Serve Schnitzel alongside Sweet and Sour Sauce, Barbecue Sauce, Hot Sauce, Salsa, and Teriyaki Sauce.
Sweet and Sour Sauce goes well with many types of meats, including chicken and pork.
For something lighter, swap in Teriyaki Sauce instead.
One of the most perplexing questions is what sauce pairs best with this dish?
Of course, there are multiple choices that can enhance and add flavor to the crispy exterior of this classic entrée, but knowing which one to choose can be a challenge.
To help you decide, it's important to understand the history behind this popular item on our dinner tables.
Originating in Austria, Schnitzel traditionally has been paired with either a mushroom cream sauce or lingonberry jam.
Since its first conception centuries ago, people have experimented with other sauces such as tomato ketchup or BBQ-style condiments.
Ultimately, it comes down to individual preference and creativity that makes every plate of Schnitzel delicious.
Sauces Perfect for Schnitzel
Schnitzel is a classic, delicious entree made of thin, breaded cuts of meat or fish.
Traditionally, it's fried to crisp perfection and served plain with a fresh lemon wedge.
But if you want to really improve your schnitzel meal, you'll need the perfect sauce pairing.
There are tons of sauces that pair well with schnitzel - some overlap with philly cheesesteak sauce options worth trying.
Here are 12 of the best:
1. Sweet and Sour Sauce
Sweet and Sour Sauce is a traditional German condiment made of sugar and vinegar, blended to create a sweet-tart, zesty flavor.
Sweet and Sour Sauce goes well with many types of meats, including chicken and pork.
Typically served warm, this sauce is tasty on schnitzel sandwiches or on top of the classic Weiner schnitzel.
For some additional flavor, add fresh herbs or chopped onions as desired - or pair with sweet-and-savory vegetable mixes for balanced meals to round out the plate.
This combination creates a unique sweet-sour blend with plenty of depth that pairs well with this classic German dish.
2. Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce is a perfect condiment for schnitzel.
The tangy, smoky flavour of the sauce goes well with the crunchy coating of the fried meat.
Barbecue sauce is easy to make and can be customized according to your own tastes - try flavor twists similar to those in egg roll dipping sauce ideas for bold profiles.
Try adding some diced onion or garlic before simmering the sauce for an extra layer of flavour.
Alternatively, you can use a high-quality store-bought barbecue sauce if you're in a hurry.
For an even bigger flavour punch, top your schnitzel with slices of sharp cheddar cheese before drizzling on the barbecue sauce.
3. Hot Sauce
If you enjoy spicy food, then hot sauce is the perfect accompaniment for a schnitzel meal - similar heat pairings appear in cordon bleu sauce suggestions with kick.
It can be any type of commercially available hot sauce, from classic tabasco sauce to more esoteric takes on this condiment.
Hot sauce is a great way to add some heat and flavor to a traditionally bland dish.
Alternatively, you could opt for sriracha or chili garlic paste, depending on what's available in your area and the spice level you prefer.
If you enjoy making your own condiments at home, take that opportunity to make your own hot sauce with fresh chilies or dried pepper flakes as flavorful additions.
4. Salsa
Salsa is a great accompaniment to schnitzel, thanks to its tangy and spicy notes.
This condiment goes particularly well with chicken and veal schnitzel as it adds an extra layer of flavor that can make all the difference in a meal.
Salsa is easy to make at home, but you can also buy it ready made, which saves time.
To prepare this sauce for your schnitzel dish, simply mix salsa with a bit of salt and garlic powder to taste.
For those who aren't big fans of spice, adding sour cream or yogurt helps tame the heat without compromising on flavor.
5. Teriyaki Sauce
If you're looking for a savory and sweet sauce to accompany your schnitzel, teriyaki sauce is the perfect choice.
This thick, dark sauce is made from a combination of soy sauce and sugar that is simmered until it reaches the desired consistency.
While it's commonly used as a marinade for meats, it can also be served as an accompaniment to dishes such as schnitzel - similar sweet-savory pairings appear in taquito sauce ideas for punchy contrast.
Simply add some drained pineapple chunks and then drizzle over your dish before serving, adding intense flavor and sweetness.
