Classic Veal Piccata
Need a quick & easy veal piccata recipe? This lemon butter version is a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in minutes! Get my tips for tender veal every time.

- Recipe Introduction: Veal Piccata Recipe – Ready in Under an Hour!
- Classic Veal Piccata Recipe Card
- Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
- Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
- Level Up Your Veal Piccata Game
- From Frying Pan to Fab: Veal Piccata Step-by-Step
- Pro Tips for a Seriously Sensational Veal Piccata
- Recipe Notes
- Frequently Asked Questions
Okay, here’s a slice of an article, focusing on the introduction, just like you asked. I hope it feels personal and relatable! Let me know what you think!
Recipe Introduction: Veal Piccata Recipe – Ready in Under an Hour!
Ever have one of those days where you crave something totally restaurant-worthy, but the thought of actually going to a restaurant is…ugh? i get it.
That’s where this veal piccata recipe comes in. it is your secret weapon. trust me on this one.
What is Veal Piccata , Anyway?
This classic dish hails from italy (obviously!). italian veal recipe is a beautiful thing. veal piccata , particularly, is all about tender pan-fried veal cutlets swimming in a bright, lemony, caper-y sauce.
Think sunshine on a plate. it's traditionally served with pasta, but we will get to that later. it’s surprisingly easy veal piccata , even for those of us who aren't exactly culinary geniuses.
It’s ready in about 35 minutes. it serves 4 people. this will work even if aunt mildred is helping.
Why You'll Love This Easy Veal Piccata
Honestly, the health benefits aren’t the main draw here (it’s still pretty good for you, though!). what makes this best veal piccata recipe special is the flavor .
The lemon butter veal sauce is so bright and tangy and that caper sauce recipe adds this salty zing. it’s like a party in your mouth! if you’re looking to impress someone, or just treat yourself after a long week, this quick veal dinner is it .
What Makes This Veal Piccata Recipe Different?
This isn’t your grandma's veal scallopini recipe (unless your grandma was a michelin-star chef!). i've simplified things and made it totally foolproof.
The secret? deglazing the pan properly for a perfect white wine sauce for veal . we'll make it piccata sauce from scratch .
And don't worry. i'll walk you through every single step. no fancy veal piccata cooking techniques required. now, let’s talk veal piccata ingredients .
..
Alright, let's dive into the heart of our veal piccata recipe : ingredients and gear! this italian veal recipe isn’t fussy, i promise.
Think of this easy veal piccata as a hug on a plate. my aunt mildred would be proud.
Classic Veal Piccata Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
🥄 Instructions:
- Pound veal scallops to an even thickness (about 1/8 inch) between two sheets of plastic wrap. Season flour with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each veal scallop in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the veal in batches (don't overcrowd the pan!) until golden brown and cooked through (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove and set aside. This is the heart of the veal piccata recipe.
- Add white wine to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits (deglaze the pan). Simmer until reduced by half.
- Add lemon juice and chicken broth. Simmer for a few minutes. Stir in capers and cold butter, swirling until the butter is melted and the sauce is emufied (thickened).
- Return the veal to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Let's talk about the veal cutlets piccata . Aim for quality here. It makes all the difference. Honestly, you can taste the love.
- Veal Scallops: 1 1/2 pounds (680g) , about 1/4 inch thick. Look for a pale pink colour. This means it's fresh and tender.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (60g) . This helps create a lovely crust.
- Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Sea salt works too.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2g) , freshly ground. The aroma is so good!
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons (45ml) . For that lovely golden sear. I use olive oil veal piccata.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g) , plus 2 tablespoons (30g) cold. Butter equals flavour, right?
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
Now, for the caper sauce recipe ! This is where the magic happens. Don't skimp!
- Dry White Wine: 1/2 cup (120ml) , like Pinot Grigio. This gives it that restaurant style veal piccata vibe.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Bottled stuff? Nah, squeeze those lemons, I insist!
- Chicken Broth: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Low sodium is your friend.
- Capers: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , drained. These little guys pack a punch of salty goodness. My own little secret is to sometimes use caper berries instead of capers.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , chopped. For a pop of freshness.
