Vyprážaný Syr (Slovak Breaded Fried Cheese with Tartar Sauce)
Local name: Vyprážaný syr
In short: Slices of mild Edam or Gouda in a crisp double crumb coating, fried until golden and served with a tangy homemade tartar sauce. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 20 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 730 kcal
Vyprážaný syr is fried cheese, a Slovak pub and canteen classic that is also sold in a bun at markets and street stalls. A thick slice of mild, firm cheese gets a double coating of egg and breadcrumbs, then is fried until the crust is deep golden and the center is soft and molten. It comes with tartar sauce and boiled potatoes or fries, and a squeeze of lemon.
Instructions
- Pat the cheese slices dry. Mix the flour and pepper on a plate, put the beaten eggs in a shallow bowl and the breadcrumbs on another plate.
- Coat each slice in flour, then egg, then crumbs. Dip it in the egg and the crumbs a second time, pressing the crumbs on firmly so there are no gaps. Chill the coated slices on a tray for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, stir the mayonnaise, gherkins, mustard, lemon juice and chives together for the tartar sauce and chill until needed.
- Pour about 4 cm (1 1/2 in) of oil into a deep, heavy pan and heat it to 180°C (350°F).
- Fry 1 or 2 slices at a time for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until the crust is deep golden. Lift out with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels for 1 minute.
- Serve at once with the tartar sauce, lemon wedges and boiled potatoes or fries.
Tips
- Chill the coated slices well, or freeze them for 15 minutes. Cold cheese melts slowly, so the crust browns before the cheese can leak.
- Double-coat the slices and press the crumbs on firmly. Even a small gap lets melted cheese escape into the oil.
Questions and answers
Which cheese is best for vyprážaný syr?
A firm, mild cheese that melts slowly, such as Edam, Gouda or Emmental. Soft or very salty cheeses tend to leak or taste too sharp after frying.
Can I bake or air-fry it instead?
Yes. Spray the coated, well-chilled slices generously with oil and air-fry at 190°C (375°F) for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once. The crust will be less crisp than when deep-fried.
What do you serve with fried cheese?
Tartar sauce, lemon wedges and boiled potatoes or fries are the usual partners. It is also sold in a bun with the sauce as street food, and a simple cabbage or cucumber salad goes well on the side.
How long does it take to make Vyprážaný Syr (Slovak Breaded Fried Cheese with Tartar Sauce)?
About 40 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Vyprážaný Syr (Slovak Breaded Fried Cheese with Tartar Sauce)?
About 730 kcal per serving, with 33 g of protein, 30 g of carbohydrates and 53 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 730 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 33 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 53 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 1050 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
