Cutlets: meaning, definitions and examples

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cutlets

[ˈkʌtlɪts ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

food

Cutlets are small pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables that are coated in breadcrumbs and fried.

Synonyms

croquettes, fritters, patties.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cutlets	Often used to describe a thin slice of meat, usually breaded and fried or grilled. Commonly made from chicken, pork, or lamb. We had breaded chicken cutlets for dinner The restaurant serves delicious lamb cutlets
patties	Generally refers to round, flat, and typically pan-fried portions of ground meat, fish, or vegetables. Often used in burgers or as standalone dishes. He made beef patties for the barbecue The veggie patties were well-seasoned and delicious
croquettes	Typically refers to a small, breaded, and fried food item made from minced meat, fish, or vegetables mixed with a thick sauce or mashed potatoes. She prepared fish croquettes for the party The vegetable croquettes were crispy and tasty
fritters	Used for small, fried cakes that can be sweet or savory, made by coating ingredients in batter and deep-frying. Commonly contain fruits, vegetables, or meat. Apple fritters are my favorite dessert The corn fritters were a hit at the barbecue

Examples of usage

I ordered chicken cutlets for dinner.
Vegetarian cutlets are made from lentils and vegetables.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Origins

The term 'cutlet' comes from the French word 'coûtelette,' meaning 'small cut,' referring to how meat is sliced.
Traditionally, cutlets were made from veal, but now, many cultures use different meats and vegetables.
In some cuisines, like Indian or Pakistani, cutlets are made with spiced potatoes or lentils, adding a unique twist.

Cultural Significance

In Germany and Austria, cutlets are a staple, often breaded and called 'Schnitzel,' served with lemon and potatoes.
Japanese 'katsu' cutlets, typically made from pork or chicken, are commonly served with rice and tonkatsu sauce, blending Western and Asian flavors.
In Middle Eastern cuisine, cutlets might be spiced and served as part of a larger dish, highlighting the region’s rich flavors.

Nutrition

Cutlets can be a source of protein, depending on the meat or vegetables used, providing essential nutrients like iron or vitamins.
Breading and frying cutlets can increase their calorie content, so cooking methods like grilling or baking are healthier alternatives.
Vegetable cutlets offer a great way to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet, which can be beneficial for health.

Homemade Versus Takeout

Making cutlets at home allows for customization of spices and ingredients to suit personal tastes, creating unique flavor profiles.
Many restaurants offer cutlets as quick, comfort food, often leading to debates about the best versions in different regions.
Homemade cutlets can be frozen, allowing for quick meals later, showcasing practicality in meal prep.

Translations

Translations of the word "cutlets" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hambúrguer

🇮🇳 कटलेट

🇩🇪 Frikadellen

🇮🇩 bakso

🇺🇦 котлети

🇵🇱 kotlety

🇯🇵 カツレツ

🇫🇷 boulettes de viande

🇪🇸 albóndigas

🇹🇷 köfte

🇰🇷 커틀릿

🇸🇦 كفتة

🇨🇿 karbanátky

🇸🇰 fašírky

🇨🇳 肉饼

🇸🇮 polpeti

🇮🇸 kjötbollur

🇰🇿 котлеттер

🇬🇪 ქაბაბი

🇦🇿 kötlet

🇲🇽 albóndigas

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,106 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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31103 swooned
31104 corrugation
31105 worshiper
31106 cutlets
31107 becalmed
31108 sanctimonious
31109 interlace
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