Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients and minimal preparation. The veal cooks in just a few minutes, remaining tender and juicy, while the lemon and capers create a fresh, tangy sauce that perfectly complements the delicate meat. I also appreciate how beautifully this dish pairs with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- rose veal scallopini (thin veal cutlets)
- all-purpose flour
- salt
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- olive oil
- unsalted butter
- garlic, minced
- chicken broth
- fresh lemon juice
- lemon zest
- capers, drained
- fresh parsley, chopped
- lemon slices, for garnish
Directions
- I pat the veal cutlets dry and season them with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- I lightly coat each cutlet with flour, shaking off any excess.
- I heat the olive oil and a little butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- I cook the veal for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly golden, then transfer it to a plate.
- I reduce the heat slightly and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- I pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- I stir in the lemon zest, capers, and the remaining butter, allowing the sauce to simmer until slightly thickened.
- I return the veal to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the cutlets for a minute or two until heated through.
- I garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving immediately.
Servings and Timing
I usually prepare this recipe in about 25 minutes.
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
I sometimes replace the veal with thinly sliced chicken breasts or turkey cutlets for a different version. When I want a richer sauce, I stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking. I also enjoy adding white wine along with the chicken broth for extra depth of flavor. For a fresh herbal twist, I mix in chopped thyme or oregano before serving.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover Rose Veal Scallopini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I reheat it, I warm it gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep the meat tender and the sauce smooth. I avoid overheating because veal can become tough. Freezing is possible for up to 2 months, although the texture is best when enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
What is rose veal?
Rose veal comes from young calves raised on a natural diet, giving the meat a light pink color, tender texture, and delicate flavor that works beautifully in quick-cooking dishes like scallopini.
Can I substitute chicken for veal?
Yes. I often use thin chicken cutlets when veal is unavailable. The lemon and caper sauce pairs just as well with chicken.
Why do I dredge the veal in flour?
I lightly coat the veal with flour because it helps create a golden crust while also slightly thickening the sauce as it cooks.
What can I serve with Rose Veal Scallopini?
I enjoy serving it with angel hair pasta, mashed potatoes, buttered rice, roasted asparagus, green beans, or a crisp green salad.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. I prepare the sauce ahead of time if needed, but I prefer cooking the veal just before serving to keep it tender and juicy.
Conclusion
I always enjoy making Rose Veal Scallopini with Lemon and Capers because it is elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly quick to prepare. The tender veal, bright citrus, and briny capers create a perfectly balanced dish that feels both comforting and refined. Whether I serve it for a family dinner or a special occasion, it always leaves a lasting impression.
PrintRose Veal Scallopini Recipe with Lemon and Capers
Rose Veal Scallopini with Lemon and Capers is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring tender veal cutlets in a bright, buttery lemon sauce with briny capers. Elegant yet quick to prepare, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Fry
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs rose veal scallopini (thin veal cutlets)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the veal cutlets dry and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Lightly dredge each cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the veal for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly golden, then transfer to a plate.
- Reduce the heat slightly and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the lemon zest, capers, and the remaining butter. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the veal to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the cutlets for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving immediately.
Notes
- Substitute thin chicken breasts or turkey cutlets for the veal if desired.
- Add a splash of dry white wine with the chicken broth for extra depth of flavor.
- Stir in a little heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
- Fresh thyme or oregano makes a flavorful herbal addition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth to keep the veal tender.
- Freeze for up to 2 months, though the texture is best when served fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg