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Veal Scallopini with Brown Butter and Capers

This classic veal scallopini with brown butter and capers is a sophisticated yet deceptively simple dish that brings an elegant touch to your dinner table. The tender veal is lightly floured and pan-fried until golden, then finished in a rich, nutty beurre noisette. The sharp acidity of the red wine vinegar and the briny punch of the capers provide a beautiful contrast to the buttery sauce, creating a balanced and savoury flavour profile that feels truly indulgent.

Perfect for an effortless midweek treat or an impressive weekend supper, this quick-cooking meal pairs wonderfully with steamed greens or buttery mashed potatoes. While the veal provides a delicate base, the fresh flat-leaf parsley adds a vibrant finish to the plate. This recipe is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-protein, refined dish that can be prepared from start to finish in less than twenty minutes.

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Ingredients for Veal Scallopini with Brown Butter and Capers

  • 3 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil

  • 120ml plain flour

  • 450g thin veal scallopini (less than 1/4 inch thick)

  • 1/2 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons drained small capers

  • 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

How to make Veal Scallopini with Brown Butter and Capers

Heat a 12-inch heavy skillet (not nonstick) over high heat until hot, then add oil and heat until it shimmers.

Meanwhile, stir together flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoons pepper, then pat veal dry and dredge in flour, knocking off excess.

Cook veal in 2 batches, turning once, until browned and just cooked through, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate.

Discard oil from skillet, then add butter and cook over medium heat, shaking skillet frequently, until browned and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in vinegar, capers, and 1/4 teaspoons each of salt and pepper. Return veal to skillet just to heat through, then sprinkle with parsley.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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