Barefoot Contessa Veal Piccata Recipe

The Barefoot Contessa Veal Piccata recipe is loved by many home cooks. It is simple, bright and full of lemon flavor. This classic Italian dish feels fancy but is very easy to make.

You do not need expert skills. You only need simple ingredients and a little care. Barefoot Contessa Veal Piccata recipe is great for family meals or date nights. You will enjoy every tender bite.

You can also learn how to make Barefoot Contessa Veal Piccata again and again with confidence.

My Experience With This Recipe

I first tried this Veal Piccata on a quiet weekend. The aroma of lemon butter filled my kitchen and made me smile. The veal cooked fast and stayed soft. The sauce looked glossy and rich.

I loved how fresh the capers tasted. It felt like restaurant food but made at home. I felt proud serving it. My family kept asking for more. That is when this recipe became special for me.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Barefoot Contessa Veal Piccata
• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian American
• Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large skillet
• Meat mallet
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Plate for dredging
• Citrus juicer

Ingredients You Need for Barefoot Contessa Veal Piccata Recipe

• 1 pound veal cutlets
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Pound the veal

Place veal between plastic wrap sheets. Gently pound until thin and even for quick tender cooking results every time.

2. Season the veal

Sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides of the veal slices. This helps build flavor and keeps meat tasty through cooking.

3. Dredge in flour

Coat each veal piece lightly in flour. Shake off extra flour to avoid gummy texture while frying later inside pan.

4. Heat the pan

Add butter and olive oil to skillet. Heat over medium flame until butter melts and starts gently bubbling around edges evenly.

5. Cook the veal

Place veal in hot pan without crowding. Cook briefly on each side until golden brown and tender, then remove carefully.

6. Make the sauce base

Add chicken broth into same skillet. Scrape browned bits with spoon to release flavor and create deep tasty sauce foundation.

7. Add lemon juice

Pour fresh lemon juice into the pan. Let it simmer gently so sauce thickens slightly and smells fresh and bright.

8. Stir in capers

Add capers to sauce. They give sharp salty taste which balances lemon butter flavor beautifully and feels very Italian.

9. Return veal to pan

Place cooked veal back into skillet. Spoon sauce over pieces and let them warm together to absorb bright lemon flavors.

10. Finish with butter and parsley

Stir remaining butter and parsley into sauce. It turns glossy, rich and silky, perfect for serving immediately with sides.

Tips to Make the Best Barefoot Contessa Veal Piccata Recipe

• Use thin veal for tenderness
• Do not overcook the meat
• Fresh lemon juice tastes better
• Do not skip capers
• Butter should not burn
• Preheat pan properly
• Serve right away for best texture

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using thick veal slices
• Overcrowding the pan
• Not drying veal before flouring
• Burning the butter
• Adding too much flour to sauce
• Skipping seasoning step

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes or simple rice. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus. Crusty bread is great to soak up the lemon butter sauce.

A light green salad keeps the meal fresh and balanced. This Barefoot Contessa Veal Piccata recipe works well for both simple dinners and special celebrations.

Variations You Can Try

• Use chicken instead of veal
• Add white wine to sauce
• Add garlic for deeper flavor
• Use lime instead of lemon
• Add cream for richer sauce

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in airtight container
• Keep in fridge for two days only
• Reheat gently on low heat
• Do not microwave too long
• Add splash of broth while reheating

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	32 g
Fat	22 g
Carbohydrates	18 g
Fiber	1 g

Health Benefits

Veal is a great source of protein which helps build strong muscles. The lemon juice adds vitamin C and a fresh taste without heavy cream.

Olive oil brings healthy fats. The dish feels light but still filling. When eaten with salad or vegetables, it becomes a balanced and satisfying meal.

FAQs about Barefoot Contessa Veal Piccata Recipe

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the veal earlier, but it tastes best fresh. Reheating may change texture slightly, so warm gently and add extra sauce.

2. What can I use if I cannot find veal?
You can easily use thin chicken breasts instead of veal. The steps stay the same and the flavor remains bright and delicious overall.

3. Do I really need capers in this recipe?
Capers add a special salty taste that balances the lemon sauce nicely. You can skip them, but the Barefoot Contessa Veal Piccata recipe flavor will be slightly less complex.

4. Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes, just simmer the sauce a little longer. It will reduce slowly and become richer without adding flour or cream at all.

Final Thoughts

The Barefoot Contessa Veal Piccata recipe is elegant yet simple. It is perfect for anyone who loves bright lemon flavors and tender meat.

If you ever wondered how to make Barefoot Contessa Veal Piccata, this guide will help you with easy steps.

Try it once, and it may become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy cooking, share with loved ones, and have fun at the table.