Description
This Authentic Veal Milanese (Cotolette alla Milanese) is a classic Italian dish featuring tender veal cutlets coated in a crisp, golden breadcrumb crust and fried in clarified butter. Simple yet refined, it’s a traditional favorite that’s juicy inside, crunchy outside, and beautifully served with lemon and salad.
Ingredients
4 bone-in veal cutlets, about ¾ inch thick, trimmed
2 medium eggs
2 cups breadcrumbs
1 cup clarified butter (or ghee)
1 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 lemon, quartered
Instructions
- Make two or three small cuts along the edges of each veal cutlet to prevent curling during cooking.
- Heat clarified butter in a large pan over medium-high heat (around 375°F / 190°C) until hot.
- Whisk the eggs in a shallow dish until smooth.
- Set up a breading station: one plate with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Coat each veal cutlet by dredging first in flour, then dipping in egg, and finally coating with breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs firmly so they adhere well.
- Fry each cutlet for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Transfer fried cutlets to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess butter.
- Season immediately with salt and pepper. Keep warm in a 175°F (80°C) oven while finishing the remaining cutlets.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges for drizzling and a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.
Notes
Use bone-in veal cutlets for the juiciest texture and best flavor.
Press breadcrumbs firmly to ensure the coating doesn’t fall off while frying.
For extra flavor, add grated Parmigiano Reggiano or chopped parsley to the breadcrumbs.
Use clarified butter or ghee instead of regular butter to prevent burning.
For a lighter version, substitute chicken or turkey cutlets for veal.
Reheat leftovers in the oven to restore crispiness — avoid microwaving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
