This Pork Schnitzel with Dijon Gravy recipe is a classic comfort food that pairs crispy, tender pork cutlets with a creamy and tangy mustard gravy. It’s an easy-to-make dish that will bring bold flavors and satisfying textures to your dinner table. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables, this meal is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Pork Schnitzel:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or more for frying)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
For the Dijon Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Schnitzel
- Tenderize the Pork: Place each pork chop between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the pork to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps ensure a tender and crispy schnitzel.
- Season the Pork: Season both sides of the pork chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Set Up Dipping Stations: In three shallow dishes, set up a breading station:
- Dish 1: Add the flour.
- Dish 2: Crack the eggs into the dish and beat them until smooth.
- Dish 3: Place the breadcrumbs in the dish.
- Coat the Pork: Dredge each pork chop in the flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, press the pork into the breadcrumbs, covering both sides evenly.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and butter over medium-high heat until hot (but not smoking).
- Fry the Schnitzel: Carefully add the pork chops to the skillet. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the schnitzel to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, transfer the schnitzel to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 2: Make the Dijon Gravy
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the onion over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Skillet: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds extra flavor to the gravy.
- Add Dijon Mustard and Cream: Stir in the Dijon mustard and heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken slightly.
- Season the Gravy: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. If the gravy is too thick, add a splash more broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Step 3: Serve
- Plate the Schnitzel: Arrange each crispy pork schnitzel on a plate.
- Top with Gravy: Spoon the Dijon gravy over the pork schnitzels, or serve the gravy on the side for dipping.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
What to Serve with Pork Schnitzel
The crispy pork schnitzel and creamy Dijon gravy pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious options to complete your meal:
1. Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with schnitzel, especially with the Dijon gravy poured over the top.
2. German Potato Salad
- A tangy, vinegar-based potato salad with bacon and onions complements the richness of the schnitzel.
3. Steamed Vegetables
- Lightly steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli add a fresh, crisp contrast to the richness of the schnitzel and gravy.
4. Sauerkraut
- For a more traditional touch, serve your schnitzel with tangy sauerkraut to balance the flavors of the dish.
5. Fresh Salad
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will provide a fresh and bright contrast to the hearty schnitzel.
Tips for Perfect Pork Schnitzel with Dijon Gravy
1. Use Panko Breadcrumbs for Extra Crispiness
Panko breadcrumbs provide an extra-crispy coating that stays light and crunchy, perfect for schnitzel.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
When frying the pork schnitzels, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry them in batches if necessary to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
3. Use Thin, Even Pork Chops
For the best results, choose thin pork chops or tenderize them with a mallet so that they cook quickly and evenly, resulting in a tender schnitzel.
4. Adjust the Gravy Thickness
If you like a thicker gravy, you can whisk in a bit of flour or cornstarch dissolved in water to the broth before simmering. If you prefer a thinner gravy, simply add more broth or cream to achieve your desired consistency.
Variations to Try
1. Pork Schnitzel with Lemon Caper Sauce
For a variation, swap out the Dijon gravy for a tangy lemon caper sauce. Simply simmer lemon juice, capers, and butter in the same pan after frying the schnitzel for a bright, zesty flavor.
2. Chicken Schnitzel
If you prefer chicken, you can easily substitute the pork for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Follow the same preparation and cooking method for crispy chicken schnitzels.
3. Veal Schnitzel
For a more traditional option, you can use veal instead of pork for a classic Wiener Schnitzel, which is commonly served in Austria and Germany.
Final Thoughts on Pork Schnitzel with Dijon Gravy
This Pork Schnitzel with Dijon Gravy is a satisfying and delicious dish that is both crispy and creamy. The tangy Dijon gravy elevates the flavor of the schnitzel and adds a touch of richness, making it a standout meal. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal that’s simple to prepare yet packed with rich, savory tastes.