Vegan Schnitzel Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (2024)

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Vegan Schnitzel – a veganized version of the classic Wiener Schnitzel. Textured vegetable protein is the perfect base for our schnitzel because it has an excellent meat-like texture.

Vegan Schnitzel Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (1)

As an Austrian, Schnitzel was part of my childhood. I even had phases where I practically lived off that stuff. Therefore, when I went vegan I looked for something that could be my equivalent of the traditional schnitzel. And I found it by using TVP slices as a base for the vegan schnitzel.

I usuallymake a big batch of these mini-schnitzels and use half of them immediately (they taste soft – reminding me more of chicken) andthe other half of them cold ina burger or for a cold plate (they’ll get a more pork-like texture). So if you want that too, make sure you double the recipe.

Vegan Schnitzel Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (2)

The base: TVP

Vegan Schnitzel Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (3)

This is TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) – the base product we’re working with for this recipe. I really love this stuff as a meat alternative, because the textureis so meat-like andyou can store it for months.

I’ve written a whole guide about TVP (what it is and how to use it). Definitely, check it out if you want to learn more about it and I’ve also included my favorite recipes using TVP in that guide.

Alternative: If you can’t get your hands on TVP slices, this Seitan Schnitzel (with homemade Seitan) or this Vegan Kohlrabi Schnitzel are great alternatives!

How to make Vegan Schnitzel

The ingredients

You only need a couple of ingredients to make this vegan schnitzel:

  • TVP slices
  • frying oil
  • for the egg replacement:
    • flour (wheat flour or chickpea flour)
    • water
    • kala namak (or regular salt)
    • sriracha sauce (optional)
  • for the breading:
    • fine breadcrumbs
    • panko flakes (if you don’t have panko flakes, add more fine breadcrumbs)
    • sesame seeds (optional)
    • spices (I use chicken seasoning consisting of salt, paprika powder, garlic powder, and onion powder)
    • dried rosemary (optional)

The basic steps

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Vegan Schnitzel Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (5)
Vegan Schnitzel Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (6)
Vegan Schnitzel Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (8)
Vegan Schnitzel Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (9)

My favorite side dishes for Schnitzel are rice with peas and oven baked potato slices.

You can also serve it with:

  • Buttery Parsley Potatoes
  • Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts in Soy Sauce
  • Kalettes / Flower Sprouts
  • Vegan Mashed Potatoes with onions and garlic
  • Homemade Crinkle Cut Fries
  • Potato Wedges with Za’atar
  • Stovetop Vegan Mac and Cheese
  • Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Slices

How to get the breading to stick without eggs

Breading TVP or any other meat replacements, tofu, veggies, etc. without eggs is not hard at all.

For the egg alternative, I mix together all-purpose wheat flour (alternatively chickpea flour does work too), water, salt,and sriracha (optional) until it reaches an egg-like consistency.

You can check out the detailed ratios below in the recipe. If the egg replacement is too thick, you can always add more water. If it’s too thin, add more flour.

Then dip the cooked TVP slices or whatever you want to bread in the egg replacement before you coat it in panko flakes or breadcrumbs.

Works like a charm! No one needs eggs for that (or for anything for that matter) :)

Vegan Schnitzel Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (10)

More Veganized Austrian Recipes

  • Seitan Schnitzel (Schnitzel made with homemade seitan as a base)
  • Kohlrabi Schnitzel (Schnitzel made with kohlrabi as a base)
  • Austrian Pancake Soup(Fritattensuppe)
  • Cheesy Spaetzle (Käsespätzle)
  • Potato Cheese Spread(Kartoffelkäse)
  • Bread Dumplings (Semmelknödel)

Love it? Rate it!

I hope you’ll enjoy this veganized version of the classic Wiener Schnitzel as much as I do!

Let me know if you give this recipe a try! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you.

If you don’t want to miss out on new recipes,subscribe to my weekly newsletterand follow me onInstagramandFacebook!

Cheers, Bianca

Vegan Schnitzel Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (11)

Vegan Schnitzel Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (12)

Vegan Schnitzel

Elephantastic Vegan

Recipe for vegan Schnitzel made with TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein). It's so delicious and tastes just like the real deal!

4.80 from 10 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Austrian, Vegan

Servings 2 (6 schnitzel)

Calories 337 kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 TVP slices (Vegan TVP Chicken Slices)
  • enough frying oil to cover the pan (e.g. canola oil, rapeseed oil, corn oil)

Ingredients for the egg replacement

  • 1/3 cup all-purpose wheat flour or chickpea flour
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon kala namak or regular salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon sriracha sauce

Ingredients for the breading

  • 1/2 cup fine breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup panko flakes
  • 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
  • 2 teaspoons chicken seasoning *
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Instructions

  • Heat water in a big pan or pot and toss the TVP slices in there once it's boiling. When the TVP slices are soft, drain them and gently press the water out of them (this works best with a slotted spoon).

  • In a bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the 'egg' replacement (it should have the consistency of an egg, add more water or flour if needed).

    In another bowl,combine the ingredients for the breading.

  • Put one TVP slice after another first in the egg alternative mixture, then in the breadcrumbs.

  • Heat a large pan with frying oil (enough so that the bottom of the pan is coated) over medium to high heat. Place the breaded TVP slices into the oil and let them fry until they're golden brown, then flip them over and let them fry on the other side as well.

  • Once they are golden and crispy on both sides, they are ready to serve! They are delicious with rice & peas and oven-baked potato slices.

