Pork Schnitzel with Mushroom Gravy (Jägerschnitzel)

Step 1

Prepare breading stations combining flour, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Beating the eggs in another shallow dish. Combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a third shallow dish.

Step 2

Trim fat from pork chops so they don't curl while cooking. Pound until 1/4-inch thick between two pieces of plastic wrap using the smooth side of a meat mallet.

Step 3

Lightly dredge each pork cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip in the egg wash, then the breadcrumbs. Transfer to a baking sheet, then repeat with the remaining pork cutlets.

Step 4

Heat oil in a large pan until very hot, about 350°F. Cook one schnitzel at a time, shaking the pan periodically so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked schnitzel to a wire rack set over a sheet pan and keep warm in a 200°F oven while frying remaining schnitzel.

Step 5

Cook the bacon in a large pan over medium heat until crispy, stirring occasionally. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan.

Step 6

Saute the onions for 3 minutes until soft. Add the mushrooms and continue to cook another 5-7 minutes until tender. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute, stirring until the flour has absorbed the liquid in the pan and the mushrooms and onions are evenly coated.

Step 7

Gradually add the beef broth while stirring. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Step 8

Stir in the cream and reserved bacon, then remove from the heat.

Step 9

Plate the schnitzel and top with the mushroom gravy. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with späetzle, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.