Favorite Veal Oscar

Veal Oscar is one of those grand European dishes from the era when royalty endorsed menu items. Named after Sweden’s King Oscar II in the 19th century, the original featured veal, asparagus, and crab or lobster under a rich bearnaise sauce. This American-style version simplifies the sauce into a white wine cream with seafood folded right in.

Pounding the veal cutlets thin (about ¼ inch) is the move that makes this work. Thin cutlets cook through in minutes without drying out, and they create the proper structural base for the asparagus and sauce on top. Thick veal would turn tough during the oven finish.

Building the sauce as a proper roux is what gives this its silky character. Melt the butter, cook the flour for a minute to remove the raw taste, then whisk in milk and wine off the heat to prevent lumps. The seafood folds in at the end so it doesn’t toughen.

Layering veal, asparagus, then sauce in the baking dish lets each component contribute distinct flavor. The veal browns from the pan-sear, the asparagus stays crisp from minimal cooking, and the sauce bubbles golden on top in the hot oven.

A 425°F (220°C) oven is the right temperature for the finish. High heat browns the sauce and reheats the layers without overcooking anything. Pull it the moment the top is bubbly and golden.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh asparagus instead of canned when possible, blanched briefly for 2 minutes, this transforms the dish entirely
• Crab meat is traditional, but a mix of crab and shrimp or even lobster works beautifully
• Pat the seasoned veal dry before searing for proper browning, wet meat steams instead of caramelizing
• Serve immediately, the sauce thickens and the asparagus goes limp if held warm too long

Variations

• Top with a classic hollandaise or bearnaise sauce instead of the wine-cream version for the truly classic restaurant approach
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or Gruyere and broil for the last minute for a golden, cheesy crust
• Use boneless chicken cutlets instead of veal for a more accessible weeknight version (Chicken Oscar)