Tender veal scallopini is lightly seasoned, pan-seared until golden, and topped with a rich homemade Marsala beef and mushroom gravy. Served over buttery egg noodles, this classic Veal Marsala recipe delivers a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Key Takeaways:
- Veal Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish made with tender veal cutlets, mushrooms, and a rich Marsala wine sauce.
- Thin veal cutlets cook in just a few minutes, making this an elegant meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
- Dry Marsala wine creates a balanced, savory sauce, while sweet Marsala produces a richer, slightly sweeter flavor.
- Lightly dredging the veal in flour helps create a golden crust and naturally thickens the sauce.
- Cremini, baby bella, or white button mushrooms all work well in traditional Veal Marsala recipes.
- Avoid overcooking the veal, as it can quickly become tough and lose its delicate texture.
- Veal Marsala pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, risotto, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
- Leftover Veal Marsala can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated over low heat to preserve its tenderness.
Overview
Veal Marsala is a traditional Italian-American entrée featuring thin veal cutlets that are lightly floured, pan-seared until golden, and finished in a savory Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms. Despite its restaurant-quality presentation, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home in about 30 minutes. The secret to exceptional Veal Marsala is cooking the veal quickly over medium-high heat to keep it tender while allowing the Marsala wine to reduce into a rich, flavorful sauce. Most recipes also include butter, garlic or shallots, chicken broth, and fresh herbs to create layers of flavor. This comforting dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or special occasions and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, pasta, risotto, or roasted vegetables.
Whether you choose chicken or veal, this classic Marsala recipe delivers rich, savory flavor and restaurant-quality results. Chicken is a budget-friendly option for everyday dinners, while veal creates an elegant entrée that’s perfect for special occasions. If you’re looking to impress, Veal Marsala is an excellent choice for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner or any celebratory meal. With its tender meat, earthy mushrooms, and rich Marsala wine sauce, this timeless dish looks sophisticated yet is surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
Preparation Of The Veal:
Flatten each veal cutlet to about 1/8 inch thick, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge the cutlets in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
The secret to tender veal is cooking it quickly. Overcooking can make the meat tough and chewy, while a brief sear keeps it juicy and tender with a beautifully golden crust.
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. Add a small amount of vegetable oil, then cook each cutlet for 30 to 45 seconds per side, just until lightly browned. Transfer the cooked cutlets to a plate and set them aside while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
Next Make The Sauce for Veal Marsala:
The sauce is a rich, savory gravy made with flavorful beef stock, giving this classic dish its signature depth. Homemade beef stock delivers a richer, more robust taste than most store-bought beef broth, making it well worth the effort. If you have vegetable trimmings and beef bones on hand, turning kitchen scraps into homemade stock is an excellent way to enhance the flavor of your cooking.
To prepare the sauce, sauté the mushrooms and shallots until tender and fragrant. Stir in the beef stock and Marsala wine, then whisk in a little flour to create a smooth, velvety gravy. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens and the alcohol cooks off. Just before serving, return the seared veal cutlets to the pan and gently warm them through, allowing them to soak up the rich Marsala sauce without overcooking.
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Veal Marsala
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 1 lb veal cutlets (4 - 6 cutlets)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 lb mushrooms sliced
- 3 cups beef stock homemade beef stock is best if you have it. (see notes for purchased stock)
- 2 shallots sliced thin.
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- ⅔ cup Marsala Wine
- 2 tbsp Wondra flour (thickener)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour for coating the veal scallopini
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Season the cutlets with salt and pepper and coat with the all-purpose flour
- Heat a skillet, add the vegetable oil, and cook the cutlets about 30-45 seconds a side or until slightly browned on each side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the butter to the pan. Add the shallots, and mushrooms, saute until the mushrooms are tender and the juices are evaporated. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant.
- Add the homemade beef broth and marsala wine. (see notes)
- Whisk in 2 Tbsp Wondra Flour (thickener) and heat until hot and bubbly.
- When the sauce is thickened, add the veal cutlets to the pan and cook until just hot(about 1 minute). Turn once to coat. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with warm cooked egg noodles.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ:
Can I use chicken instead of veal for this recipe?
How do I prevent the veal from becoming tough?
Do I have to use homemade beef stock?
What type of Marsala wine should I use?
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
What side dishes pair well with Veal Marsala?
Final Thoughts
Veal Marsala is proof that an elegant, restaurant-quality meal doesn’t have to be complicated. With tender veal cutlets, earthy mushrooms, and a rich Marsala wine sauce, this classic Italian-inspired dish delivers incredible flavor in surprisingly little time. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner for guests or simply elevating a weeknight meal, this recipe offers the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication.
Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the savory sauce. Once you’ve mastered this timeless recipe, you’ll have a versatile dish that’s sure to become a favorite for family dinners and special occasions alike. Enjoy every bite!
