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 – I mean – Schnitzel anyone? It is such a great way to prepare Kohlrabi and I liked it a lot!
I added some crushed pumpkin seeds and white sesame seeds into the breadcrumbs – delicious!

kohlrabi / german turnip / cabbage turnip
Serve Kohlrabi Schnitzel with…
I ate it with parboiled rice and salad and the combination was great. Although the classic sides of rice and potatoes would be awesome as well (these are my go-to-sides for vegan schnitzel made with TVP).
This breaded Kohlrabi Schnitzel is also absolutely delicious in a burger! Check out the Kohlrabi Schnitzel Burger I made!
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. Actually, 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.

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)
- 1/3 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
- a few 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) and around the slices with a veggie peeler to remove the outer layer.
- In a large pot bring water to a boil and add the kohlrabi slices. Let them cook for about 8 minutes. Then drain and set aside to cool off.
- Meanwhile, 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, coat them first in the egg replacement, then in the breading and set them aside.
- In a large pan heat the frying oil (the bottom should be covered with oil) and add in the Kohlrabi Schnitzel. Let them fry on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes per side. They should be golden on both sides.
- After frying, put them on a paper towel to remove excess oil and enjoy!
Linda @ Veganosity
These remind me of my paternal grandparents. They loved schnitzel. I have to make these just for memories sake. :)
bianca
Hi Linda! The consistency is totally different to “normal” schnitzel but it’s awesome as it is :)
Jasmin
Oh yes, I love kohlrabi schnitzel. Lovely idea to put additional seeds into breadcrumbs. I will have to incorporate them in my cookbook :)
bianca
Yes! I had no idea they were so delicious. I’m totally planning on making them again soon :)
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit
That title makes it sound really funky, but this looks like simple savory food at its best!
bianca
Hah! Right?! I was so confused that Kohlrabi means the same in english… it sounds so weird to me, but never the less… It’s really good :)
Audrey @ Unconventional Baker
This is such a cool idea, Bianca! I’ve never thought to make a kohlrabi schnitzel :) I love it. Will definitely have to try it sometime, especially because kohlrabi is both a super cool and super neglected veggie :)
Bonnie
What a cool recipe! It must be great to rediscover a vegan-friendly dish from your childhood.
bianca
Yes! As a kid I didn’t like most vegetables and now I’m rediscovering everything that I’ve missed :)
Laura
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
Oh how great! I’m so happy you and your husband enjoyed it. Thank you so much for the lovely feedback, Laura!
Lauren
Great recipe! Did you peel the kohlrabi first?
Bianca
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.
Abby
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
I’m so glad you both enjoyed these, Abby! :)