- Why did the breading fall off?
- Either the meat was too wet (flour didn't stick) or the oil wasn't hot enough, causing the meat to steam and push the coating off.
- What oil should I use?
- Neutral, high-smoke point oils like vegetable or canola are standard, but frying in lard creates the most authentic flavor.
Buffalo Schnitzel (Fried Buffalo Steak)
Buffalo meat is an underrated treasure: darker, more flavorful, and leaner than beef. Breaded and fried might seem bold, but following the Wiener Schnitzel tradition results in a gourmet delight. The secret lies in pounding the meat thin and frying in hot oil: the meat essentially "shocks" cooked under the breading, staying juicy while the crust turns golden and crisp.
Ingredients
1.5
lbs
buffalo (bison) round or sirloin steaks
1
cup
all-purpose flour
3
large
eggs
2
cups
breadcrumbs
1
tsp
salt
1/4
tsp
ground black pepper
2
cups
vegetable oil (for frying)
1
whole
lemon
1/4
cup
fresh parsley
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Meat mallet (flat side)
- Deep skillet for frying
- 3 shallow dishes for breading
Allergen Information
Egg
Wheat
Instructions
1
✓
Place steaks between plastic wrap and pound to about 1/8 inch thickness.
Tip: Thinness is crucial for quick cooking. Plastic wrap protects the fibers.
2
✓
Make small incisions on the edges to prevent curling. Season with salt and pepper.
Tip: Connective tissue shrinks in heat; cutting it keeps the steak flat.
3
✓
Set up breading station: Flour, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs. Dredge meat in flour, dip in egg, coat in crumbs.
Tip: Press crumbs gently; you want a light, airy coating (soufflé effect), not a dense shell.
4
✓
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Test with a crumb; it should sizzle immediately.
Tip: The meat must swim in oil to cook evenly.
5
✓
Fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Tip: Shake the pan gently while frying to wash hot oil over the top, helping the crust puff up.
6
✓
Drain on a wire rack. Serve with lemon wedges.
Tip: A rack prevents the bottom from getting soggy.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs buffalo (bison) round or sirloin steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 whole lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley