A Traditional Veal Piccata Recipe with Fresh Herbs and a Silky Lemon Butter Sauce

Few dishes capture the essence of elegant Italian cuisine like veal piccata. Lightly dredged and pan-seared veal cutlets are bathed in a velvety lemon butter sauce, accented with capers, white wine, and fresh herbs. This veal piccata recipe easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet sophisticated enough for a special occasion.

Lemon Herb Veal Piccata – A Classic Italian Dish with a Bright Twist

DifficultyMedium

Servings4

Prep time15 minutes

Cook time14 minutes

Total time30 minutes

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Ingredients

For the Veal:

• 4 veal cutlets, (or 2 veal chops, about 1/2-inch thick)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, (for dredging)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter

For the Veal Piccata Sauce:

• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken or veal broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice , (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tbsp capers, drained
• 3 tbsp butter, (cold, for finishing the sauce)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Let's Get Cooking!

Instructions:

• 1

  Prepare the Veal

  1. Season veal cutlets with salt and black pepper on both sides.
  2. Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
• 2

  Sear the Veal

  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear veal cutlets for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
• 3

  Make the Piccata Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, pour in white wine, scraping up any browned bits.
  2. Add broth, lemon juice, and capers, simmering for 5 minutes until reduced.
  3. Whisk in cold butter to create a silky, emulsified sauce.

• 4

  Finish and Serve

  1. Return veal to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
  2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and basil before serving.
• 5

  Pair with Your Favorite Side

  Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Tongs
• Whisk
• Measuring Cup and Spoons

Recipe Notes and Variations

Recipe Notes for the Best Veal Piccata

• Use High-Quality Veal: The best veal cutlets for veal piccata are top round or loin, as they are tender and quick-cooking.
• Thin Cutlets Cook Faster: If your veal cutlets are too thick, pound them gently to ¼-inch thickness for more even cooking.
• Avoid Overcooking: Veal is a lean meat and can dry out quickly. Cook just until golden brown and finish in the sauce for added moisture.
• Flour for Dredging is Optional: While flouring the veal helps create a lightly crisp exterior and thickens the sauce, you can skip it for a gluten-free version.
• Let the Butter Melt Slowly: When finishing the sauce, whisk in the cold butter gradually to create a smooth, silky texture.

Variations of Veal Piccata

1. Cooking Method Variations

✔ Grilled Veal Chop Piccata:

• Instead of pan-searing cutlets, grill veal chops for 4-5 minutes per side, then drizzle with warm veal piccata sauce before serving.

✔ Oven-Baked Veal Piccata:

• Sear the veal cutlets, then transfer them to a baking dish. Pour the sauce over and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to infuse flavors.

✔ Slow Cooker Veal Piccata:

• Brown the veal first, then place in a slow cooker with wine, broth, and lemon juice. Cook on LOW for 4 hours, adding capers and butter at the end.

2. Sauce Variations

• Creamy Veal Piccata Sauce: Add ¼ cup heavy cream to the sauce for a rich, velvety texture.
• Mushroom Veal Piccata: Sauté ½ cup sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy depth of flavor.
• Spicy Piccata: Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard for extra heat and tang.
• Dairy-Free Option: Instead of butter, use olive oil or dairy-free butter to finish the sauce.

3. Alternative Protein Options

• Chicken Piccata: Swap veal for thinly sliced chicken breast and cook 2 minutes per side.
• Fish Piccata: Use cod, halibut, or tilapia for a lighter, seafood-inspired version.
• Tofu Piccata (Vegan Alternative): Use firm tofu, slice into cutlets, dredge in flour, and pan-fry before finishing with the lemon butter sauce.

4. Side Dish Pairings

✔ Pasta & Grains:

• Angel hair pasta or orzo absorbs the piccata sauce beautifully.
• Lemon-infused risotto pairs well with the citrusy flavors.

✔ Vegetables:

• Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add freshness.
• Sautéed spinach or kale works well as a light side.

✔ Potatoes & Bread:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted fingerlings soak up the sauce.
• Crusty Italian bread makes a great accompaniment for dipping into the veal piccata sauce.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Make-Ahead Sauce: Prepare the veal piccata sauce ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
• Store Leftovers: Store cooked veal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Tips: Reheat veal gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.
• Freezing: While veal is best served fresh, you can freeze the cooked veal and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove.

Nutrition

Calories	420
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	22g
Fiber	1g
Protein	45g
Sodium	540mg

History, Evolution, and Inspiration Behind Veal Piccata

The Origins of Veal Piccata

Veal piccata originates from Italy, where piccata-style cooking—which involves lightly dredging meat in flour, pan-searing, and finishing it with a tangy, buttery sauce—has been a culinary tradition for centuries.

The word “piccata” comes from the Italian term “piccato”, meaning “larded” or “pounded flat,” referencing the traditional thinly sliced veal cutlets used in the dish. The sauce is a hallmark of Italian simplicity, combining just a few ingredients to create a balanced, bright, and rich flavor profile.

When veal piccata made its way to the United States, it became a restaurant favorite, especially in Italian-American cuisine. Today, chicken piccata has become more common, but veal piccata remains the authentic, classic version of this beloved dish.

The Art of Cooking the Perfect Veal Piccata

Choosing the Right Cut of Veal

For the best veal piccata recipe, select thinly sliced veal cutlets (also called scaloppine) or a veal chop for a heartier presentation.

• Veal Scaloppine: The most traditional choice, offering quick cooking time and a delicate texture.
• Veal Chop Piccata: A thicker cut that adds more flavor and tenderness, perfect for a gourmet take on veal piccata.

What Makes the Best Veal Piccata Sauce?

The veal piccata sauce is the star of the dish. A combination of:
✔ Lemon juice – Adds a fresh, zesty brightness.
✔ White wine – Enhances depth with a hint of acidity.
✔ Capers – Lends a briny, salty balance.
✔ Butter – Creates a luxurious, silky texture.
✔ Fresh herbs – Adds aromatic complexity.

The key to a perfect veal piccata sauce is allowing the ingredients to meld together in the pan, forming a buttery, citrus-infused glaze that coats each bite of veal.

Interesting Things About This Recipe

• Naturally Low-Carb and High-Protein – A nutrient-rich dish with balanced flavors.
• A Quick, Elegant Meal – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a gourmet weeknight dinner.
• Pairs Well with a Variety of Sides – Serve it over pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
• A Classic Italian Dish with Endless Variations – Easily adaptable to chicken, fish, or even tofu.

An Overview of the Recipe Components

This veal piccata recipe consists of three main components:

1. The Veal – Lightly dredged in flour and pan-seared for a golden crust.
2. The Piccata Sauce – A combination of lemon juice, wine, butter, and capers.
3. The Finishing Touches – Fresh parsley and basil add an herby brightness.

What Occasions Is This Recipe Perfect For?

• Romantic Dinners – A classic Italian meal for a special evening.
• Holiday Gatherings – A sophisticated dish for festive meals.
• Dinner Parties – Impress guests with a restaurant-quality entrée.
• Weeknight Gourmet – A quick and easy recipe that feels elevated.

Why This Is the Perfect Veal Piccata Recipe

✔ Rich yet balanced with bright citrus flavors.
✔ Quick and easy to prepare.
✔ Silky, restaurant-style veal piccata sauce.
✔ Pairs well with a variety of side dishes.