If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to prepare yet feels gourmet, Pork Scallopini is the perfect choice. This Italian-inspired recipe features tender pork cutlets smothered in a rich lemon-butter sauce infused with the salty goodness of capers. Ready in just under 30 minutes, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and elegance, making it a fantastic option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
The secret to its irresistible flavor lies in the way the thin pork cutlets absorb the rich sauce, while the lemon brightens every bite with a burst of freshness. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, Pork Scallopini offers big flavors with minimal effort. This dish will quickly become a favorite, as it delivers a restaurant-quality meal straight from your own kitchen.
Pork Scallopini is a traditional Italian dish that combines tender pork cutlets with a bright and zesty lemon-caper sauce. The pork is perfectly cooked to golden-brown perfection, and the sauce balances the richness of butter with the acidity of lemon, offering a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. This dish is ideal for a quick yet impressive dinner that feels luxurious. The addition of capers adds a briny touch, while fresh parsley provides a refreshing contrast. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, Pork Scallopini will never disappoint.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 pork chops, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- Place pork chops between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound to 1/4-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each chop in flour, shaking off the excess.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Cook two pork cutlets until golden on both sides, 2-3 minutes per side. Remove to a plate and repeat with remaining butter and oil for the other two cutlets.
- Wipe out the skillet and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add shallot and garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in white wine, cooking until almost evaporated, about 1 minute. Add chicken broth and lemon slices, and simmer until reduced by half, 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in capers and reduce heat. Whisk in the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter, one piece at a time, until the sauce is creamy.
- Transfer pork cutlets to plates and spoon sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Pork Scallopini: A Classic Italian Delight
Pork Scallopini is a cherished dish in Italian cuisine, known for its tender meat, bright lemony sauce, and elegant simplicity. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner yet sophisticated enough for entertaining. The recipe traditionally uses pork chops that are pounded thin, making them quick to cook and easy to absorb the delightful flavors of the accompanying sauce.
In this version, pork cutlets are lightly coated in flour and pan-seared to a golden crisp. What truly sets this dish apart is its sauce — a rich blend of butter, white wine, garlic, and tangy capers, combined with fresh lemon slices for a zesty finish. Each bite bursts with flavor, balancing the richness of the butter and pork with the sharpness of the capers and lemon.
This recipe is also versatile: you can swap pork for chicken or veal, depending on your preferences. It’s a great choice when you want to prepare a flavorful, quick meal that feels like a special occasion.
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Pork Scallopini
- Pound the Pork Thin: Ensuring the pork chops are evenly thin helps them cook quickly and evenly, which is essential for a delicate, tender texture.
- Deglaze the Pan: After cooking the pork, don’t skip deglazing the pan with white wine. This step helps release all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, which adds depth to the sauce.
- Balance the Sauce: The lemon and capers add a tangy punch, but you can adjust the amount based on your taste preference. Add more lemon for brightness or more capers for a salty, briny kick.
- Serve with Side Dishes: Pork Scallopini pairs well with a wide variety of sides. For a classic Italian meal, serve it with pasta or polenta. A side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh green salad also complements the flavors of the dish beautifully.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 27g (of which 12g is saturated fat)
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Sugars: 1g
This delicious and easy-to-prepare Pork Scallopini is a true Italian classic that will impress your guests or become a go-to in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the richness of pork cutlets paired with the tangy lemon-caper sauce, and get ready for an unforgettable meal!
Why Pork Scallopini Is the Best Recipe
Pork Scallopini stands out as one of the best recipes for several reasons. Firstly, its balance of flavors is exceptional. The richness of the butter and pork is perfectly complemented by the bright acidity of lemon and the briny capers, making each bite a harmonious blend of savory and tangy. The sauce is silky, flavorful, and coats the tender pork cutlets beautifully, creating a luxurious meal with minimal effort.
Secondly, it’s a versatile and quick dish. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cooking time of around 25 minutes, this dish can be easily prepared on busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor. Despite its simplicity, it feels sophisticated, making it ideal for both family meals and special occasions. It’s also flexible—if you don’t have pork, you can easily substitute chicken or veal, giving you the same mouth-watering experience with different proteins.
Additionally, Pork Scallopini is crowd-pleasing and approachable. Its ingredients are widely available, and the steps are simple enough for even beginner cooks. The flavors appeal to a wide range of palates, from those who prefer mild flavors to those who enjoy a bit of zest from the lemon and capers. Plus, this dish pairs well with a variety of sides, allowing you to create a well-rounded meal that suits different preferences.
Conclusion:
Pork Scallopini isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture. With its delicate balance of savory pork, buttery richness, and zesty lemon, it’s a dish that brings people together at the table, no matter the occasion. What makes this recipe particularly outstanding is how effortlessly it transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. The white wine, garlic, and capers contribute layers of depth, while the parsley offers a final touch of freshness that rounds everything out.
One of the best aspects of Pork Scallopini is its adaptability. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself to a delicious homemade meal, this recipe delivers every time. You can pair it with sides like pasta, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that satisfies every craving. Moreover, because it’s so quick to prepare, you can enjoy a high-quality, flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
In the end, Pork Scallopini is more than just a recipe—it’s a culinary experience that transports you to the heart of Italy, where simple ingredients shine through thoughtful preparation. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and exquisite flavor make it a must-have addition to your meal rotation. Whether for a cozy night in or a dinner party with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why Pork Scallopini is such a beloved classic.
