Vegetarian Schnitzel Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

If you’ve ever craved the crispy, golden goodness of traditional schnitzel but want to keep things meat-free, this vegetarian schnitzel recipe is your new go-to. Perfectly breaded and pan-fried to a delightful crunch, this dish captures all the flavors and textures you love without any meat.

Whether you’re a committed vegetarian or simply looking to enjoy a lighter, plant-based meal, vegetarian schnitzel offers a satisfying and versatile option for lunch, dinner, or even a weekend treat.

This recipe uses wholesome ingredients like hearty mushrooms and chickpeas, enhanced with flavorful herbs and spices. It’s easy to prepare, takes under 45 minutes, and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce more vegetables into your diet while indulging in a classic comfort food. Ready to dive into a crispy, savory delight?

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetarian schnitzel brings the best of both worlds: the beloved crunch and zest of schnitzel with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy traditional flavors without compromising on dietary choices.

This recipe is:

• Easy to make with common pantry ingredients
• Crispy and golden on the outside, tender on the inside
• Protein-packed thanks to chickpeas and mushrooms
• Customizable with different herbs and spices
• Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner

Plus, it’s a great introduction to other vegetarian dishes like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup button mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup plant-based milk (such as almond or soy)
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (to serve)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Food processor or blender (optional, for mixing chickpeas and mushrooms)
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Non-stick frying pan or skillet
• Spatula or tongs
• Three shallow bowls or plates (for flour, milk, breadcrumbs)
• Baking sheet or plate for resting schnitzels
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetable mixture: In a food processor, pulse the cooked chickpeas, mushrooms, onion, and garlic until finely chopped but not pureed. You want a slightly chunky texture for the best bite. If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop everything by hand and mash the chickpeas with a fork.
2. Mix the base: Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, a splash of plant milk.
3. Form the schnitzels: Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions. Shape each into a flat, round patty about 1/2 inch thick. Place on a plate or baking sheet.
4. Set up the coating stations: Place the flour in one shallow bowl, the plant milk in another, and breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
5. Coat the patties: Dredge each patty in the flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip into the plant milk, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Press breadcrumbs gently to help them stick.
6. Heat the oil: Pour enough oil into a frying pan to cover the bottom (about 2-3 tablespoons). Heat over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
7. Fry the schnitzels: Carefully place the patties in the pan, leaving space between each. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning. You may need to do this in batches.
8. Drain and rest: Transfer the cooked schnitzels to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes to firm up.
9. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. These schnitzels are delicious served hot or warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of mustard or a splash of soy sauce to the vegetable mixture.

You can swap mushrooms for other veggies such as zucchini or eggplant to change the flavor profile. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute all-purpose flour with chickpea or rice flour.

If you want to make it vegan, ensure your breadcrumbs don’t contain dairy or eggs, and use a plant-based milk. Try experimenting with different herbs like oregano or rosemary for a Mediterranean twist.

Want to bake instead of fry? Place coated patties on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian schnitzel pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to make a full meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

For a classic twist, try it with warm German potato salad or tangy sauerkraut. Dipping sauces like vegan tartar sauce, mustard, or a zesty garlic aioli also complement the crispy schnitzel perfectly.

For inspiration on vegetable-forward sides, explore the Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or the Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

Conclusion

Vegetarian schnitzel is a delightful way to enjoy a classic comfort dish without meat, showcasing how plant-based ingredients can be transformed into crispy, flavorful delights. This recipe is approachable for cooks of all skill levels and can be easily adapted to suit dietary preferences and ingredient availability.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these schnitzels are sure to impress with their satisfying texture and delicious taste. They also make great leftovers and reheat well, making them perfect for meal prep.

Give this recipe a try and discover how versatile and tasty vegetarian cooking can be!

Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes like the Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore and the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to keep your plant-based meals exciting and flavorful.

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