For the perfect white wine sauce for veal, ensure you use a dry, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
No need for fancy gadgets. This quick veal dinner is about simplicity. I want this to be simple veal piccata. We are going for tender veal recipe
- Meat Mallet (or Heavy Skillet): To gently pound those veal cutlets. This veal preparation tip is important for even cooking.
- Shallow Dishes: For dredging. Pie plates work a charm.
- Large Skillet: Big enough to not overcrowd the pan. Trust me, it matters. If you're looking for veal piccata near me you won't regret searching for mine.
Remember my pal, cooking Veal Piccata Aunt Mildred ? She always said, "Good food doesn't need fuss!" And she was right. Now, let's get cooking!

Okay, let's dive into making some seriously good veal piccata , shall we? this isn't just any italian veal recipe ; it's your easy veal piccata , the one that'll impress even your pickiest mates.
And don't be intimidated. it might sound fancy pants, but trust me, even a beginner cook can nail this. forget those boring weeknight dinners – this is a quick veal dinner that feels like a proper treat.
You can get pretty close to restaurant style veal piccata in your own kitchen.
Level Up Your Veal Piccata Game
Before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get our ducks in a row. that's what mise en place is all about, innit? having everything prepped and ready saves you from flapping about like a headless chicken later.
We are going to need to have all veal piccata ingredients present and ready to rock! pound those veal cutlets thin – think about releasing some stress on them.
Season your flour with salt and pepper. juice your lemons. drain those capers. chop that parsley. sorted! if you're like me and prone to kitchen chaos, arrange your ingredients in order of use.
Trust me, it's a game changer. a little bit of organization goes a long way. oh, and a quick word to the wise: raw meat can be a bit of a breeding ground for nasties.
Wash your hands and any surfaces after handling the veal. safety first, yeah?
From Frying Pan to Fab: Veal Piccata Step-by-Step
Alright, here's the nitty-gritty of how to make veal piccata – the super simple way:
- Bash it: Pound those veal cutlets (1 1/2 pounds worth) until they're about 1/8 inch thick. This makes them nice and tender, see?
- Dust off: Lightly dredge each cutlet in seasoned flour (1/2 cup). Give 'em a shake to get rid of any excess.
- Sizzle Time: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to get a good sear.
- Golden Goodness: Sauté the veal in batches (don't overcrowd the pan!) for about 2- 3 minutes per side , until golden brown. Set aside once cooked.
- Deglaze: Pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine and scrape up all those lovely browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is called de-glazing pan technique and adds loads of flavour. Simmer 'til the wine's reduced by half.
- Sauce it Up: Add 1/4 cup of lemon juice and 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Piccata Magic: Stir in 2 tablespoons of drained capers and 2 tablespoons of cold butter. Swirl the pan until the butter melts and the sauce thickens into a glorious Emufying Piccata sauce .
- Reunite: Return the veal to the pan and coat it in that luscious sauce. Garnish with 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your favourite sides. Pasta or greens will do the trick.
Pro Tips for a Seriously Sensational Veal Piccata
Want to take your veal piccata with pasta from good to bloody brilliant? here's a few secrets. if you're feeling adventurous, try browning the butter before adding the wine for an extra layer of flavour.
Be careful not to burn it! also, don't overcook the veal. it's delicate and can get tough. aim for a slight pinkness in the centre to get that tender veal recipe .
Another super useful tip is to use fresh lemon juice as bottled stuff just doesn't cut it. the best trick is to look for pale pink and fine-grained veal.
High-quality veal gives the best final dish.
One mistake i always made was overcrowding the pan when cooking the veal. this lowers the temperature and you end up steaming it instead of getting that nice golden crust.
If you're short on time, you can make the caper sauce recipe ahead of time. just store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
This simple veal piccata is a winner!
Alright, let's talk about nailing your veal piccata recipe . after you've cooked up this italian veal recipe , you'll want to make sure it's served right, stored properly, and maybe even tweaked a bit to suit your tastes.
Here are some little nuggets of wisdom i’ve picked up along the way. i swear this is the best veal piccata recipe out there!
