The veal cutlets in this easy dinner recipe are lightly dredged in flour and seared until golden brown. It’s cooked very quickly—two to three minutes on each side—and then it’s covered in a buttery wine sauce with lemon juice and capers. Let’s dive in!.
This is a great recipe that is both quick and SO tasty. That soft meat with pasta is my favorite part. I love a big pile of spaghetti to soak up the buttery, bright sauce.
It’s an easy recipe that works great on a busy weeknight, but the dish is also fancy enough to serve to guests.
Veal cutlets will become a regular part of your meal plan once you learn how easy and quick they are to make.
Veal scallopini is a classic Italian dish featuring thin, tender slices of veal cooked quickly in a pan. With its delicate flavor, you’ll want to pair it with side dishes that complement without overpowering.
When considering what to serve with veal scallopini, think about sides that offer contrasting textures and flavors. Crispy and crunchy vegetables balance the tender veal beautifully Earthy mushrooms and onions provide depth, while bright lemon flavors add freshness
Below are 15 sensational side dish ideas that will take your veal scallopini meal to the next level.
1. Oven-Roasted Potatoes
Crispy oven-roasted potatoes are a perfect match for veal scallopini. As an excellent starchy side, the potatoes soak up any flavorful pan sauces. Roasting also caramelizes the potatoes, adding sweetness to contrast the savory veal. Red potatoes or fingerlings work well. Toss them in olive oil, garlic, and rosemary before roasting.
2. Sauteed Zucchini
Sauteed zucchini is a quick and healthy side dish with a bright, fresh flavor Thinly slice or julienne the zucchini, then saute in olive oil with minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon The crisp-tender zucchini provides texture and balances the richness of the veal.
3. Sauteed Spinach
Sauteed spinach offers color, texture, and plenty of nutrients. Cook the spinach with olive oil and garlic, adding a squeeze of lemon juice as well. The bold, earthy flavor of the spinach stands up well to veal scallopini.
4. Honey Glazed Carrots
For a pop of sweetness, make honey glazed carrots. Peel and slice carrots on the bias, then saute in butter with honey, salt, and pepper. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by the honey, creating a nice contrast to the savory veal.
5. Broccolini with Lemon
Broccolini sauteed in olive oil with garlic and lemon is a light and healthy accompaniment. Blanched briefly, the broccolini retains its crunch. The bright lemon cuts the richness of the veal scallopini beautifully.
6. Garlic Bread
Warm, crusty garlic bread is a classic pairing with Italian food. Rub toasted bread with a cut garlic clove, then drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. For extra flair, add parmesan, parsley, or red pepper flakes. Dip the bread in any pan sauces from the veal.
7. Rice Pilaf
Simple rice pilaf, made with broth, white rice, onion, and garlic, makes a basic yet flavorful side for soaking up pan sauces. For variation, use wild rice or a rice blend, or add herbs and vegetables. The mild pilaf lets the veal scallopini shine.
8. Orzo Pasta
Buttery orzo pasta tossed with fresh herbs and lemon is easy to make and pairs nicely with veal scallopini. For added flavor, use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water when cooking the orzo. Grated parmesan cheese over the pasta is another tasty addition.
9. Sauteed Mushrooms
Earthy, savory mushrooms sauteed in butter or olive oil magnify the rich umami flavors of the veal scallopini. Slice cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms and cook over medium-high heat until browned. Garlic, thyme, and a splash of wine or sherry amplify the flavors.
10. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper develop a sweet, nutty flavor that offsets the veal nicely. Toss with balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy boost. Pecans or bacon add crunch and smokiness as well.
11. Sauteed Bell Peppers
Sauteed bell peppers add a pop of color and provide texture contrast to tender veal scallopini. Cook sliced peppers in olive oil over high heat until slightly charred. The sweet, smoky peppers balance the rich veal.
