Vitello Marsala: Classic Italian Dish You Can Make at Home

by
vitello marsala
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Do you think of Vitello Marsala as a luxury dish best left to fancy Italian restaurants? The perception of high cost and complexity often discourages home cooks from trying this classic dish.

What if you could recreate this rich and flavorful Italian favorite in your own kitchen—easily and affordably?

With just a few key ingredients like tender veal cutlets and authentic Marsala wine, you can achieve restaurant-quality results. Countless home chefs have mastered this dish with simple steps and our foolproof recipe.

Let us guide you through the history of Vitello Marsala, a traditional recipe, and practical tips to help you savor the taste of Italy at home.

What Is Vitello Marsala?

Vitello Marsala originates from Italy and features thin veal cutlets sautéed and finished with a Marsala wine sauce. The dish is a staple in Italian cuisine, celebrated for its rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile. Marsala wine, a fortified wine from Sicily, is the key ingredient that gives this dish its distinctive taste. Traditionally, dry Marsala wine aged around four years is used for cooking, though substitutes like sherry can work in a pinch.

Key Ingredients for Success

To create the best Vitello Marsala, two elements are crucial:

  1. High-quality veal: Fresh, tender veal cutlets are essential for the dish’s texture and flavor. Ask your butcher to tenderize the veal for you or do it yourself at home.
  2. Authentic Marsala wine: Using real Sicilian Marsala wine enhances the dish’s authenticity. Choose a dry variety for a more traditional taste.
vitello marsala

Traditional Vitello Marsala Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb veal cutlets (about 6 pieces)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • All-purpose flour, as needed
  • 3 oz (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms (cremini, white button, or portobello)
  • ½ cup unsalted beef, chicken, or veal stock
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
 

Prepare the Veal:

  • Place veal cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat pounder to flatten and tenderize the meat.
  • Season the veal with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge it in flour.

Cook the Mushrooms: Sauté the mushrooms in a medium-hot pan until golden. Remove and set aside.

    Sauté the Veal:

    • In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Cook the veal cutlets until lightly browned on each side. Avoid overcooking.
    • Remove the veal from the skillet and set aside.

    Make the Sauce:

    • Deglaze the skillet with Marsala wine and stock, scraping any browned bits from the pan.
    • Reduce the liquid by half, then season with salt and pepper. Add the cooked mushrooms back to the skillet.
    • Whisk in the remaining butter to thicken the sauce.

    Combine and Serve:

    • Return the veal to the skillet and gently heat through. Be careful not to overcook.
    • Finish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

    Tips for the Perfect Vitello Marsala

    • Keep It Simple: This dish follows the principle of “KISS” (Keep It Simple Stupid). Let the quality of the ingredients shine without overcomplicating the recipe.
    • Serve with Bread: The flavorful Marsala sauce is perfect for dipping crusty Italian bread.
    • Pair with Wine: A glass of the same Marsala wine used in the recipe or a complementary Italian red makes an excellent pairing.

    Quick Facts About Marsala

    • Origin: Produced in Sicily, Italy.
    • Types: Sweet, semisweet, and dry.
    • Aging: Can range from one year to over ten years.
    • Substitutes: Dry sherry can be used if Marsala is unavailable.

    Why Make Vitello Marsala at Home?

    • Cost-Effective: Restaurant prices for this dish can be steep, but making it at home is affordable.
    • Quick and Easy: The recipe takes only 30–45 minutes from start to finish.
    • Impressive Results: With minimal effort, you can create a dish that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant.

    Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

    • Calories: 283
    • Total Fat: 13g
    • Carbohydrates: 9g
    • Protein: 22g

    Vitello Marsala is a culinary gem that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this dish promises to impress every time. Buon appetito!