Cutlet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cutlet
[หkสtlษชt ]
Definition
food
A small flat piece of meat or fish, often coated in breadcrumbs and fried.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cutlet |
In Indian cuisine, this term often refers to a croquette-like preparation made with mashed vegetables, meat, or fish, coated with breadcrumbs and fried.
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| patty |
Often used in American English to refer to a round, flat portion of ground meat, typically beef, formed into a disc shape and cooked by frying, grilling, or baking. This term is frequently associated with hamburgers.
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| escalope |
Commonly used in European cuisine to refer to a thin, boneless slice of meat, often veal, which is lightly hammered to tenderize it and cooked quickly by frying.
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| schnitzel |
A dish of German or Austrian origin that involves thin slices of meat, usually veal, pork, or chicken, pounded flat, breaded, and fried. It is a popular traditional dish in Central European cuisine.
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Examples of usage
- Would you like a beef cutlet for dinner?
- She ordered a plate of chicken cutlets at the restaurant.
- The chef prepared delicious pork cutlets for the party.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary History
- The term comes from the French word 'cotelette', which means 'little rib', referring to how cutlets were originally made from meat near the rib area.
- Cutlets have been a popular dish in many cultures, often representing comfort food due to their savory flavor.
- In the 19th century, cutlets became a fashionable dish in France and spread across many Western cuisines.
Cultural Variations
- In India, a popular variant is the 'chicken cutlet', seasoned with spices and often served with chutney.
- Japanese cuisine features 'katsu', which is a breaded version of cutlet, like 'tonkatsu' made from pork, and is commonly served with rice.
- Many Middle Eastern countries have their own versions of cutlets, often made with spiced ground meat and shaped into patties.
Nutritional Aspects
- Cutlets can be a good source of protein due to their meat content, but can be higher in calories when fried.
- Baking or grilling cutlets instead of frying can significantly reduce fat content, making them a healthier option.
- Adding vegetables or legumes to cutlets can enhance their nutritional value and add flavor.
Modern Trends
- In recent years, vegetarian and vegan cutlets have gained popularity, often made with ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, or soy.
- Food bloggers and chefs have creatively adapted traditional cutlets to incorporate global flavors, like adding curry or teriyaki sauces.
- Cutlet-making workshops are becoming popular as people seek to learn culinary skills at home.
Cooking Techniques
- The common methods of cooking cutlets are frying, baking, or grilling, each giving a different texture and taste.
- Pounding the meat to an even thickness before breading helps ensure consistent cooking and tenderness.
- Using flavored breadcrumbs or adding herbs can enhance the cutlet's taste, making it more appealing.
Origin of 'cutlet'
The word 'cutlet' originated from the French word 'cรดtelette', which means a small rib. It was first used in English in the early 17th century to refer to a small slice of meat or fish. Cutlets have been a popular dish in various cuisines around the world, often served as a quick and tasty meal.
See also: cut, cutaway, cutback, cute, cuticle, cutie, cutlass, cutlery, cutoff, cutout, cutter, cutters, cutthroat, cutting, cuttings, intercut, offcuts, undercut.