Keto Pork Schnitzel Recipe with Sides: A Low-Carb Twist on a Classic

Who says you can’t enjoy crispy comfort food on a keto diet? If you’ve been craving that crunchy, golden schnitzel but don’t want to break your low-carb routine, this keto pork schnitzel recipe is your answer. It’s easy, delicious, and paired with simple keto-friendly sides that’ll leave you satisfied without the carb guilt. No complicated ingredients, just real food and real flavor. Let’s get cooking!

What is Schnitzel?

In case you’re new to the schnitzel game, it’s basically a thin slice of meat, breaded and fried until crisp. Pork schnitzel is especially popular because the meat is juicy, flavorful, and affordable. Traditionally, it’s made with breadcrumbs, but since breadcrumbs are a no-go on keto, we’re switching things up with a low-carb coating that delivers the same crunch you know and love.

Ingredients for Keto Pork Schnitzel

For the schnitzel:

• 4 boneless pork chops (about ½ inch thick)
• 1 cup almond flour
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup avocado oil or olive oil (for frying)

For the sides:

1. Creamy Garlic Green Beans
   • 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
   • 2 tbsp butter
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • ¼ cup heavy cream
   • Salt and pepper to taste
2. Crispy Keto Cauliflower Mash
   • 1 medium cauliflower head, chopped into florets
   • 3 tbsp butter
   • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
   • ¼ cup heavy cream
   • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork Chops

Start by prepping your pork chops. If they’re too thick, place them between two sheets of parchment paper and pound them gently with a meat mallet until they’re about ¼ inch thick. The thinner they are, the crispier they’ll get when fried.

Lightly season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides. Set them aside while you get the coating ready.

2. Make the Coating

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the almond flour, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.

3. Coat the Schnitzel

Take one pork chop and dip it in the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Then, dredge it in the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick. Repeat this process with the remaining pork chops.

4. Fry the Schnitzel

Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, so the schnitzel fries evenly. Once the oil is hot (test by dropping a tiny bit of almond flour in—it should sizzle), carefully add the pork chops.

Fry each schnitzel for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Keep them warm while you prepare the sides.

Making the Keto Sides

Creamy Garlic Green Beans

• In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Toss in the green beans and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender but still crisp.
• Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Crispy Keto Cauliflower Mash

• Steam the cauliflower florets until fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain well and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. This helps remove any excess moisture, so your mash isn’t watery.
• In a food processor, combine the steamed cauliflower, butter, grated parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Season with salt and pepper, and give it a final mix. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle in a bit of garlic powder or a pinch of nutmeg.

Serving Suggestions

Plate your crispy pork schnitzel alongside a generous helping of creamy garlic green beans and a scoop of cauliflower mash. Garnish with a lemon wedge for a bit of brightness and, if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The lemon cuts through the richness of the fried schnitzel and adds a refreshing zing.

Tips for the Best Keto Schnitzel

• Don’t skip the parmesan: The grated parmesan in the coating not only adds flavor but also helps create that golden, crunchy crust.
• Use the right oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it perfect for frying. Olive oil works too, but stick to light olive oil, not extra virgin.
• Keep it warm: If you’re frying in batches, keep the cooked schnitzel warm in a low oven (around 200°F) so it stays crispy until serving time.
• Don’t crowd the pan: Fry the schnitzel in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, which can make the coating soggy instead of crisp.

Keto Variations and Add-Ons

Feeling creative? Here are some variations and extras you can try with this keto pork schnitzel recipe:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the almond flour coating for a bit of heat.
• Herbed Coating: Mix in some dried oregano or Italian seasoning for an herby twist.
• Cheesy Cauliflower Mash: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella for an extra cheesy cauliflower mash.
• Mushroom Gravy: Whip up a quick keto-friendly mushroom gravy by sautéing sliced mushrooms in butter, then adding heavy cream and simmering until thickened.

Why This Recipe Works on Keto

This keto pork schnitzel is all about keeping things low-carb while delivering maximum flavor and texture. Almond flour and parmesan cheese give you that classic crunch without the carbs, and frying it in a healthy fat like avocado oil ensures it fits right into your keto macros. Plus, the sides—green beans and cauliflower mash—are classic low-carb options that balance out the richness of the pork.

If you’re tired of plain grilled meat and steamed veggies on keto, this schnitzel brings something exciting to the table. It’s crispy, comforting, and filling, without being complicated or time-consuming. And let’s be honest—anything fried is already a win!

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of keto pork schnitzel with sides:

• Calories: ~550
• Fat: ~40g
• Protein: ~35g
• Net Carbs: ~7g

(Exact numbers may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

Conclusion

This keto pork schnitzel recipe with sides proves you can enjoy your favorite comfort foods while sticking to your low-carb goals. It’s crispy, savory, and paired with creamy, garlicky sides that’ll make any dinner feel special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends who aren’t even on keto, this meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Now, grab those pork chops and get frying—you won’t regret it! And if you love it as much as we do, don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!

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