Easy Grilled Veal Chops Recipe

By
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 08/17/22
Tested by
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Tested by Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
easy grilled veal chops

The Spruce/Julia Hartbeck

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 16 mins
Total: 26 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Yield: 6 chops
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
681 Calories
40g Fat
1g Carbs
80g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 681
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 40g 51%
Saturated Fat 13g 63%
Cholesterol 243mg 81%
Sodium 522mg 23%
Total Carbohydrate 1g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 80g
Vitamin C 0mg 2%
Calcium 77mg 6%
Iron 5mg 28%
Potassium 736mg 16%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This veal recipe is simple yet delicious. Because it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, it's ideal for special occasions but can be prepared quickly and easily enough for a weeknight meal. Make sure the chops are all uniform in shape and size to streamline the process; it means your chops have a better chance of all being ready at the same time.

If you've never had veal before, its taste is more delicate than beef, and it's typically very tender. The recipe is fairly straightforward, but it takes well to gussying up if desired. Add some other herbs to the fresh thyme, such as fresh rosemary. Serve these chops with a side of grilled vegetables (corn and peppers would be nice), along with rice or some mashed potatoes for the perfect meal.

"The grilled veal chops were fantastic and easy to prepare and grill. I kept the gas grill (lid closed) around 400 F. I flipped them after 7 minutes and then inserted a probe into one of the thickest chops. Most were perfectly cooked in 16 minutes, while two thicker chops needed 2 more minutes." —Diana Rattray

Easy Grilled Veal Chops/Tester Image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, more for the grill

  • 6 (11-ounce) bone-in veal chops, about 1 1/2 inches thick

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    ingredients to make easy grilled veal chops

    The Spruce/Julia Hartbeck

  2. Prepare a medium-high (400 F to 475 F) gas or charcoal grill fire. Clean and oil the grill grates.

    oiling grill grates on charcoal grill

    The Spruce/Julia Hartbeck

  3. Coat chops with oil, salt, pepper, and thyme.

    seasoned veal chops on a sheet pan

    The Spruce/Julia Hartbeck

  4. Place veal on the grill and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145 F, about 7 to 8 minutes on each side.

    veal chops cooking on a charcoal grill

    The Spruce/Julia Hartbeck

  5. Remove chops from the grill and allow them rest for 5 or so minutes covered with aluminum foil before serving.

    grilled veal chops covered with aluminum foil

    The Spruce/Julia Hartbeck

Tips

  • Make sure you cook the veal to a minimum internal temperature of 145 F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness and remember that the meat will continue to cook for a few minutes once you've pulled it off the heat to rest. Veal benefits from a 3- to 5-minute rest.
  • If possible, use a wired or wireless temperature probe or grill thermometer to monitor the veal chops after flipping them so you won't have to open the lid more than necessary.
  • You can also cook this dish in a grill pan on your stovetop if you don't have an outdoor grill.

Variations

Feel free to amplify this recipe a bit in terms of flavor by adding any of the following:

  • Caramelized onions or shallots.
  • Sliced mushrooms.
  • Capers and lemon juice.
  • Freshly chopped parsley or rosemary, or a combination of both, with or without the fresh thyme.
  • Cut a garlic clove in half and rub the cut sides over the meat before seasoning.

How to Store and Freeze Veal Chops

  • Leftover veal chops will keep in the refrigerator for three to five days as long as they are well wrapped or kept in an airtight container.
  • You can also wrap and freeze them in a zip-close freezer bag for up to three months.
  • Sous vide is an excellent way to reheat leftover grilled chops because it allows you to heat them to the original temperature without overcooking or drying out the meat.
  • To reheat a grilled veal chop in the oven, place a wire cooling rack in a rimmed baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 275 F. Place the veal on the rack and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches about 110 F.

What is the difference between a veal porterhouse chop and rib chop?

A veal porterhouse chop comes from the loin and includes the eye and the tenderloin, while a rib chop comes from the rib roast. Veal rib chops are more expensive than loin chops.

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