Lemon Pepper Veal Medallions with Baked Orzo

Lemon Pepper Veal Medallions with Baked Orzo

There’s something special about creating a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. This Lemon Pepper Veal Medallions with Baked Orzo is exactly that kind of dish—elegant, fresh, and surprisingly simple. It’s perfect for date nights, celebrations, or anytime you want to turn an ordinary evening into something memorable.

In fact, this recipe proves that you don’t need a reservation to enjoy a truly elevated dining experience.

A Simple Way to Elevate Dinner at Home

Sometimes, all it takes is one standout dish to transform your dinner routine. With this in mind, tender veal medallions paired with creamy, citrus-infused orzo instantly feel refined without being complicated.

The flavors in with these Lemon Pepper Veal Medallions are bright yet comforting. The presentation is beautiful yet approachable. As a result, this dish feels special enough for entertaining, while still being easy enough for a weeknight upgrade.

Easy to Find—or Order Online

If veal isn’t something you typically cook with, don’t let that stop you. While some local grocery stores carry veal medallions, you can also easily purchase high-quality cuts online and have them delivered right to your door. Making a dish like this at home is more accessible than ever.

Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just treating yourself, this dish is a delicious way to elevate your time at the table.

Check out Anne’s Family Recipe’s video on how she put together this elevated dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, tough ends removed, roughly chopped
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
  • 1-2 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped
  • 8 veal loin medallions (each of mine weighed approx. 4 oz.)
  • 3-4 Tbsp. lemon pepper seasoning
  • salt (if your lemon pepper seasoning is salt-free) avocado oil (or any oil with a high smoke point)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish. Add the orzo, chopped asparagus, chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and lemon pepper seasoning to the dish. Carefully stir to combine everything evenly.
  3. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
  4. Remove the foil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Stir gently, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
  5. Pat the veal medallions dry with a paper towel. Generously coat both sides with lemon pepper seasoning. Add a pinch of salt if the seasoning is salt-free.
  6. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a couple tablespoons of avocado oil.
  7. Sear the veal medallions for a few minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side until browned.
  8. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Cook to 145°F. If needed, transfer to the oven and finish cooking at 375°F until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  9. Remove from the pan and let rest on a plate, lightly covered with foil, for a few minutes. Serve over orzo hot.

Recipes