Recipe for a vegan Kohlrabi Schnitzel with crushed toasted pumpkin seeds in the breadcrumb coating. It’s a traditional Austrian dish made vegan!

I had to look up was Kohlrabi was in English, because I didn’t know and found that it is also called Kohlrabi, some say cabbage turnip or german turnip.

My Austrian instinct totally came through in this recipe. Kohlrabi. Schnitzel. Pumpkin Seeds. I don’t think it is getting more Austrian than that. Kohlrabi in schnitzel form is definitely my favorite way to eat kohlrabi!
I added some crushed pumpkin seeds and white sesame seeds into the breadcrumbs – delicious!
I think I’ve never had Kohlrabi Schnitzel before, although it is not an unusual dish in Austria. I remember that my grandmother used to make these sometimes but I wasn’t the biggest fan of vegetables then.
Fun fact: I didn’t eat most vegetables until I was 17! Can you believe it?! Now I couldn’t live without veggies. I’m rediscovering a lot of different vegetables right now and I love to eat seasonally so of course, I had to try it and I was not disappointed.

How to make Kohlrabi Schnitzel
The ingredients & possible substitutions
You’ll need:
- 1 large kohlrabi
- frying oil
- for the egg replacement:
- all-purpose flour (you can use soy flour or besan flour for a gluten-free version)
- water
- paprika powder
- salt
- for the breading:
- fine breadcrumbs (you can also use a mixture of fine breadcrumbs and panko flakes for a richer texture)
- salt
- paprika powder
- crushed pumpkin seeds (they aren’t essential but make the breading more interesting!)
- sesame seeds (also not essential but nice to add!)
The basic steps







Serve Kohlrabi Schnitzel with…
I ate the kohlrabi schnitzel with pan-roasted potato slices with red onion.
You can also serve it with
This breaded Kohlrabi Schnitzel is also absolutely delicious in a burger! Check out the Kohlrabi Schnitzel Burger I made!
Love it? Rate it!
I hope you enjoy this Kohlrabi Schnitzel as much as I do! Let me know if you give it a try!
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Cheers, Bianca

Kohlrabi Schnitzel
Ingredients
- 1 large kohlrabi
- frying oil
Egg replacement
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (you can sub it with besan or soy flour)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Breading
- 1/3 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed pumpkin seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Take any additional leaves off the kohlrabi and wash it. Cut the kohlrabi in 4-6 slices (about 1/3 inch). Peel off the outer layer with a veggie peeler.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the kohlrabi slices. Let them cook for about 10 minutes. They should start to get translucent in the center. Then drain, place them on paper towels to remove excess water and set aside to cool off.
- In a bowl, mix the ingredients for the egg replacement. It should have an egg-like consistency, you might have to add more water or flour to achieve that.
- In another bowl, combine the ingredients for the breading.
- When the kohlrabi slices are cold enough to handle, dip them first in the egg replacement, then coat them in the breading.
- In a large pan, heat the frying oil (the bottom should be covered with oil) and add in the breaded Kohlrabi Schnitzel. Fry them on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes per side. They should be golden and crispy on both sides.
- After frying, put them on a paper towel to remove excess oil and enjoy!
Alison
Friday 28th of May 2021
I got some kohlrabi in my CSA share and didn't know what to do with it. This blew me away. It was so tasty. I grew up loving breaded and fried yellow squash, but I think kohlrabi tops it in flavor. Thanks!
Adele
Thursday 13th of May 2021
Really nice. Thank you.
Abby
Saturday 7th of July 2018
This was SUCH a simple and delicious recipe! Thank you so much for sharing. I went vegan and have had a hard time convincing my partner to join... he loved these! Super yummy!!
Bianca
Tuesday 10th of July 2018
I'm so glad you both enjoyed these, Abby! :)
Lauren
Monday 7th of December 2015
Great recipe! Did you peel the kohlrabi first?
Bianca
Monday 7th of December 2015
Thank you so much, Lauren! yes, I did. I usually find it the easiest when you cut the kohlrabi in slices first and then go around the slices with a vegetable peeler to get rid of the outer layer.
Laura
Monday 31st of August 2015
I found this recipe doing a kohlrabi search on Pinterest. My husband and I loved it and it was super simple! Thanks for sharing such a delicious recipe!
Bianca
Monday 31st of August 2015
Oh how great! I'm so happy you and your husband enjoyed it. Thank you so much for the lovely feedback, Laura!