Veal scallopini is a classic Italian dish that features tender, thin slices of veal dredged in flour and sautéed until golden brown. It’s then typically served with a flavorful pan sauce, like a bright lemon caper sauce.
While veal scallopini is absolutely delicious when freshly made, you may have leftovers that you want to reheat and enjoy again. Reheating this dish requires a bit of care to ensure the veal stays tender and the crust remains crispy.
In this article I’ll share my tips and tricks for reheating veal scallopini so you can revive those leftovers and have them tasting just as amazing as the first time around. Whether you made a big batch for meal prepping or simply have some remaining from dinner last night let’s get that veal back to its peak deliciousness!
How to Reheat Veal Scallopini in the Oven
One of my favorite methods for reheating veal scallopini is using the oven. The dry, ambient heat of the oven does a great job of crisping up the exterior of the veal cutlets while heating the interior at the same time.
Here’s how to do it:
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Pre-heat your oven to 300°F
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Place the veal scallopini in a baking dish or rimmed sheet pan in a single layer.
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Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps in moisture and prevents the veal from drying out.
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Bake for around 15 minutes, or until heated through. The veal should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Carefully remove the foil and bake for 2-3 more minutes to re-crisp the crust. Keep an eye on it so the breading doesn’t burn.
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Serve immediately for the best texture.
Baking is gentle enough that the veal doesn’t overcook, but still makes the crust nice and crispy. Just be careful when removing the foil as trapped steam can escape.
If you want, you can add a splash of lemon juice, white wine or chicken broth to the bottom of the baking dish. This provides extra moisture and allows the veal to soak up more flavor as it heats.
Using the Skillet to Re-Crisp Veal Scallopini
Another good option is reheating veal scallopini in the skillet you cooked it in originally. This lets you quickly re-crisp the crust by pan-frying it again. Here’s how to do it:
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Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in your skillet over medium heat.
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When hot, add your veal scallopini pieces in a single layer. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding.
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Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, pressing down gently with your spatula to maximize surface contact with the pan.
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Flip and repeat until the crust is golden brown and the veal is warmed through, about 5 minutes total.
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You can add a splash of lemon juice or white wine to the pan while reheating to reinforce the bright flavors.
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Serve right away for optimum texture.
The benefit of using the skillet is that you can really focus on getting the crust crispy again. Just be careful not to overcook the veal, as it can go from tender to chewy very quickly.
Reheating Veal Scallopini in the Microwave
I’ll be honest, the microwave is my least favorite method for reheating veal scallopini. It does the job of heating up the veal, but it makes the crust soggy. However, I know many people rely on the convenience of the microwave so it’s still an option.
Here are a few tips to improve the results:
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Place the veal on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer. Cover with a damp paper towel to add some moisture.
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Microwave on 50% power in 30 second intervals just until heated through, about 2-3 minutes total. This prevents overcooking.
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Let the veal rest, covered, for 1-2 minutes after microwaving. This allows the moisture level to even out.
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Transfer to a skillet to re-crisp the crust, if desired.
While the microwave won’t magically make the crust crispy again, it does quickly bring the veal up to a safe eating temperature with minimal effort.
How to Store Leftover Veal Scallopini
Having a game plan for storing the leftovers properly will make reheating easier later on. Here are some storage tips:
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Let the veal cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation build-up that can make the crust soggy.
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Place the veal in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. For sauce, transfer to a separate small container.
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Refrigerate for up to 4 days. The veal may start to dry out after that.
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You can also freeze veal scallopini for 1-2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Proper storage keeps the veal moist and the crust from getting mushy before you reheat it. Label your containers with dates so you use the leftovers on time.
Serving Reheated Veal Scallopini
Once your veal is reheated, you’ll want to serve it for maximum enjoyment. Here are some serving suggestions:
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Serve over pasta or creamy polenta to balance the richness of the veal.
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Pair it with simply roasted or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus or zucchini.
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Offer lemon wedges for squeezing over the veal right before eating.
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Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives for color.
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Pass extra sauce in a gravy boat for spooning over each portion.
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Offer crusty bread for soaking up any remaining sauce.
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Chill a bottle of the same white wine used in the sauce for an elegant pairing.
Common Questions about Reheating Veal Scallopini
Can you reheat veal scallopini in the oven?
Yes, the oven is one of the best ways to reheat veal scallopini. Bake it covered in foil at 300°F until heated through, then uncover and bake 2-3 minutes more to re-crisp the crust.
Does reheated veal scallopini need sauce?
Not necessarily, but sauce can provide extra moisture and flavor. Reheat sauce separately or add a splash of lemon juice, wine or broth to the pan or baking dish before reheating.
How long does reheated veal scallopini last?
Properly stored, reheated veal scallopini will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheated sauce keeps for 5-7 days refrigerated. Eat within that timeframe for the best quality and safety.
Can I reheat breaded veal in the air fryer?
Yes, an air fryer works well for reheating breaded veal like scallopini. Cook at 350°F for 4-6 minutes until hot and crispy. Mist with oil or broth to prevent drying out.
Is it OK to reheat veal scallopini twice?
It’s best to only reheat veal scallopini once. The texture and crust will degrade with multiple reheatings. For food safety, only reheat leftovers once before discarding.
Enjoy Restored Leftover Veal Scallopini
Reviving leftover veal scallopini to be just as delicious as the original takes a little strategy. Now that you know how to properly reheat it in the oven, skillet or microwave, you can confidently store and enjoy your veal again later.
I hope these tips help you cut down on food waste while still enjoying tender, flavorful veal scallopini even after the initial meal. Get creative with servings like veal sandwiches, salads and pasta bakes. With the right technique, your leftovers will taste freshly cooked once more.