The Costoletta alla Milanese Recipe is a classic Italian dish featuring a breaded and fried veal cutlet, cooked until it is perfectly golden and crispy. This iconic dish hails from Milan, Italy, and represents the best of Milanese cuisine, combining simplicity with full flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, Costoletta alla Milanese is made by coating a tender veal chop in breadcrumbs and then pan-frying it to crispy perfection in butter. The result is a delicious cutlet with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. This dish is often served with a wedge of lemon and a light salad, making it an ideal meal for both casual dinners and elegant gatherings.
Why is it Called “Costoletta alla Milanese”?
Costoletta alla Milanese, which translates to “Milanese-style cutlet,” is named after its origins in Milan, a city in the northern region of Italy. The dish dates back to the 19th century and has since become a staple in Milanese cuisine. The term “Costoletta” refers to a bone-in veal chop, while “Milanese” highlights the traditional cooking style of breaded and pan-fried dishes popular in the region. It is believed that the method of coating meat in breadcrumbs and frying it was introduced to Milan by Spanish and Austrian influences. The simplicity of the ingredients, coupled with the flavorful crispy crust, makes Costoletta alla Milanese a beloved dish that embodies the rustic yet refined spirit of Milanese cooking.
How Should Costoletta alla Milanese Taste?
Costoletta alla Milanese should have a crispy and golden-brown crust with a tender and juicy interior. The veal chop should be perfectly seasoned, and the breadcrumb coating should add a crunchy texture that contrasts with the succulent meat. The butter used for frying adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the mild taste of the veal. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances the flavors, adding a hint of acidity that balances out the richness of the meat and breadcrumbs. Each bite should be flavorful and crispy, with the veal remaining tender and moist inside, making it a satisfying dish for all occasions.
How to Make it Super Yummy or Perfect?
To make the best Costoletta alla Milanese, follow these tips:
- Use Quality Veal Chops: Use bone-in veal chops of equal size for even cooking and a juicy texture. The bone helps retain the meat’s moisture during frying.
- Pound the Veal: Pound the veal chop slightly to an even thickness. This ensures quick and even cooking without overcooking the exterior.
- Bread the Cutlet Thoroughly: Dip the veal chop in flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs to create a firm coating. This helps achieve a crispy crust when fried.
- Use Butter for Frying: Fry the veal in clarified butter for the authentic taste and to achieve a perfect golden color. Butter adds a nutty flavor that enhances the dish.
- Serve with Lemon Wedges: Serving Costoletta alla Milanese with a wedge of lemon adds a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the fried veal.
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Costoletta alla Milanese Recipe
Equipment
- Meat mallet
- Shallow bowls for dredging
- Large skillet
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in veal chops
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup clarified butter for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Veal Chops:
- Season the veal chops with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Using a meat mallet, pound the veal chops slightly to ensure even thickness.
Bread the Veal Chops:
- Place flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls.
- Dredge each veal chop in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Finally, press the veal chop into the breadcrumbs, coating it evenly. Set aside.
Fry the Veal Chops:
- Heat clarified butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the breaded veal chops to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Serve:
- Serve the Costoletta alla Milanese hot with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy with a side salad or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Variation: You can use chicken or pork chops as an alternative to veal for a different flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Serving Tip: Serve with arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing complement to the rich veal cutlets.
Conclusion
This Costoletta alla Milanese Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a classic Italian dish at home. With crispy breaded veal chops fried to perfection, this dish is comforting and satisfying. Ready in just 30 minutes, Costoletta alla Milanese is a great choice for a quick and flavorful meal that brings the authentic taste of Milanese cuisine to your table. Serve it with a wedge of lemon and a light salad for a complete and delicious experience. Try this recipe today and bring the magic of Italian cooking to your kitchen with this crispy and flavorful classic!
