Ground Meat Schnitzel in a Skillet

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   Start by gathering everything you need to make these skillet schnitzels. Use equal parts ground pork and beef—all pork comes out a bit greasy, while all beef makes the schnitzels dry and tough. If beef is all you have, be sure to add some fat back (like ground pork fat) for juiciness and tenderness.

2. Step 2:

   

   Put the ground meat in a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can add other spices, but here I'd stick with just pepper.

3. Step 3:

   

   Mix the meat well and start throwing it. Scoop it into your palm, lift it over the bowl, and slap it back down. Repeat about 20 times. This firms up the meat and works air into it, which matters here because we aren't adding any binders.

4. Step 4:

   

   Divide the meat into five equal portions and shape each into a flat patty.

5. Step 5:

   

   Now take a sheet of plastic wrap and set one patty on one half. Fold the other half over it and press the patty out in a circular motion into a thin, flat schnitzel.

6. Step 6:

   

   Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl and whisk with a fork until smooth.

7. Step 7:

   

   Coat the schnitzel with the beaten egg, brushing the top. It's best to do this without flipping the schnitzel so it doesn't fall apart—after all, it's ground meat. Just brush the top with your fingers or a pastry brush.

8. Step 8:

   

   Using a wide spatula, transfer the schnitzel into the breadcrumbs and coat both sides. For a firmer crust, use finely ground breadcrumbs.

9. Step 9:

   

   Set a skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of neutral, odorless vegetable oil, and let it warm up. Add the schnitzel and fry for 3–5 minutes.

10. Step 10:

    

    Flip and fry the other side for another 3–4 minutes, until the schnitzel is cooked through. Do the same with the rest. To keep every one looking good, wipe the pan clean of burnt crumbs and leftover oil between schnitzels.

11. Step 11:

    

    Transfer the finished schnitzels to plates and serve right away. They go with any side—mashed potatoes are especially good—or just serve them with fresh herbs or vegetables for an equally tasty meal.

12. Step 12:

    

    Enjoy!