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veal piccata recipe

Easy Tender Veal Piccata with Lemon-Caper Sauce

This quick and elegant veal piccata recipe features tender cutlets in a bright lemon-caper sauce, perfect for a sophisticated weeknight dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb veal scallopini
  • Kosher salt
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • All-purpose flour for dredging
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 8 tablespoons butter divided: 2 tablespoons + 6 tablespoons
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Heat up your skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of canola oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.
  2. Wait for that magic moment when the oil starts to shimmer—that’s when you know it’s hot enough.
  3. Gently place your floured veal in the pan, giving each piece enough room to brown properly.
  4. Cook each side just until lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  5. Once done, transfer the veal to a warm plate and pop it in the oven at a low temperature to keep it cozy while you make the sauce.
  6. For that signature piccata sauce—the real star of the show—melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter in the same pan, capturing all those flavorful brown bits from cooking the veal.
  7. Add the juice of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons of capers, using your spatula to scrape up all the delicious fond from the bottom of the pan.
  8. Let this mixture simmer for about 30 seconds until slightly thickened.
  9. Finally, plate your veal, drizzle that luxurious sauce over top, and finish with a sprinkle of 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

For best results, use thin veal cutlets and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning and a perfect sauce.