How to Tenderize Veal Cutlets for Perfectly Juicy Meat Every Time

Veal cutlets can make for a quick delicious meal when properly prepared. However the lean cut of meat can easily turn out chewy and tough if not tenderized prior to cooking.

Luckily, tenderizing veal cutlets is a simple process. With the right techniques, you can transform your veal into fork-tender perfection.

In this complete guide, you’ll discover several easy methods for tenderizing veal cutlets at home. You’ll also learn handy tips for cooking tender veal cutlets that come out juicy and full of flavor.

So let’s get started and learn how to make tender veal cutlets!

Why Tenderizing Veal Cutlets is Key

Veal cutlets come from younger calves and contain less fat and connective tissue compared to beef. This makes the meat lean yet tough.

Tenderizing is essential for two main reasons:

• Breaks down tough muscle fibers
• Allows seasonings and marinades to penetrate

Tenderizing makes the veal easier to chew while enhancing flavor. It also enables even cooking so you avoid dry, chewy spots.

Overall, proper tenderizing transforms veal cutlets into a tender, mouthwatering meal.

4 Simple Ways to Tenderize Veal Cutlets

From using a mallet to marinating in acid, here are the top methods for tenderizing veal at home:

1. Pound with a Meat Mallet

Pounding with a meat mallet is a straightforward way to break down tough fibers in veal cutlets.

Simply place cutlets between plastic wrap or wax paper. Gently pound the meat using the spiked side of a mallet until thin and tender.

Be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll end up with mushy meat. Pound just until the spikes leave indents on the veal.

2. Marinate in Acidic Ingredients

Marinating veal in acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, wine, and dairy helps tenderize the meat.

The acid works to break down tough proteins and collagen. Buttermilk and yogurt containing lactic acid are especially effective.

Marinate cutlets for 2-12 hours, turning occasionally. Rinse off the marinade before cooking.

3. Use a Meat Tenderizer Tool

A manual meat tenderizer makes quick work of pounding veal cutlets. The metal blades easily break down connective tissues.

Simply pierce the cutlets thoroughly on both sides using the tenderizer. Take care not to overdo it and turn the veal to mush.

4. Inject a Marinade

Injecting a marinade directly into veal cutlets infuses flavor while tenderizing the interior.

Combine ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, garlic, herbs and use a meat injector to penetrate deep into the meat.

Distribute the marinade evenly throughout each cutlet.

Handy Tips for Cooking Tender Veal Cutlets

Once your veal cutlets are tenderized, keep these tips in mind for cooking:

• Let the veal come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.

• Use high heat like grilling or pan searing to quickly sear and retain moisture.

• Cook only to medium-rare, around 145°F internal temperature.

• Resist the urge to move the cutlets often while cooking.

• Add a knob of butter at the end for extra moisture and flavor.

• Let the cooked veal rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing to seal in the juices.

Following these simple tricks results in supremely tender, juicy veal cutlets every time!

Go-To Veal Cutlet Recipes to Try

Here are some classic veal cutlet dishes that benefit from proper tenderizing:

Breaded Veal Cutlets

• Tenderize thin cutlets with a mallet.
• Coat with egg wash and breadcrumbs.
• Pan fry until crispy.

Veal Saltimbocca

• Pound veal cutlets thin.
• Top with prosciutto and sage.
• Cook quickly and make pan sauce.

Veal Piccata

• Marinate cutlets in lemon juice mixture.
• Dredge in flour then pan sear.
• Finish with capers, butter, and broth.

Veal Marsala

• Pound cutlets and marinate in milk and Marsala wine.
• Sauté with mushrooms and make pan sauce.

Veal Milanese

• Soak cutlets in buttermilk, dredge in breadcrumbs.
• Pan fry until crispy and top with arugula salad.

With properly tenderized veal cutlets, the possibilities are endless for amazing veal dishes!

Get Perfectly Tender Veal Cutlets Every Time

Hopefully this guide has shown that tenderizing veal cutlets is easy and well worth the small amount of effort.

The right tenderizing technique transforms tough veal into supremely tender, delicious meat. This opens the door for all kinds of quick and satisfying veal cutlet recipes.

For your next veal dish, be sure to spend a few minutes prepping with one of these tenderizing methods. Pound, marinate or inject your cutlets for the juiciest, most mouthwatering veal imaginable.

With properly tenderized veal cutlets cooked to medium-rare, you’ll enjoy fork-tender meat bursting with flavor in every bite. So grab a mallet or marinade and start tenderizing your veal today!