Veal Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

Veal Parmesan is an Italian-American classic that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With its crispy, golden-brown veal cutlets, rich marinara sauce, and a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this dish offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a special meal for a family gathering, Veal Parmesan is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What makes Veal Parmesan so irresistible is the combination of tender veal, crunchy breading, and the savory sauce and cheese that bring it all together. The dish is easy to prepare and perfect for those who love Italian flavors. Traditionally, veal cutlets are pounded thin, breaded, and pan-fried until golden, then topped with marinara sauce and cheese before being baked until bubbly and delicious.

In this guide, we’ll take you through every step of making the perfect Veal Parmesan, from selecting the best veal to creating a homemade marinara sauce. We’ll also provide tips for making the dish your own and suggestions for creative variations. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and perfect for anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful Italian dish.

Why You’ll Love Veal Parmesan

• Classic Italian Flavor: Veal Parmesan is a perfect representation of traditional Italian-American comfort food, with its combination of veal, marinara sauce, and melted cheese.
• Tender and Crispy: The veal cutlets are lightly breaded and pan-fried, giving them a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, juicy interior.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is sure to impress guests at any dinner party, family gathering, or special occasion. It’s easy to make but tastes like something you’d order at an upscale Italian restaurant.
• Versatile: You can customize the dish by adding extra ingredients like sautéed mushrooms or spinach, or serve it with your favorite sides.
• Easy to Prepare: While the recipe requires a few steps, it’s not difficult to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish can be made by home cooks of all skill levels.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 600-700 calories per serving, depending on portion size and ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 600-700 kcal
• Fat: 30-35g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Protein: 40-45g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 8-10g

Ingredients

For the Veal Parmesan:

• 4 veal cutlets (about 4-6 oz each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs with added Italian seasoning)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for frying)

For Homemade Marinara Sauce (Optional):

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Veal Cutlets

Start by preparing the veal cutlets. If your veal is thick, you may want to pound the cutlets to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Place the veal cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them to about 1/2 inch thickness. This helps tenderize the meat and ensures an even cook.

Once the veal cutlets are properly prepared, season both sides with salt and pepper. Set the cutlets aside as you prepare the breading station.

2. Prepare the Breading Station

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:

• Bowl 1: Add the flour and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be used to coat the veal before dipping it into the egg wash.
• Bowl 2: In a second bowl, whisk the eggs and water together to create the egg wash. This helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the veal.
• Bowl 3: In the third bowl, mix the Italian-style breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture will give the veal its crispy, flavorful coating.

3. Bread the Veal Cutlets

Dip each veal cutlet into the flour mixture, making sure it is fully coated on both sides. Then dip the floured veal into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the veal cutlet in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick evenly.

Repeat the process with the remaining veal cutlets.

4. Fry the Veal Cutlets

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded veal cutlets to the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry the cutlets in batches if necessary. Cook each cutlet for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. The veal should be cooked through, but not dry.

Once cooked, transfer the veal cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

5. Prepare the Marinara Sauce (Optional)

If you’re making your own marinara sauce, start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree the sauce to your desired consistency.

6. Assemble the Veal Parmesan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). To assemble the Veal Parmesan, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the fried veal cutlets on top of the sauce. Spoon additional marinara sauce over each cutlet, making sure the veal is well-covered.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each veal cutlet, then top with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese.

7. Bake the Veal Parmesan

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. For an extra golden and crispy top, you can broil the Veal Parmesan for 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Once the Veal Parmesan is ready, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve the Veal Parmesan with a side of pasta, a fresh salad, or some garlic bread for a complete Italian meal.

Tips for Perfect Veal Parmesan

• Choose the Right Veal: For the best flavor and tenderness, use high-quality veal cutlets. Look for veal that is pale pink and has a fine texture.
• Pounding the Veal: Pounding the veal to an even thickness helps ensure that it cooks evenly and stays tender. If you don’t have a meat mallet, a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan works well.
• Breadcrumbs: For extra flavor, use Italian-style breadcrumbs or add Italian seasoning to plain breadcrumbs. You can also make your own breadcrumbs by toasting and grinding up day-old bread.
• Fry the Cutlets in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying the veal. This allows each cutlet to get crispy and golden. If necessary, fry the veal in two batches.
• Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the veal cutlets ahead of time by breading and frying them in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then assemble and bake them just before serving.
• Use Fresh Mozzarella: While shredded mozzarella works well, using fresh mozzarella adds a deliciously creamy texture that complements the veal perfectly.

Variations of Veal Parmesan

• Chicken Parmesan: If you prefer chicken, simply substitute the veal with chicken cutlets. Chicken Parmesan is a popular variation and is just as delicious.
• Eggplant Parmesan: For a vegetarian version, substitute the veal with thin slices of eggplant. Bread and fry the eggplant slices as you would with the veal, then top with sauce and cheese.
• Veal Parmesan Sub Sandwich: For a fun twist, serve the Veal Parmesan on a soft sub roll for a hearty sandwich. Add some extra marinara sauce and mozzarella for a cheesy, satisfying lunch.
• Spicy Veal Parmesan: Add a bit of heat by incorporating red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce or sprinkling them on top of the veal cutlets before baking.
• Veal Parmesan with Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms and add them to the sauce for an earthy, umami-rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the veal.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Veal Parmesan

• Spaghetti: Classic spaghetti with marinara sauce is the perfect side dish for Veal Parmesan. The long pasta complements the rich sauce and cheese.
• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread is always a hit when served with Italian dishes like Veal Parmesan. It’s perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
• Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crispy romaine lettuce, croutons, and tangy dressing provides a nice contrast to the richness of the Veal Parmesan.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots, make a great side dish for Veal Parmesan. Their natural sweetness complements the savory veal.
• Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus adds a touch of elegance to the meal while offering a light, crunchy contrast to the richness of the Veal Parmesan.

Storage and Shelf Life

Veal Parmesan is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the veal in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

You can also freeze Veal Parmesan for up to 3 months. To freeze, assemble the veal with sauce and cheese, but do not bake. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. To cook, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes.

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Conclusion

Veal Parmesan is a classic, comforting Italian-American dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy veal cutlets, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you stick with the traditional recipe or get creative with variations, Veal Parmesan is a timeless favorite that’s easy to make and always delicious. Serve it with your favorite sides for a full Italian feast, and enjoy every bite!