Turkish Veal Scallopini with Lemon and Herbs
Dana Scallopini
Tender veal cutlets are pan-fried until golden and finished with a bright lemon-butter sauce infused with Turkish herbs. The meat becomes incredibly tender with a beautiful golden crust, while the sauce adds a tangy, aromatic finish. This elegant dish brings restaurant-quality dining to your home table with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare veal cutlets
Place veal cutlets between plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet to 5mm thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then dust lightly with flour, shaking off excess. The meat should feel tender and look evenly flattened. Do not over-pound as the meat will become mushy.
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Heat cooking fat
Heat 2 tbsp butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes. The butter should foam and smell nutty but not brown. The oil prevents the butter from burning at higher temperatures. Do not let the butter turn dark brown.
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Cook veal cutlets
Add veal cutlets to the hot pan, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat. The meat should develop a golden-brown crust and feel firm but not hard when pressed. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Do not move the cutlets too early or they won't develop proper color.
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Remove and rest
Transfer cooked veal to a warm plate and cover with foil. Let rest for 3-4 minutes while preparing the sauce. The internal temperature should reach 60ยฐC for medium-rare. The meat should feel springy but not tough. Do not let the meat get cold.
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Make herb sauce
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter and lemon juice, swirling for 1-2 minutes until the sauce emulsifies. The sauce should coat a spoon lightly. Do not let the garlic burn or the sauce will taste bitter.
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Finish and serve
Remove pan from heat and stir in chopped dill and parsley for 30 seconds. Return veal to the pan briefly to warm through, then serve immediately. The herbs should be bright green and aromatic. Do not overcook the herbs or they will lose their fresh flavor.
Tips
Cooking Tips
Pound the veal between plastic wrap rather than parchment paper to prevent tearing, and keep the mallet strikes light and even to avoid creating holes in the delicate meat.
Alternatives
If veal is unavailable, chicken breast pounded thin works well, though cook for 3-4 minutes per side. Turkey cutlets are another good substitute with similar cooking times.
Serving & Storage
Serve immediately with buttered rice pilaf or roasted vegetables. This dish doesn't reheat well, so prepare only what you'll eat fresh. Leftover veal can be sliced cold for sandwiches within 2 days.
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