Zesty Island Schnitzel

Ingredients

In this Mariana Islands adaptation, the traditional German Zigeunerschnitzel is infused with the flavors of the islands. The original dish typically uses pork or veal, but in this version, we embrace the local preference for chicken. The sauce is enhanced with the addition of local chili peppers, giving it a spicy kick that complements the tropical flavors. The dish is served with fragrant coconut rice, adding a touch of sweetness and authenticity to the Mariana Islands cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Zigeunerschnitzel, so you can check it out.

• 4 chicken breasts (about 500g / 1.1lb) 4 chicken breasts (about 500g / 1.1lb)
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups (200g) breadcrumbs 2 cups (200g) breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-2 chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust to taste) 1-2 chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 kJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 32g (Sugar: 6g)
• Protein: 34g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, then season with salt and pepper.
2. 2.
   Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
3. 3.
   Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. 5.
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and chili peppers. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
6. 6.
   Stir in the tomato paste, chicken broth, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Return the fried chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the Zesty Island Schnitzel with fragrant coconut rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Coconut rice — To make fragrant coconut rice, replace half of the water with coconut milk when cooking the rice. This will infuse it with a delightful tropical aroma.
• Chili peppers — Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes before chopping.
• Chicken breasts — Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading to ensure they cook evenly and remain juicy.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the sauce during the simmering process.
• Serve the Zesty Island Schnitzel with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of tanginess.
• If you can't find fresh chili peppers, you can use dried chili flakes or hot sauce as a substitute.
• Experiment with different types of bell peppers for a colorful twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Zesty Island Schnitzel hot, accompanied by a generous portion of fragrant coconut rice. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with a refreshing tropical fruit salad on the side.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Zesty Island Schnitzel on a platter, drizzling the vibrant sauce over the crispy breaded chicken. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for an appealing touch. Serve the fragrant coconut rice in a separate bowl, allowing guests to help themselves.