What Sauces Go With Schnitzel?
Schnitzel, the crispy and delicious breaded cutlet that’s a staple in German cuisine!
But what about the sauce?
Sure, schnitzel is tasty on its own, but a good sauce can take it to a whole new level of culinary delight.
Whether you’re going for chicken, pork, turkey, or veal, we’re going to take a look at the very best schnitzel sauces to complement your meal.
What Sauces Go With Schnitzel?
Some of the most delicious sauces to pair with schnitzel include:
- Classic choices such as lemon, mushroom, creamy, and mustard sauces
- Spicy and tangy options, including hot sauce, salsa, aji verde, and sriracha
- Sweet and savoury combinations, like sweet and sour, bbq, and honey mustard
Read on for quick and easy recipes to try for making these sauces from scratch, plus some extra ideas for those evenings when you’re in the mood to get a little experimental!
Classic Sauces for Schnitzel
Lemon Sauce
Lemon Sauce is a tangy and refreshing choice for your schnitzel.
To create this zesty sauce, you’ll need lemon juice, butter, and a touch of pepper.
Simply melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat and add the lemon juice and pepper to taste.
Mix well and drizzle over your freshly cooked schnitzel.
This sauce is especially great with veal or chicken schnitzel, adding a bright burst of flavour with every bite.
Mushroom Sauce
For a rich and earthy option, try pairing your schnitzel with a creamy mushroom sauce.
To make it, start by sautéing mushrooms in butter until they are golden brown.
Then, add some flour to create a roux and gradually whisk in beef or vegetable broth.
Simmer until the sauce thickens, and finally, add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
The robust flavours of the mushrooms work exceptionally well with pork and beef schnitzel.
Cream Sauce
A cream sauce is a versatile option that adds a smooth, velvety texture to any schnitzel dish.
To make the sauce, melt some butter in a saucepan and add a bit of flour to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until the sauce thickens.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, and serve it alongside your schnitzel for a delightful creamy sensation.
Mustard Sauce
A classic mustard sauce lends a bold and tangy edge to your schnitzel.
Combine mustard, sour cream, and a selection of your favourite spices to create the ideal flavour profile for your dish.
Feel free to experiment with different types of mustard, such as Dijon or wholegrain, to personalise the sauce to your taste.
Mustard sauce pairs well with all schnitzel varieties, adding a delightful kick that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Spicy and Tangy Options
When it comes to livening up your schnitzel, there are plenty of spicy and tangy sauces to choose from.
One spicy option that you might not immediately think of is a homemade hot sauce.
A blend of jalapenos, vinegar, and a touch of lime juice can create a fiery concoction that packs a tangy kick. If you’re looking for something a bit more refreshing, try using a salsa with a mix of ripe tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapenos. This combination provides both heat and a burst of fresh flavours, which complement the schnitzel perfectly.
A more adventurous option is aji verde, a Peruvian green sauce made with fresh cilantro, spicy peppers, garlic, and a splash of lime juice. This versatile sauce adds both heat and zesty notes to the dish, making it a tastebud-tingling choice.
For those who prefer a bit of Asian-inspired heat, Sriracha is a popular choice. This hot sauce, made from chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt, can add a bit of sweetness and heat to your schnitzel.
Also, don’t forget the classic tangy companion of ketchup – you can give it a kick by adding a splash of vinegar and a pinch of jalapeno or hot sauce.
The options for adding spicy and tangy flavours to your schnitzel are almost endless.
Remember to experiment with different combinations of heat, spice, and tanginess, so you can find the perfect sauce to suit your personal taste.
Just be sure not to overwhelm the dish and enjoy the exciting flavours these sauces can bring to your schnitzel.
Sweet and Savoury Combinations
One fantastic combination is to mix sweet and savoury flavours, creating a delightful contrast that will make your taste buds sing.
Let’s explore some scrumptious sauce options that highlight this balance.
Sweet and sour sauce is a classic choice, offering an explosion of flavour with its perfect blend of sugar and vinegar.
This versatile sauce is not only popular in Chinese cuisine but also works wonders when drizzled over a crispy schnitzel.
To create your own sweet and sour sauce, all you need is some sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic.
Quick tip: toss in some pineapple chunks or bell peppers for an extra burst of sweetness!
Another delicious option is barbecue sauce, which incorporates a delightful sweetness from ingredients like honey or brown sugar.
It’s a brilliant choice to transform your schnitzel experience into a fusion of global flavours.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try whipping up a homemade barbecue sauce by combining ketchup, honey, soy sauce, and garlic in a saucepan and allowing it to simmer for a few minutes.
Don’t forget about honey-based sauces as well!
Honey lends itself well to enhancing the savoury aspect of schnitzel while imparting a mild sweetness.
For instance, you can create a delicious honey mustard sauce by mixing honey, mustard, mayonnaise, and a dash of vinegar.