Recipe Notes
Plating Like a Pro
Presentation is key, innit? for a restaurant style veal piccata , i like to arrange the veal cutlets piccata on a warm plate.
Drizzle that glorious lemon butter veal sauce all over. a sprinkle of fresh parsley really makes it pop. for sides, think simple.
Some veal piccata with linguine or veal piccata with angel hair pasta is always a winner. otherwise veal piccata with asparagus will make a beautiful plate.
Storing Your Leftovers
If you manage to have leftovers of this easy veal piccata (unlikely, trust me!), refrigeration is your friend. pop the veal in lemon sauce into an airtight container and it’ll be good for about 3 days.
Freezing? yeah, you can freeze it, but the sauce might get a bit watery when you defrost it. reheating is best done gently in a pan.
Low and slow, my friend.
Veal Piccata Your Way!
Want to switch things up for dietary reasons? for a dairy-free piccata sauce , ditch the butter and go all-in with olive oil veal piccata .
You can use nutritional yeast for that cheesy depth. seasonally, this simple veal piccata is flexible. in summer, use fresh, locally sourced lemons.
In winter, preserved lemons can add a unique twist. what a good quick veal dinner it makes!
Fueling Up
Let's be real, it isn't the healthiest classic italian recipes out there! but it’s got its perks. you're getting a good dose of protein from the tender veal recipe which helps keep you full.
The lemon juice is great for a bit of vitamin c. it's about balance, right? you can always check the veal piccata nutrition facts online if you're curious about the exact veal piccata calories .
So there you have it! with these tips, your how to make veal piccata adventures will be even more delicious.
Don't be afraid to experiment with this sautéed veal scallops and have fun. you got this!

Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Veal Piccata, anyway? Is it some fancy pants dish?
Veal Piccata is a classic Italian-American dish, though not quite as fancy as it sounds. Think of it as tender veal cutlets swimming in a bright, lemony sauce with capers. It's a bit like sunshine on a plate – perfect for a dinner party or even a "treat yourself" Tuesday night. It’s way easier to make at home than you might think!
Can I make this Veal Piccata recipe ahead of time? Like, prepping for a dinner party and I don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all night?
You can definitely do some prep work! You can pound the veal and dredge it in the flour mixture a few hours ahead of time, storing it in the fridge. However, the finished dish is best served immediately, as the sauce can lose its consistency and the veal can become a bit soggy if left sitting too long. Like a good cup of tea, it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Help! I can't find veal. What's a good substitute in this piccata recipe?
No worries, mate! The most common and easily accessible substitute is chicken breast. Simply use thinly sliced chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness, and follow the recipe as written. Chicken Piccata is a very popular variation and just as delicious! You could even try pork loin, pounded thin, if you fancy a change from chicken.
How do I store leftover Veal Piccata, and how long will it last?
Store any leftover veal piccata in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 2-3 days. Keep in mind that the sauce might thicken upon refrigeration, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to restore its original consistency. Microwave or gently heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Is Veal Piccata healthy? I'm trying to watch my waistline, you know.
While Veal Piccata isn't exactly diet food, it can be part of a balanced diet. Veal is a lean protein, and the lemon-caper sauce is relatively low in calories. The main concerns would be the flour used for dredging and the butter in the sauce. Consider using a lighter coating for the veal or reducing the amount of butter. Serving with a generous portion of steamed vegetables instead of pasta can also help to keep the calorie count down.
My Veal Piccata sauce ended up watery! What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?
A watery sauce is a common issue, but easily fixable! Usually, it means the sauce hasn't reduced enough or that the butter wasn't cold enough when added. To fix it, remove the veal from the pan, then simmer the sauce over medium heat until it thickens to your liking. If it's still too thin, create a slurry by mixing a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the sauce. Stir until thickened, then return the veal to the pan. Ensure your butter is fridge-cold next time – it's crucial for emufying and thickening the sauce properly, a bit like making a good gravy on a Sunday roast!
Previous Recipe: Elote Loco: My Crazy-Good Mexican Grilled Corn Recipe
Next Recipe: Frozen Fruit Smoothie: How Do You Make *the Best* One?