Chef Michael Olson's Pork Schnitzel
A perfect dish for your next Oktoberfest party. Or any party.
By Erin Henderson
This could be the most exciting time of the year for any decent German. Oktoberfest is in full swing in many places... although not Germany, because Oktoberfest actually happens in September in Deutschland. Obviously.
But as I learned when I was a full-time journalist, never the facts get in the way of a good story.
During the lockdown, when in-person events were clearly vorbotten, I took most of The Wine Sisters' business to Instagram live, hosting various guests for weekly segments. I had the terrific fortune to team up with Wines of Germany for a series, the final epsiode culminating with food and wine pairings.
Chef Michael Olson, graciously agreed to be a guest. He had just written Living High Off the Hog a cookbook of more than 100 pork recipes, including this German pork schnitzel.
You also might like: Chef Michael Olson's Spice Rubbed Pork Loin
Of course, this schnitzel recipe is not for Oktoberfest revellers only. It also makes a comforting and delcious meal all season long. I know, because I do.
Below is the recipe along with an array of topping options, and of course, wine pairings. Try not to drool while reading.
Chef Michael Olson's Pork Schnitzel
Reprinted with permission from: "Living High Off The Hog" by Michael Olson, Appetite by Random House 2019
- 2 lb (900 g) boneless pork loin roast
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs, lightly whisked
- 2 cups (500 mL) dry breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 3 lemons, in wedges with centre pith and seeds removed
5. Serve the schnitzels on a platter that has been warmed in the oven, or plate individually with a wedge of lemon on the side, or consider the following classic variations below.
Notes:
Always add food to a pan “away” from you – that way, if the oil splashes, it will not hit you. A thermometer is always recommended for measuring the heating of your oil but you can also check if it is at temperature by adding just a drop of the egg wash to it—it should bubble and fry right away.
The basic breading is called “dry-wet-dry”; flour-egg wash-breadcrumbs is the norm but you could substitute others, such as cornstarch instead of flour. Knock or drip off excess from each station before dipping in the next to avoid bare spots in the breading.
Topping Variations:
Classic
- 12 anchovy fillets, cut in half lengthwise
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) capers
- Arrange 2 slices of anchovy on each schnitzel in an “x” pattern and dot with capers.
Hammer Max
- 6 slices Black Forest ham
- 6 slices Emmental cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) butter
- Cover each schnitzel with a ham slice, topped by a cheese slice and then warm in a 350°F (180°C) oven until the cheese has melted.
- While the schnitzels are in the oven, fry the eggs over easy (about 4 minutes over medium heat, then flip and cook 1 minute more) and gently place an egg on each schnitzel before serving.
Hunter
- ½ lb (225 g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) butter
- 1 tsp (5 mL) chopped fresh thyme, leaves only
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) brandy
- 1 cup (250 mL) whipping cream
- Salt and pepper
- Sauté the mushrooms and shallots in butter for 3 minutes over medium-high heat until any liquid has evaporated.
- Stir in the thyme and add the brandy, simmering for 1 minute.
- Stir in the cream and simmer until the sauce has reduced enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Season to taste and spoon over the schnitzels.
Pizzaiolo
- 1 cup (250 mL) diced fresh mozzarella (bocconcini)
- 1 cup (250 mL) shredded radicchio
- 1 cup (250 mL) quartered marinated artichoke hearts
- 12 cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 12 pitted black olives
- 12 basil leaves
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper
- Toss the mozzarella, radicchio, artichokes, tomatoes, olives, basil, and vinegar together in a bowl, season to taste and spoon over the schnitzels.
Wine Pairings
The fried, rich goodness of the schnitzel begs for for something bright and acidic to compliment and lift the dish. You'll notice schnitzels are served with lemon wedges along with salty, briny capers, as well.
Reach for a wine that has that same citrus and saline brightness to cut through the fat, cleanse you palate and get your ready for the next bite. Riesling is the classic match, but a good Pinot Blanc would be an excellent option, too.