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Breaded cutlets, known as Schnitzel in German-speaking regions, Tonkatsu in Japan, or Milanesa in Latin America, are thin slices of meat (typically pork or fish) coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs then fried until golden and crispy. The dish has roots in European cuisine but has been adopted worldwide, with each culture adding its own twist, such as serving it with lemon, sauces, or on a sandwich.
This dish is high in protein from the meat and fat from the frying process, with moderate carbs from the breading; it provides key nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and zinc, and a typical serving ranges from 400 to 600 calories depending on the cut and preparation.
Culturally, breaded cutlets symbolize comfort food across many nations, evolving from a simple peasant dish to a global staple, while nutritionally, the breading creates a protective crust that can help retain moisture and nutrients in the meat during cooking.