally trying this! Cheers, doll! XO
Girl Heart Food
Hehehe! Thanks Cheyanne! Wow – that was a long time ago! Have to have again soon 😉 Cheers, my friend! XO
Milena | Craft Beering
OMG! So many thoughts. Using the mallet!!! So agree with you:) You make a fine schnitzel, Dawn! Did you know how much I love schnitzels? Somehow I could eat three at one seating when I was pregnant. Chris made me a few just before my due date. Couldn’t have beer though! Today, I will indulge in your cooking. About that shot with the few lemon drops. Holy everything! Pinned it first:) If I had to take a pic like that, my poor schnitzel will be drenched in lemon juice, lol, and no longer crispy. Better to leave it to you! Happy #oktoberfestbash!
Girl Heart Food
Haha! Glad I’m not the only one who loves using the mallet 😉 Now, you can indulge in schnitzel…..and beer 🙂 High five for that, right?? Thank you so much (and for organizing this wicked bash). Happy Oktoberfest right back at ya! Cheers!
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
I don’t think there’s anything better than a crunchy breadcrumb coating. And this looks like the most crunchy breadcrumb coating I’ve EVER SEEN! Drooling over here, Dawn. It’s a little embarrassing :). Have a great weekend, my dear!
Girl Heart Food
Totally! Thanks Kelsie! Haha – that’s ok 😉 Can’t blame ya! Have a great weekend too!
[email protected]
The first time I tried schnitzel was not too long ago and I was immediately hooked! Yours looks just perfect! And I agree – that little splash of lemon makes all the difference! Brava! XOXO
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Annie! I’m looking forward to making again soon 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend! XOXO
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices
We were so happy to be included in this “bash” together with other amazing bloggers! It was fun, and, well, Loreto, was elated! 🙂 Love how easy and fast your schnitzel is, then it’s only pure enjoyment to eat them accompanied by a good cold beer. Prost!
Girl Heart Food
Me too! Gotta love easy meals that taste good, right? Perfect for Oktoberfest (and the weekend 😉 ).
Kelly @ Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats
Gotta love a quick recipe that is sure to please everyone! Plus I love that when I make this, I get to use my cast iron skillet! Yum 🙂 xoxo
Girl Heart Food
So true! Yay! Thanks Kelly 🙂
Miriam
What a fun theme for a round-up – those pork Schnitzel look delicious. I have not had a good Schnitzel in years, I have to request that next time I am visiting my family in Germany or of course just follow your recipe 🙂 Kartoffelsuppe is also something very delicious and I especially love German desserts like Apfelstrudel, Dampfnudeln, and German cheesecake. Have a lovely weekend, Dawn!
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Miriam! I’m really starting to get hungry 😉 Have a lovely weekend too!
Cathy
I would never wait to eat this! I love that you went cast iron with this….makes it even better with that hot sear. When I should I be over for dinner?
Girl Heart Food
Right?! You’re always welcome 😉 Thanks Cathy!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
When I was partaking in Oktoberfest in my university days, the highlight was always the regular diet of schnitzel! It’s one of my favourite dishes to this day 🙂 And yours looks perfect! (I’m a splash of lemon girl, too 🙂
Girl Heart Food
Thank you so much, Jennifer! The lemon really adds a little somethin’, right 😉 ?