12. Creamed Spinach
Buttery creamed spinach is a classic pairing for veal dishes. Cook chopped spinach in cream or half-and-half with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. The velvety texture and lush flavor complement veal scallopini wonderfully.
13. Tomato Salad
A fresh tomato salad offers brightness and acidity to cut the richness of the veal. Toss ripe tomatoes with sliced onion, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil. The juicy tomatoes also provide hydration to balance the protein.
14. Polenta
Creamy, savory polenta is a perfect base for serving veal scallopini. Cook polenta in broth according to package directions, then stir in butter and parmesan. The smooth, rich polenta soaks up any pan sauces from the veal gorgeously.
15. Parmesan Risotto
Creamy parmesan risotto is a splendid side for veal scallopini. The starchy Arborio rice becomes rich and velvety when cooked gradually with warm broth and wine. Stirring in parmesan cheese enhances the luxurious texture.
With so many tasty options, from crispy roasted veggies to fresh salads and savory mushrooms, you can create incredible veal scallopini meals. Pair the veal with one or more complementary sides for a well-rounded, satisfying dinner. Buon appetito!
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/veal-scallopini-with-lemon-2216650-hero-01-c33c2a35983c4aa2b76245daf542269b.jpg)
Notes, Pro Tips, and Science-Based Secrets
Maximize tenderness of the veal cutlets with these tips:
- Pounding is important because it makes the meat more tender and speeds up the cooking time, which makes this a great weeknight dish.
- The thin veal scallopini cooks very quickly, so keep an eye on the time. It only takes a few minutes on each side most of the time.
- Make sure you use a hot pan. Cooking over medium-high heat will seal in the juices of the veal quickly without leaving it in the pan for too long.
- Hints: Watch for the meat to get a golden-brown crust. In most cases, this means the veal is cooked but still soft.
- Batch Cooking: If your pan isn’t big enough for all the cutlets to fit without touching, you might want to cook them one at a time to make sure they cook evenly and avoid crowding, which can cause them to steam instead of sear.
- Resting: Take the meat out of the pan and cover it with foil. Let it rest for a few minutes. The veal will finish cooking without getting dry because of the residual heat.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: You can use a meat thermometer if you want to be very exact. For medium-rare, the temperature should reach 145°F (63°C), and for medium, it should reach 160°F (71°C).
What’s the difference between scallopini and veal piccata?
A more general term for these thin, pounded cutlets is “scallopini.” They can be sautéed with a wide range of sauces and ingredients. But a scallopini doesn’t have to have a lemon-caper sauce like this piccata sauce. It can have other kinds of sauces too.
Veal Scallopini Recipe – Laura Vitale – Laura in the Kitchen Episode 592
FAQ
What side dishes go with veal scallopini?
What does veal pair best with?
What is the difference between veal scallopini and veal piccata?
What is the best cut of veal for scallopini?
What to serve with veal scallopini?
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top of the veal scallopini. Serve veal scallopini with mushroom sauce over classic sides like spaghetti noodles or creamy mashed potatoes. You can also serve with rice! Or to lighten up this deliciously hearty dish you can pair it with low carb mashed cauliflower or zucchini noodles (AKA zoodles).
Can veal scallopini be served with mashed potatoes?
Veal scallopini has a delicate flavor that can be enhanced or destroyed by pairing with the wrong side dish. Even though it may be tempting to serve up a plate of good ol’ mashed potatoes, the side dish must enhance the flavor and presentation of your veal.
What to eat with scallopini?
Scallopini refers to the thin cutlets of veal that are dipped in flour and then pan-fried in a buttered oil. This dish is a delicious restaurant-worthy meal that is easy to make at home. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite side dishes to pair with this wonderfully appetizing entrée! 1. Oven Roasted Potatoes 2. Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions 3.
What to serve with veal?
Veal can be served with a range of side dishes, like roasted vegetables, sauteed green beans, potatoes, and risotto! It’s a decently versatile dish that goes well with many side dishes. Pair this with a crisp, clear white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Got leftovers?