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Veal Cutlets with Thyme Butter Sauce

This elegant veal cutlets with thyme butter sauce is a sophisticated choice for those seeking a high-protein dinner that doesn't compromise on flavour. The tender veal scallops are coated in crisp panko breadcrumbs and fried until golden, providing a wonderful textural contrast to the velvety sauce. Infused with fresh thyme, shallots, and a bright splash of lemon, the butter-based reduction adds a luxurious finish that elevates the dish to restaurant standards.

Perfect for a weekend treat or an impressive dinner party main, this recipe showcases how simple techniques can produce complex, savoury results. Serve these cutlets alongside some steamed green beans or buttery crushed potatoes to soak up the delicious herb-flecked sauce. It is a wonderfully comforting yet light meal that highlights the delicate flavour of quality veal.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Veal Cutlets with Thyme Butter Sauce

  • 675g veal scallops, pounded to 1/8-inch thickness

  • 250g panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)*

  • 120ml plain flour

  • 2 large eggs

  • 240ml dry white wine

  • 240ml low-salt chicken broth

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

  • 1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves

  • 1/4 cup chopped shallots

  • 275ml (about) chilled butter, cut into tablespoon-size pieces, divided

  • 2 tablespoons whipping cream

  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives

How to make Veal Cutlets with Thyme Butter Sauce

Sprinkle veal with salt and pepper. Place panko in large shallow bowl. Place flour in medium bowl. Beat eggs just to blend in another medium bowl. Working in batches, coat veal cutlets in flour, then egg, then panko, pressing gently to adhere. Place on rimmed baking sheet. (Can be prepared 2 hours ahead. Cover and chill.)

Place wine, broth, lemon juice, thyme, and shallots in heavy large skillet. Cook over medium heat until liquid is reduced almost to glaze, about 10 minutes. Add 150ml butter, 2 tablespoons at a time, whisking constantly and blending well between additions. Whisk in cream. Remove from heat. Cover to keep sauce warm.

Preheat oven to 93°C. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches and adding more butter by tablespoonfuls as needed, cook veal until brown and cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to another rimmed baking sheet and place in oven to keep warm.

Gently rewarm sauce over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Divide veal among 4 plates. Drizzle sauce over veal, sprinkle with chives, and serve.

*Available at many supermarkets and at Asian markets.

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.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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