6. White Sauce
White Sauce is a classic choice for Schnitzel.
With many variations, the base is typically a combination of butter and flour cooked in milk and/or cream which results in a thick and creamy sauce.
Depending on the region, additional herbs and spices such as nutmeg or paprika can be added to give the dish more flavor.
White sauces make an excellent accompaniment to crisp, golden Schnitzel because they provide a mild flavor that won't overpower the delicate texture of the meat - see similar creamy pairings in mozzarella stick dipping sauces for creamy matches.
7. Cheese Sauce
Cheese sauce is an excellent accompaniment to schnitzel - for ideas on compatible cheeses, consult cheese pairings for sweet-savory combos.
This creamy, cheesy sauce is incredibly easy to make and has a great flavor that's perfect for pairing with the crisp texture of your fried chicken.
To prepare, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat.
Once melted, add 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and mix until it forms into a paste.
Slowly add in one cup of milk while stirring and let the mixture simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Add ½ cup of grated cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately over your schnitzel for the best taste.
8. Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is a great option for adding a heap of flavor and color to your schnitzel.
This classic accompaniment adds tangy sweetness to your dish.
Simply heat up some tomato sauce and pour it on top of the cooked schnitzel.
Add some herbs, like basil or oregano, to improve the flavor even more and make your schnitzel look inviting - for spice ideas that pair with creamy and tomato sauces see alfredo sauce spice suggestions for balance.
Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for an unforgettable experience.
9. Aji Verde (Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce)
Aji verde is a popular spicy green sauce from Peru.
It can be used as a marinade or condiment and is often made with jalapenos, cilantro, garlic, onion, lime juice and mayonnaise.
This sauce can add a delicious spicy kick to traditional schnitzel.
Aji verde can be adapted to suit different tastes by controlling the amount of jalapeno peppers used and adding additional seasonings.
To make an authentic Peruvian version of this sauce, use serrano peppers instead of jalapenos for extra heat.
Adding roasted red peppers creates a milder flavor that still packs plenty of punch.
10. Ketchup
Ketchup is a classic, versatile condiment.
This red sauce can be made from tomatoes, pureed fruits or vegetables, spices, and vinegar.
It has become so popular that it is now used on foods of all cuisines all over the world.
Ketchup makes a good accompaniment to schnitzel since it helps to bring out the already savory flavor of the dish by adding a slight sweetness and extra acidity.
It also helps to cut through any greasiness while adding a bit of texture.
11. Homemade Yellow Mustard
Schnitzel is an Austrian dish that consists of lightly-breaded, pan-fried pork cutlets.
It's a light and delicious meal but it can often benefit from the addition of a flavorful sauce.
A popular choice that goes with the crisp texture of schnitzel is homemade yellow mustard.
This sharp, tangy condiment can be easily made at home with a few simple ingredients like Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, sugar and turmeric for color.
Mix the ingredients together in a small bowl until completely combined and your homemade yellow mustard is ready to be served with schnitzel.
It adds a satisfying zing that truly brings out the flavor of this classic dish.
12. Tartar Sauce
The ultimate classic condiment to serve with schnitzel, tartar sauce is a creamy combination of mayonnaise, pickles, capers and lemon juice.
Tartar sauce is perfect for crunchy fried cuts of meat, adding a delicate balance of tangy and savory flavors.
Try this creamy tartar sauce recipe that uses Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise to make it lighter and healthier.
Serve it with a side of fries or crispy schnitzel for an unforgettable meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sweet and Sour Sauce goes well with many types of meats, including chicken and pork. Barbecue Sauce Barbecue sauce is a perfect condiment for schnitzel.
Most home cooks pick this because it rounds out the meal.
A starchy side and a vegetable work well together. This side dish handles the starch, while a simple green salad or roasted seasonal vegetable fills the rest of the plate without competing for attention.
Is a starchy side necessary?
Not always.
A vegetable-only pairing works when the main course already includes starch.
Add rice, bread, or potatoes only if the meal needs more substance.
Roasted frozen vegetables, pre-cooked grains, or a quick pan sauté all come together in under 15 minutes with minimal prep and no special equipment needed.
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