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. 💖
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