Feel free to adjust the ratios according to your taste preferences.
Remember, the key to finding the perfect sweet and savoury combination for your schnitzel lies in experimenting with different ingredients and flavours.
Take some inspiration from these suggestions, and don’t hesitate to get creative in your kitchen.
Who knows, you might just come up with your new favourite schnitzel sauce!
Unique and International Sauces
If you’re looking to diversify your schnitzel experience, consider trying some unique and international sauces to go with it.
In this section, we’ll explore a variety of sauces that will not only complement your schnitzel but also introduce you to some new and exciting flavours.
You can’t go wrong with a classic cheese sauce.
For a German twist, try the Bavarian Sptzle cheese sauce.
This rich and creamy sauce adds a luxurious touch to your schnitzel while staying true to its roots in Germany.
Another option is a white sauce, like a beurre blanc or a white wine sauce.
Light and versatile, these sauces add depth of flavour without overwhelming your schnitzel.
Pair it with some freshly chopped herbs for an extra layer of complexity.
A tomato sauce is also a popular choice for schnitzel.
Infusing your tomato sauce with aromatic herbs like basil or oregano will create a delicious blend perfect for any palate.
You can even try a tomato-based sauce with added onion for a more intricate flavour profile.
For a bold and internationally inspired option, why not try a teriyaki sauce?
This Japanese sauce introduces a sweet and savoury taste that pairs well with the crispy schnitzel, offering an exciting change from the traditional German fare.
Herbs for Schnitzel
When it comes to schnitzel, the magic is not only in the crunchy exterior and the tender meat but also in the herbs that bring out the flavours.
Parsley is a classic choice for schnitzel and adds a fresh, earthy flavour.
It can be finely chopped and sprinkled on top, or incorporated into a delicious herb sauce.
The mild taste of parsley pairs perfectly with the savoury schnitzel without overpowering it.
Oregano is another excellent choice to enhance the flavours of your schnitzel.
It’s a staple herb in many Mediterranean dishes but also works wonders in bringing those earthy, aromatic qualities to your schnitzel.
Sprinkle some dried oregano in the breadcrumb mixture, or add it to a creamy sauce for extra flavour.
Basil works particularly well if you’re making a schnitzel with a unique twist such as a caprese schnitzel.
Fresh, sweet basil leaves can be layered with mozzarella and tomatoes in a delicious schnitzel stack.
Alternatively, you can blend basil with a little olive oil and garlic, creating a pesto sauce to drizzle on top.
Nutmeg, a somewhat unexpected addition, adds a warm, slightly sweet note to your dish.
Use a pinch of ground nutmeg in your breadcrumb mixture, or incorporate it into a creamy sauce to elevate the overall taste.
Paprika is a versatile spice that can add a smoky or sweet flavour to your schnitzel, depending on the variety you choose.
Gently dust a little paprika onto the meat before coating it in breadcrumbs or mix it into a homemade Dijon mustard sauce for an extra kick.
Dijon mustard itself adds a tangy and spicy taste to your schnitzel, either used on its own or mixed in with other condiments.
Expert Tips and Techniques
When concocting a delightful sauce to accompany your schnitzel, consider using some key ingredients to elevate its taste and texture.
Here are some expert tips to guide you through the process…
Firstly, you can begin with a great base for your sauce.
Choices like egg, milk, or broth work splendidly depending on the type of sauce you prefer.
Egg works well with creamy sauces, while milk can be an excellent choice for béchamel-based sauces.
Broth, on the other hand, adds depth and flavour to gravies.
Next up, seasonings play a vital role in enhancing the taste of your sauce.
Salt is a fundamental seasoning, but don’t be afraid to experiment with others.
Adding a dash of thyme can introduce an earthy, aromatic touch to your sauce.
Cinnamon, in small amounts, brings warmth and a hint of sweetness, especially when coupled with ingredients like yoghurt.
Speaking of yoghurt, incorporating this versatile ingredient into your sauce can offer a refreshing tang, particularly when paired with bold flavours like garlic or herbs.
It also contributes to a lovely, creamy texture without overpowering the schnitzel.
Thickeners such as flour can add body to your sauce, but it’s essential to cook it properly to avoid a starchy taste.
You can make a roux by combining an equal amount of melted butter and flour and stirring it until smooth.
Gradually add the liquid of your choice to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Finally, let’s discuss the art of dipping your schnitzel into the sauce. The trick here is to strike a balance between generously coating the crispy meat and not drowning it in sauce.
Allow your guests to dip their schnitzel into individual servings of sauce, enabling them to enjoy the perfect blend of flavours as per their preference.
Now that you’re armed with these expert tips, you’re ready to create mouth-watering sauces that will make your schnitzel shine. So, go ahead, unleash your creativity in the kitchen!
For more inspiration, check out what to serve with pork schnitzel.
