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Perfectly breaded, perfectly fried, perfectly creamy, and perfectly crispy, this tahini schnitzel is an easy recipe perfect for an elevated yet comforting meal on busy weeknights!

Schnitzel is a classic dish that has become a staple in many cuisines across the world. Traditionally made with veal or pork in Germany and Austria, known as Schweineschnitzel or Wienerschnitzel, this dish has taken on many different cultural forms and interpretations, each with its unique twists and flavors. But at its core, a schnitzel is a breaded and fried cutlet. The word "schnitzel" comes from the German word "schnitt," meaning to cut or slice. The dish consists of a thin slice of meat, usually pounded out to make it even thinner, which is then breaded with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before being pan-fried until crispy and golden brown. The key to a good schnitzel is pounding it evenly thin (pounding the meat is kinda fun!) and a good even breading. The flour and egg help to create a base for the breadcrumbs to adhere to, and the breadcrumbs give the schnitzel its signature crispy exterior. This recipe mixes tahini with the eggs for a creamier, nutty flavor, and white sesame seeds with gluten-free breadcrumbs in the breading for a twist on the classic.

While traditionally made with pork or veal, schnitzel can also be made with other meats, such as chicken (recipe below) or turkey. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with vegetarian cauliflower and tofu versions if you don’t eat meat!

Schnitzel is often served with a side of potatoes, either mashed or fried, and a variety of sauces, such as a creamy mushroom sauce or a tangy lemon sauce. In Germany, it's often served with spaetzle, a type of small pasta, and in Austria, it's often accompanied by potato salad. While not traditionally the healthiest meal, I like to lighten it up and serve this tahini version with my Berbere Honey Glazed Carrots (or another variation of these as mashed carrots) or a simple green salad. The Greek yogurt/labne, tahini vinaigrette, pickled onions (recipes with Berbere Honey Glazed Carrot Post and/or in my Joyfully Nourished Guide), and pistachios add a creamy tang and a dose of good probiotics and healthy fats.

You will need an oil with a high smoke point to fry the schnitzel, and I also recommend frying in a shallow layer of avocado oil for a healthier choice. If you prefer an air fryer, clace the schnitzel in the basket and air fry for 7 to 8 minutes (according to your manufacturer’s instructions), flipping over half way through.

One of the great things about schnitzel is its versatility — it can be served as a main dish or sliced up over a salad or used in a sandwich, or even turned into little chicken, tofu, or cauliflower nuggets. I like to serve the nuggets with a Tahini Ketchup inspired by the delicious dip served with the BEST fries ever at my friend Mike’s restaurant, Laser Wolf. I mixed together about 2 TBSP ketchup + 1 tsp tahini + pinch of harissa. This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover meat or stale bread to make your own breadcrumbs.

Whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian, this tahini schnitzel recipe is an impressive and delicious recipe for everyone to enjoy! If you try this recipe, or any other recipe on my website, please let me know in the comments below. You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. I LOVE to see your photos!

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RECIPE NOTES:

Do not skip pounding the chicken. It needs to be pounded to ¼ inch thickness, which allows for even and fast cooking so you don't burn the breading or overcook the chicken.

You absolutely can use store-bought breadcrumbs or panko. However, fresh breadcrumbs take just a few minutes of extra work and lead to a superior tasting crispy crust.
You can actually freeze chicken schnitzel, and it’s great for a make-ahead meal. Simply prepare the schnitzel as instructed and before you fry it place it on a baking sheet with parchment and freeze for about a couple hours until frozen solid. Remove the baking sheet from the freezer and place the schnitzels in a freezer bag, then freeze for up to 3 months.
You can also even freeze the chicken schnitzel after being fried. Simply let it come to room temperature then wrap each chicken schnitzel in plastic wrap and place in an air tight bag or container. Place in the freezer and freeze for up to 3 months.

Tahini Schnitzel

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