Veal Marsala
A classic Italian-American dish featuring tender, pan-fried veal cutlets bathed in a rich, savory sauce of Marsala wine and earthy mushrooms. This elegant, restaurant-quality meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a special weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Veal
- b.If your veal cutlets are thicker than 1/4 inch, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- c.In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper.
- d.Lightly dredge each veal cutlet in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Gently shake off any excess flour.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sear the Veal
- b.In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter over medium-high heat.
- c.Once the butter is melted and foaming, carefully place the veal cutlets in the pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
- d.Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- e.Transfer the cooked veal to a plate and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Mushrooms and Aromatics
- b.Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.
- c.Add the finely chopped shallots and cook for about 1 minute, stirring until they become fragrant and soften.
- d.Add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they have released their moisture and are nicely browned.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create the Marsala Sauce
- b.Pour the dry Marsala wine into the skillet to deglaze. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits (the 'fond') from the bottom of the pan.
- c.Bring the wine to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until it has reduced by about half.
- d.Stir in the chicken broth, bring the sauce back to a simmer, and cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Return the seared veal cutlets and any accumulated juices from the plate back to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- c.Spoon some of the mushrooms and sauce over the veal. Let everything simmer together for 1-2 minutes to heat the veal through.
- d.Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- e.Serve immediately, spooning the generous mushroom sauce over the veal.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use a good quality dry Marsala wine, not the sweet variety.
- 2Pounding the veal to an even 1/4-inch thickness is key to ensuring it cooks quickly and tenderly.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the veal. Cook in batches to get a perfect golden-brown crust on each cutlet.
- 4The 'fond'—the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan after searing—is packed with flavor. Be sure to scrape it all up when you add the wine.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Version
For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end of step 4, just before returning the veal to the pan.
Chicken MarsalaChicken Marsala
Substitute the veal cutlets with thinly pounded chicken breasts for a classic alternative. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Pork MarsalaPork Marsala
Use thin, boneless pork loin chops, pounded to an even thickness, for a different and delicious flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Veal is a high-quality protein that is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
This dish provides significant amounts of B vitamins, particularly Niacin (B3), B6, and B12, which are crucial for energy metabolism, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Provides Key Minerals
Both veal and mushrooms contribute important minerals like zinc, phosphorus, and selenium, which support immune function, bone health, and antioxidant defenses.
Frequently asked questions
Veal Marsala is a rich and indulgent dish. While veal itself is a lean source of protein and B vitamins, the sauce contains butter and wine. It can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. To make it lighter, you can reduce the amount of butter.