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Smažený řízek, or fried schnitzel, is a beloved Czech dish with roots in Austrian and German cuisine. Tender meat, usually pork or chicken, is breaded and fried to a perfect golden crisp. It’s traditionally paired with creamy Czech-style potato salad, making this combination a comforting, nostalgic favorite. Whether enjoyed during family gatherings or festive celebrations, this hearty meal embodies Czech hospitality and culinary tradition.
Ingredients
For the schnitzel:
- 4 boneless pork or chicken cutlets
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 garlic cloves, minced optional
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs preferably fine
- ½ cup vegetable oil or lard for frying
For the potato salad:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- ¼ cup frozen or fresh green peas
- 2 small pickles, finely chopped
- ¼ onion, finely diced
- ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 1 tsp mustard optional for extra flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp white vinegar optional, for a tangy twist
Instructions
🍽️Prepare the schnitzel:
- Pound the pork or chicken cutlets to about 1/4 inch thick using a meat mallet for tenderness and even cooking.
- Season both sides of the cutlets with salt, black pepper, and minced garlic (if using).
- Set up a breading station: place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third.
- Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure adhesion.
- Heat oil or lard in a large pan over medium heat. Fry each cutlet for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. For extra crispiness, place schnitzels in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes.
🍽️Prepare the potato salad:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until soft but not falling apart. Drain, cool slightly, then peel and dice.
- In a separate pot, cook the carrots and peas until tender. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, cooked carrots, peas, chopped pickles, and diced onions.
- Add mayonnaise, mustard (if using), salt, pepper, and white vinegar. Mix gently until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
🍽️Serve:
- Arrange the schnitzels on a plate with a generous serving of potato salad.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a slice of lemon for added freshness.
- Pair with a cold Czech beer or light white wine for an authentic experience.
Notes
🍽️ Smažený řízek – A Czech Classic
Though not originally from the Czech Republic, Fried Schnitzel has become a beloved dish in Czech cuisine. 🍴 While its roots lie in Austrian and German culinary traditions, it has been embraced and perfected by the Czech people. Known for its golden, crispy exterior and tender interior, it's a staple in Czech family gatherings and festive celebrations. 🎉🥩 The Heart of the Dish: Meat
The core of this dish is tenderized meat, typically pork or chicken. 🐖🐔 The meat is sliced thin and seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and occasionally garlic. The magic happens with the breading process: flour, beaten eggs, and golden breadcrumbs create the signature crunchy coating that makes fried schnitzel irresistible. 🍞 The schnitzel is then shallow-fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior and a juicy interior.🥗 Czech-Style Potato Salad: The Perfect Side
No Smažený řízek is complete without its iconic companion—Czech-style potato salad! 🥔 The salad features boiled potatoes mixed with cooked carrots, peas, pickles, and onions, all tied together with a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. Some recipes add mustard or sour cream for an extra zing! The rich, creamy texture of the potato salad complements the crispy schnitzel beautifully, creating a balanced and comforting meal.🍴 A Tradition That Brings People Together
Smažený řízek with Czech-style potato salad is more than just food—it’s a nostalgic tradition that brings people together. Whether served for Sunday lunch, holidays, or family celebrations, this comforting dish captures the essence of Czech hospitality and warmth. 🏡 Each family has its own twist, making it a deeply personal meal that evokes a sense of home and heritage. 💖
This sounds amazing! Smažený řízek is definitely on my list to try now. The description is making my mouth water! My question is, could you share any tips for achieving that perfect golden-crisp breading? I’m always looking to perfect my frying technique.