Video

Notes

*If you don’t have chicken seasoning, use 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon paprika powder, 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon onion powder, 1/8 teaspoon pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 337kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 9gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.03gSodium: 574mgPotassium: 196mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 86IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 225mgIron: 6mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @elephantasticvegan or tag #elephantasticvegan!

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Vegan Schnitzel Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (2024)

FAQs

What can I use instead of egg in schnitzel? ›

To keep the Schnitzel crispy, coat it in a batter made with soy milk and flour, cover it in bread crumbs, and deep-fry it in vegetable oil at the right temperature of 350°F or 180°C. What can you use instead of egg to bread a schnitzel? You can replace eggs with a batter made of soy milk and flour.

What is a vegan schnitzel made of? ›

This homemade vegan schnitzel recipe will take you straight back to childhood! They're created with a Seitan base, made with vital wheat gluten, chickpeas and tofu, and breaded with a delicious crumb coat that give them the perfect crunch!

What is vegan schnitzel nutrition? ›

Nutrition Facts
  • Total Fat 18g. 23%
  • Saturated Fat 2g. 10%
  • Total Carbs 22g. 8%
  • Net Carbs 13g.
  • Dietary Fiber 9g. 33%
  • Total Sugars 2g.

What is a schnitzel made up of? ›

A schnitzel (German: [ˈʃnɪt͡sl̩]) is a thin slice of meat. The meat is usually thinned by pounding with a meat tenderizer. Most commonly, the meat is breaded before frying. Breaded schnitzel is popular in many countries and is made using veal, pork, chicken, mutton, beef, or turkey.

What is a vegan egg substitute for breading? ›

Coconut oil is widely used as an egg replacement in vegan baking and it's easy to see why. Once melted, this delicious oil will mix well into most batters, brownies and bakes. And it can be used to replace eggs when you're breading foods, such as tofu, before baking or frying.

What is plant-based schnitzel? ›

Meet our Golden Crumbed, Plant-Based Schnitzel

Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, it has everything you expect from a schnitzel. Made from soy protein, coconut oil, natural flavours and some home-grown Aussie ingenuity. Get creative – your schnitzel choices are for you to explore.

Why do Jews eat schnitzel? ›

Originally brought from Europe to Israel by Ashkenazi Jews, schnitzel instantly became a hit. During the early years of the state of Israel, veal was not widely available, so chicken or turkey became a substitute. Nowadays, the meat used is generally chicken or turkey breast to keep it kosher.

Is seitan a vegan meat substitute? ›

Seitan is a plant-based meat substitute made from wheat gluten that mimics the flavor and texture of chicken. You can buy it in many health food supermarkets, or you can make it yourself. It's typically made out of vital wheat gluten, an ingredient that has a similar texture to flour but is mostly, well, gluten.

Is seitan full of protein? ›

It's high in protein and iron

As well as being flavoursome and reminiscent of meat, seitan is relatively high in protein and non-haem iron compared to other vegetarian protein foods. One serving around the size of the palm of your hand contains about 75 grams of protein, enough for most adults for a day.

Is seitan protein vegan? ›

Seitan is a plant-based meat substitute made out of wheat gluten. It's made by rinsing prepared wheat dough to remove the starch, leaving a sticky mass of protein that can be flavored, cooked, and used in a number of dishes.

Is seitan high in protein? ›

In one-quarter cup of vital wheat gluten (aka seitan) you'll find an impressive 21 grams of protein. This gives animal-based protein sources a real run for their money.

What is schnitzel called in America? ›

schnitzel, a thin meat cutlet, pounded until tender and then breaded and fried, that is a culinary staple in German-speaking countries and communities. The Americanized version of the dish is chicken-fried steak.

Why do you put lemon on schnitzel? ›

Wiener Schnitzel , a breaded cutlet of veal sauteed in butter or deep-fried in oil, can be greasy, so an acid helps 'cut' the grease and make it more delicious. Lemon slices also add to the visual appeal, as does the common accompaniment of parsley.

Do Germans eat schnitzel? ›

Schnitzel is a classic dish that has been around for hundreds of years and is found across much of Europe and beyond. Originating in Austria and Germany, schnitzel is an incredibly versatile and delicious meal that is beloved by many.

How do you bind breadcrumbs without eggs? ›

The typical three-step process is flour, eggs and then breadcrumbs. Instead of the egg, Moskowitz recommends a mix of cornstarch and water, which, when stirred together, forms a slurry. It, too, is an effective glue, and you may even notice more crispness to, say, your chicken parm.

What can I use if I don't have eggs for breading chicken? ›

THE BOTTOM LINE: We recommend using heavy cream when breading foods if you cannot use eggs. CREAM IS BEST: If you can't use eggs, use heavy cream to hold breading in place.

What can I use instead of egg to bind patties? ›

If you want to use a binder in your meat, but don't want to use egg, other alternatives are flour such as wheat flour, cracker crumbs, or even oatmeal.

What can I use to bind ingredients instead of egg? ›

Some common egg substitutes include:
  • Mashed banana. Mashed banana can act as a binding agent when baking or making pancake batter. ...
  • Applesauce. Applesauce can also act as a binding agent. ...
  • Fruit puree. ...
  • Avocado. ...
  • Gelatin. ...
  • Xanthan gum. ...
  • Vegetable oil and baking powder. ...
  • Margarine.
Mar 30, 2021

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