Looking for a taste of traditional German comfort food? Look no further than this Pork Schnitzel with Jäger Sauce recipe. This dish brings together tender pork loin chops coated in a seasoned breading and served with a rich and creamy Jäger sauce that perfectly complements the schnitzel. Whether you’re a fan of classic German cuisine or you’re looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
I have a special connection to this recipe as it reminds me of my time spent in Germany, enjoying hearty meals with my loved ones. The combination of crispy schnitzel and flavorful Jäger sauce always brings back fond memories of cozy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Pork Schnitzel with Jäger Sauce
- Authentic Flavors: Experience the authentic taste of German comfort food.
- Crunchy and Tender: The breading on the pork chops is crunchy while the meat remains tender and juicy.
- Savory Jäger Sauce: The creamy and flavorful Jäger sauce elevates the dish to a whole new level.
- Versatile Pairings: Serve with your favorite sides like spaetzle or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Pork and Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 pinches salt, divided
- 4 pinches pepper, divided
- 1 pinch dried sage
- 3 pinches paprika, divided
- 1 pinch dried thyme
- 2 pinches garlic and herb seasoning
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 medium pork loin chops, boneless, 1/4 inch thick
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Jäger Sauce (Gravy)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup bacon drippings or butter
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup half and half, for thinning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish
How to Make Pork Schnitzel with Jäger Sauce
Step 1: Preparing the Pork and Breading
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Set up 3 shallow dishes for dredging:
- In the first dish, mix flour, salt, pepper, sage, paprika, and thyme.
- In the second dish, combine bread crumbs, salt, pepper, garlic and herb seasoning, and paprika.
- Place beaten eggs in the third dish.
- Tenderize each pork chop by placing it in a plastic bag and using a meat tenderizer.
- Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture, then the beaten eggs, and finally the bread crumbs.
Step 2: Cooking the Schnitzel and Preparing the Jäger Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet and add the breaded pork chops.
- Bake for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- For the Jäger sauce, sauté mushrooms in the skillet and set aside.
- Add bacon drippings or butter, onions, cooked mushrooms, cream, and half and half to the skillet.
- Season with salt and pepper and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning.
- Serve the schnitzel topped with the Jäger sauce and garnish with parsley.
Storage Options
To store leftovers, refrigerate the schnitzel and Jäger sauce separately in airtight containers. Reheat the schnitzel in the oven to maintain its crispy texture. The sauce can be gently reheated on the stovetop.
Variations and Substitutions
- Chicken Schnitzel: Swap pork chops for chicken breasts for a lighter alternative.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute pork with breaded and fried eggplant slices for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading for a spicy kick.
- Fresh Herbs: Substitute dried herbs with fresh ones like parsley or thyme for a burst of freshness.
What to Serve With Pork Schnitzel with Jäger Sauce
- Spaetzle: The traditional German egg noodles are the perfect accompaniment.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the Jäger sauce beautifully.
- Red Cabbage: A classic side dish with tangy-sweet flavors.
- Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans add a pop of color and freshness to the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
Bone-in pork chops can be used, but adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
Can I make the Jäger sauce in advance?
Yes, the Jäger sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
How can I make the breading extra crispy?
Ensure the oil is hot before adding the breaded pork chops, and do not overcrowd the pan to maintain crispiness.
Can I freeze the schnitzel?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked schnitzel and reheat it in the oven for a quick meal.
By following this detailed recipe, you can recreate the flavors of traditional German cooking in your own kitchen. The crispy schnitzel paired with the creamy Jäger sauce is a winning combination that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Pork Schnitzel with Jäger Sauce
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Meat Tenderizer
Ingredients
Pork and Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 pinches salt divided
- 4 pinches pepper divided
- 1 pinch dried sage
- 3 pinches paprika divided
- 1 pinch dried thyme
- 2 pinches garlic and herb seasoning
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 4 large eggs lightly beaten
- 4 medium pork loin chops, boneless, 1/4 inch thick
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Jäger Sauce (Gravy)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup bacon drippings or butter
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup half and half, for thinning
Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Set up 3 shallow dishes for dredging:
- In the first dish, mix flour, salt, pepper, sage, paprika, and thyme.
- In the second dish, combine bread crumbs, salt, pepper, garlic and herb seasoning, and paprika.
- Place beaten eggs in the third dish.
- Tenderize each pork chop by placing it in a plastic bag and using a meat tenderizer.
- Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture, then the beaten eggs, and finally the bread crumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet and add the breaded pork chops.
- Bake for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- For the Jäger sauce, sauté mushrooms in the skillet and set aside.
- Add bacon drippings or butter, onions, cooked mushrooms, cream, and half and half to the skillet.
- Season with salt and pepper and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning.