Can You Eat Veal Chops Medium Rare? The Juicy Truth Revealed

Veal chops are considered a premium cut of meat that is cherished by meat lovers around the world. But there has always been an ongoing debate about the proper way to cook these tender yet delicate cuts. Should you cook veal chops to medium rare for the ultimate flavor and texture experience or go all the way to well done for safety reasons?

In this article, we will dig deep into this meaty topic and uncover the juicy truth on whether you can eat veal chops medium rare We will explore the following aspects

• What exactly are veal chops?
• The benefits and drawbacks of cooking veal chops medium rare vs well done.
• Expert opinions and safety guidelines on the right internal cooking temperatures.
• Tips and techniques for preparing perfectly cooked medium rare veal chops.
• Recommended side dishes and wine pairings to complete the meal.

By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to decide if medium rare is right for your veal chops and how to cook them to tender, juicy perfection. So get ready to sink your teeth into the tasty truth!

What Are Veal Chops?

Let’s start by understanding exactly what cut of meat we are dealing with. Veal chops are cut from younger cattle, usually 6 to 8 months old. The “chop” refers to a bone-in cut taken from the loin (back) section of the animal.

There are two main kinds of veal chops:

• Veal loin chops – Also called porterhouse or T-bone chops They contain a piece of tenderloin on one side of the bone and a piece of loin on the other,

• Veal rib chops – Cut from the rib section, usually smaller than loin chops but equally tender and flavorful.

Both types contain a good amount of marbling, or intramuscular fat, which keeps the chops juicy. However, because veal is young, the meat is more delicate than beef.

So now that we know exactly what veal chops are, let’s look at the debate around cooking them to medium rare vs well done.

The Medium Rare vs Well Done Debate

Here are the two main schools of thought when it comes to cooking veal chops:

The Case for Medium Rare

• Cooking to only 145°F internal temperature preserves tenderness and moisture.
• Bright pink center indicates juiciness.
• Intense veal flavor and essence is retained.
• Less time cooking means less chance of drying out the lean meat.
• Satisfying melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The Case for Well Done

• Kills any potentially harmful bacteria and parasites.
• No health risks from undercooked meat.
• Traditional preparation method for veal.
• Provides assurance for those who prefer fully cooked meat.
• Internal temp of 170°F leaves no pink color.

So which method is right? Well, it depends who you ask…

Expert Opinions on Veal Chop Doneness

Professional chefs and cooking experts seem to be divided when it comes to the ideal doneness for veal chops. Here are some opinions:

• The USDA states that whole veal cuts can be safely cooked to 145°F for medium rare doneness. The minimum safe temperature for well done is 170°F.

• Famed cookbook author Julia Child recommended veal be cooked medium rare and not beyond to keep it from drying out.

• Celebrity chef Bobby Flay says he prefers veal chops between medium rare to medium doneness to maximize juiciness.

• French culinary master Jacques Pépin calls for searing veal chops on the stovetop then finishing to rare in the oven.

• Esteemed chef Thomas Keller favors cooking veal chops to medium doneness to render some fat for flavor.

• Gordon Ramsay cooks his veal chops to medium well because he finds rare veal “a little bit too pink” for his taste.

As we can see, personal preference plays a role along with ideas about safety and achieving the ideal texture. Next, let’s look specifically at guidelines around proper cooking temperatures.

USDA Safety Guidance on Veal Chop Temperatures

To achieve various levels of doneness, the USDA recommends cooking whole veal cuts like chops to the following internal temperatures:

• Rare – 120-125°F (not recommended for safety reasons)
• Medium Rare – 145°F
• Medium – 160°F
• Well Done – 170°F

Reaching 145°F is hot enough to kill any potentially harmful bacteria while retaining moisture and flavor. Some local health departments may require veal be cooked to 160°F minimum, so check your local regulations.

The USDA states that whole cuts of veal can be safely cooked to medium rare, but ground veal should always reach an internal temperature of 160°F minimum due to the potential for bacteria contamination during processing.

So according to food safety experts, properly cooking veal chops to medium rare doneness poses minimal health risk while producing the most tender, juicy results.

How to Cook Veal Chops to Medium Rare Perfection

Now that you know you can eat veal chops medium rare, let’s look at how to prepare them to hit the mark exactly. Here are some tips:

• Bring the chops to room temperature before cooking.
• Heat a cast iron skillet to high heat and pat the chops dry.
• Brush both sides with olive oil and generously season with salt and pepper.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned.
• Finish in a 400 ̊F oven until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
• Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Other great cooking methods for medium rare veal chops include grilling or pan searing followed by basting or roasting to the target internal temp.

No matter which technique you use, always rely on an instant read thermometer to gauge doneness instead of visual cues. This guarantees perfectly cooked, mouthwateringly tender veal chops every time.

Pairings and Preparations for Medium Rare Veal

Medium rare veal chops make a fabulous entrée for a special dinner. Here are some tasty ideas to complement these succulent cuts:

• Sides – Roasted or mashed potatoes, risotto, garlic greens, creamed spinach.

• Sauces – Red wine reduction, mushroom demi-glace, salsa verde, chimichurri.

• Wine – Pinot noir, Chianti, Barolo, Malbec.

You can also bread and pan fry veal chops to make schnitzel or cutlets for a fun twist. Pound them thin before cooking for an extra tender texture.

However you choose to enjoy them, medium rare veal chops are tough to beat. We recommend carving into these special cuts served alongside a good glass of red wine and your favorite veggie sides.

The Juicy Verdict on Eating Veal Chops Medium Rare

We have thoroughly examined the debate around the proper doneness for cooking veal chops. So what’s the final verdict?

Based on safety guidelines, expert opinions, and our own meat-loving preferences, we can confidently say that veal chops are delicious when cooked to medium rare doneness.

Reaching an internal temperature of 145°F eliminates health risks while maintaining the veal’s delicate flavor, velvety texture, and succulence. While personal tastes vary, cooking veal chops beyond medium can dry them out.

For the optimal tender, pink, and juicy chops your taste buds will adore, cook veal no further than medium rare. Just be sure to use a thermometer for precision.