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Wiener Schnitzel Day

Food · September 9

A day for Wiener schnitzel, the thin, breaded and pan-fried veal cutlet from Austria, usually served with lemon and a simple side.

Wiener Schnitzel Day falls on Thursday, September 9, 2027. That is 317 days away.

Wiener schnitzel is a thin cutlet of veal, pounded flat, coated in flour, egg and breadcrumbs, then fried until golden. The name means "Viennese cutlet," and it is one of the best-known dishes in Austrian cooking.

Done well, the breading puffs slightly away from the meat, forming a crisp, wavy shell. Cooks get that effect by frying in plenty of hot fat and gently swirling the pan so the crust bubbles up. The meat inside stays tender because it is so thin it cooks in a few minutes.

A wedge of lemon is the classic companion, squeezed over just before eating. Common sides include potato salad, parsley potatoes, a cucumber salad or a spoonful of lingonberry jam. Many places also serve versions made with pork or chicken, which are tasty but traditionally carry a different name, since true Wiener schnitzel calls for veal.

Making one at home takes little equipment: a meat mallet or heavy pan, three shallow dishes for the coating, and a wide skillet. The breadcrumbs should be fine and dry, and the coating goes on lightly, without pressing it in, so it can lift and ripple in the pan.

The cutlet is often wider than the plate it arrives on, which tells you right away that someone took the pounding step seriously.

Ways to celebrate

• Try making Wiener schnitzel at home with veal, pork or chicken.
• Look for an Austrian or German restaurant nearby and order the schnitzel.
• Serve it with lemon and a cold potato or cucumber salad.
• Practice swirling the pan to get that puffy, rippled crust.
• Share a photo of your plate with friends who love crispy food.

Dates

All national days on September 9

Also on September 9

• National Teddy Bear Day
• National Steak au Poivre Day
• International Sudoku Day

Categories: Food days