Grilled Parmesan Veal Tomahawk

Grilled Parmesan Veal Tomahawk

If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality dish with smoky grilled flavor and classic Italian comfort food, this Grilled Parmesan veal tomahawk is sure to impress. A perfectly grilled veal chop is topped with rustic tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil. The result is all the classic flavors of Parmigiana in a unique backyard grilling experience.

Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or celebrating a special occasion, this Grilled Parmesan recipe delivers. It’s elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for a weekend dinner.

What Makes This Grilled Parmesan Recipe Special?

Unlike traditional chicken or veal Parmesan, this version skips the breading and frying. Instead, the veal tomahawk is grilled over a two-zone fire. This method creates incredible flavor while keeping the meat tender and juicy.

Fresh mozzarella and homemade tomato sauce add the familiar flavors of a classic Parmesan dish. Together, they create a meal that is smoky, savory, cheesy, and full of fresh ingredients.

Why Grill a Veal Tomahawk?

The veal tomahawk is known for its dramatic presentation and exceptional tenderness. When grilled properly, it develops a flavorful crust while staying juicy inside.

A two-zone grilling setup gives you more control over the cooking process. You can build flavor over direct heat and finish gently over indirect heat. This technique is ideal for thicker cuts and helps achieve perfect doneness.

With bold flavors, a stunning presentation, and simple preparation, this Grilled Parmesan recipe proves that great grilling can be both approachable and impressive.

A special thanks to Captain Ron Cooks for providing the stunning recipe imagery and photography featured in this post.

Ingredients

  • 1 veal tomahawk chop
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Tomato Sauce

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 heaping tbsp shallot, diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, chopped

For Finishing

  • Fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Set up your grill for two-zone cooking (direct and indirect heat).
  2. Pound the veal tomahawk chop to ¼-inch thickness using the smooth side of a meat mallet.
  3. Season the veal generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let it rest while you prepare the sauce.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, either on the grill or stovetop.
  5. Add the garlic and shallot. Sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
  6. Stir in the chopped cherry tomatoes.
  7. Cover and cook for 5–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes begin to break down.
  8. Using the back of a spoon, carefully crush the tomatoes until a rustic, smooth sauce forms. Remove from the heat.
  9. Grill the veal over medium-high direct heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C).
  10. Move the veal to the indirect heat side of the grill and top with the tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella.
  11. Close the grill lid and continue cooking until the mozzarella has melted and the veal reaches 140°F (60°C).
  12. Remove the veal from the grill with a spatula and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. The temperature will continue to rise to approximately 145°F (63°C).
  13. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

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