Aromatic Milanese veal cutlet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep time: 20 min
- Cook time: 10 min
- Serving: 4
- Cost: Low
- Note + resting times (15 min total)
PRESENTATION
Veal cutlet milanese is, for real, one of those dishes you just have to try if you ever find yourself in Lombardy, right up there in Northern Italy. They use the "manico" loin cut—bone-in—for a reason: it's super juicy and full of flavor. And look, the breading? It's not your average kind. Infused with fresh sage and lemon zest, it gives each bite a fragrant twist you won't find in your typical breaded veal cutlet. Seriously, when it sizzles in butter, it forms a golden crust that's a delicious mix of herbs and citrus.
Now, here's the deal: the meat stays tender and a bit pink inside, just how it should be. Unlike the thin, flat orecchia d’elefante style, this version keeps the bone in—making it truly authentic veal milanese. Throughout Northern Italy, they've got all these variations—Cotoletta alla milanese della nonna, cheesy Costoletta alla valdostana—but nothing quite captures that crispy crust with such aromatic depth.
Thing is, when you get into a real veal milanese recipe, you'll notice the zesty hint from the lemon and that burst of sage cutting through the rich, buttery breading. And you know what? People rave about this coating being both light and crunchy—which lets the veal really really shine. That's why this veal milanese with lemon is so loved on Milan's Sunday tables—the flavors just blend perfectly. No question, it's a winner. Whether you're exploring other Italian veal dishes or just craving something that's both crispy and juicy, this Milanese-style veal pulls together Northern Italian tradition with a fresh, aromatic touch that's hard to beat.
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INGREDIENTS
- Veal chops 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) - bone-in (4 x about 400 g / 14 oz each)
- Bread crumbs 5 cups (600 g)
- Eggs 4
- Grana Padano PDO cheese 1.75 oz (50 g)
- Sage 20 leaves
- Lemon peel 1 - untreated
- Fine salt to taste
- To cook
- Butter to taste
How to prepare Aromatic Milanese veal cutlet
To prepare the aromatic Milanese veal cutlet, start with the breading: beat the eggs 1 and pour them into a shallow dish 2, then chop the sage leaves with a knife 3.
Put the bread crumbs in a mixer 4 and blend until reduced to crumbs. Spread the crumbs on a tray, then add half of the chopped sage 5 and the grated lemon zest 6.
Season with pepper 7 and grated cheese 8, then mix everything well 9.
Now take the veal cutlets and press them lightly with your hands; if necessary, score the cartilage along the edge to prevent them from curling during cooking. Dip the cutlets first in the egg 10 and then in the breading 11, making sure to coat them well on both sides. Let the breaded cutlets rest for about 10 minutes so the coating will adhere well to the meat. After this time, melt the butter in a large skillet 12.
When the butter begins to sizzle, lay the cutlet in the pan. Flavor with the remaining sage leaves 13 and cook over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes. Add the remaining butter during cooking to lower the temperature and prevent it from burning 14. Once well browned, turn the cutlet to the other side and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes 15.
When you have achieved an even, crispy golden color, drain the cutlet on paper towels, pat well 16 and let rest for 4 minutes 16. Finally, salt to taste 17. Your aromatic Milanese veal cutlet is ready to be served 18!