Scaloppine al Prosciutto (Veal with White Wine Pan Sauce)

Thin, quickly cooked veal is the defining feature of Italian scaloppine: delicate escalopes served with a glossy pan sauce rather than a heavy coating. In this version, prosciutto adds savoury depth and a gentle saltiness, while dry white wine lifts the browned pan juices into a bright, buttery sauce. The dish is best served straight from the pan, when the veal is still tender and the sauce is silky enough to spoon over each piece. It makes a polished but practical dinner, especially with simple sides such as greens, potatoes or bread for catching the sauce.
Cuisine style Italian trattoria-style
Flavor profile Savoury • Rich • Umami-led
Techniques Light flour dredging • Pan-frying • White wine reduction
Key equipment Large frying pan • Whisk
Cooking style Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 30 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Classic pan-sauce method: The lightly floured veal browns quickly and leaves enough fond in the pan to build a simple, flavourful sauce.
  • Savoury depth: Prosciutto releases salty, umami-rich fat before the wine is added, giving the sauce more character without a long simmer.
  • Silky finish: Whisking in cold butter over gentle heat gives the reduced wine sauce a glossy, lightly thickened texture.

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Authenticity notes

  • About scaloppine: Scaloppine refers to thin slices of meat cooked quickly and finished with a pan sauce, a familiar Italian technique rather than a heavy breaded cutlet.
  • Prosciutto variation: Prosciutto adds a saltier, more savoury profile than lemon-led versions, while the white wine keeps the sauce bright.

Timing notes

  • Have everything ready: Once the veal is in the pan, the recipe moves quickly. Keep the wine, butter and parsley close before you start frying.
  • Serve straight away: The veal is at its best as soon as it is warmed through in the sauce; leaving it to sit can make the meat tighten and the sauce lose its gloss.

Common mistakes

  • Cooking the veal too long: Thin veal cutlets need only brief browning before they finish gently in the sauce. Extended frying can make them dry and firm.
  • Boiling after adding butter: Keep the heat low once the butter goes in. Boiling can cause the sauce to split instead of staying silky.

Serving ideas

  • Simple sides: Serve with sautéed greens, roasted potatoes, polenta or buttered noodles to catch the white wine sauce.
  • Bread for the pan sauce: A piece of crusty bread works well alongside the veal, especially if you want to make the most of the buttery wine reduction.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Season the veal on both sides with the fine sea salt and black pepper. Put the plain flour in a shallow bowl and lightly coat the veal, shaking off any excess.
  2. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Fry the veal for 60 to 90 seconds per side until lightly golden, then transfer to a warm plate.
  3. Lay the prosciutto in the pan and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, just until it turns glossy and releases some fat. Pour in the white wine and scrape up the browned bits, then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until reduced by about half.
  4. Lower the heat and whisk in the butter a little at a time until the sauce looks silky and lightly thickened; do not let it boil. Return the veal and any resting juices to the pan, spooning sauce over the top, and warm for 1 to 2 minutes until the veal is just cooked through.
  5. Stir in most of the fresh parsley, then taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more fine sea salt and black pepper if needed. Serve straight away with the prosciutto and white wine sauce spooned over the veal, finished with the remaining parsley.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Keep the veal thin so it cooks quickly and stays tender; if it is thicker than about 5 mm, gently flatten it between two sheets of baking paper with a rolling pin.
  • Let the white wine reduce properly before adding the butter so the sauce tastes rounded rather than sharp.
  • If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, make sure the veal is cooked through and the sauce is simmered well.

Substitutions

  • Replace white wine with dry sherry for a slightly richer, nuttier sauce.
  • Replace fresh parsley with fresh basil for a softer, sweeter herbal finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool quickly and refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a frying pan over a low heat with a splash of water, just until piping hot; avoid boiling or the sauce may split and the veal may toughen.

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Scaloppine al Prosciutto (Veal with White Wine Pan Sauce)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 25min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Allergens:
    Gluten Milk Wheat
Beginner friendly One pot

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