Veal scallopini is a classic Italian dish known for its tender, thinly sliced veal cooked quickly and served with a flavorful sauce. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook veal scallopini perfectly at home, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step with easy-to-follow tips and a tasty recipe. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, you’ll find this dish elegant yet simple enough for any occasion.
What Is Veal Scallopini?
Veal scallopini consists of thin veal cutlets, usually pounded to about 1/8 to 1/2 inch thickness, lightly coated in flour, and quickly sautéed. The meat is tender and delicate, making it perfect for a fast-cooking method that keeps it juicy and flavorful. The dish is often finished with a bright, buttery sauce featuring ingredients like lemon, capers, white wine, and fresh parsley, adding a tangy and savory punch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a typical ingredient list for a classic veal scallopini:
– Veal cutlets (4 to 6 thin slices)
– All-purpose flour (for dredging)
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
– Butter and olive oil (for searing)
– Fresh mushrooms (optional, sliced)
– Chicken broth or stock
– White wine (dry, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay)
– Fresh lemon juice
– Capers (rinsed and drained)
– Fresh parsley (chopped)
These ingredients come together to create a rich, flavorful sauce that complements the delicate veal perfectly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Veal Scallopini
1. Prepare the Veal
– Start by pounding the veal cutlets to an even thinness, about 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch. This tenderizes the meat and ensures quick, even cooking.
– Season both sides with salt and pepper.
– Lightly dredge the cutlets in flour, shaking off any excess. This helps create a slight crust and thickens the sauce later.
2. Sear the Veal
– Heat a combination of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
– Add the veal cutlets in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
– Cook each side for about 1 to 3 minutes until golden brown and the juices run clear. Avoid overcooking to keep the veal tender.
– Remove the veal from the skillet and keep warm.
3. Make the Sauce
– In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms if using and sauté until tender and browned.
– Deglaze the pan with chicken broth and white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
– Stir in fresh lemon juice and capers for that signature tangy, briny taste.
– Add a few tablespoons of butter and whisk to create a slightly creamy, emulsified sauce.
– Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Combine and Serve
– Return the veal cutlets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
– Let everything heat through for 2 to 3 minutes so the veal absorbs the flavors.
– Garnish with fresh parsley and optional lemon slices.
– Serve hot, ideally over pasta, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.
Tips for Perfect Veal Scallopini
– Pound the veal thin: This is key to tender, quick-cooking meat.
– Use a hot pan: Make sure your oil and butter are hot before adding veal to get a nice sear.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed to maintain heat and crispness.
– Avoid overcooking: Veal cooks very fast; about 1-3 minutes per side is enough.
– Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon, parsley, and mushrooms make a big difference in flavor.
– Rest briefly: Let the veal rest a couple of minutes after cooking to redistribute juices.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
– You can substitute chicken or pork cutlets if veal is hard to find or expensive.
– Add cream to the sauce for a richer, more luxurious texture.
– Serve with pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic or a simple risotto.
– Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the lemony sauce.
Veal scallopini is a quick, elegant meal that brings Italian flavors to your table with minimal fuss. By following these simple steps, you’ll enjoy tender veal and a bright, buttery sauce that’s perfect for any dinner occasion.
Tender veal, bright lemon, and savory capers come together beautifully in this quick dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure!