Grilled saltimbocca: what it is and tips for making it

When it comes to preparing a good barbecue, even though the main stars are usually larger and more noble cuts of meat, it's very important to have varied alternatives to complement the flavors on the grill and please as many tastes as possible.

With this in mind, the traditional saltimbocca appears as a practical preparation alternative, and very efficient when it comes to surprising with the flavors on the grill!

Check out the CIMO Blog post and explore the secrets behind one of the most delicious interpretations of Italian cuisine. Here, we will reveal its origin, the main concepts behind its preparation, and, of course, essential tips for recreating this traditional recipe in the best possible way on the grill.

Happy reading!

How did saltimbocca originate?

Saltimbocca is a classic Italian recipe, named after the "flavors that jump to the mouth". The preparation emerged as an alternative to reuse typical local culinary ingredients leftover from other preparations, providing an easy and very tasty dish!

The original recipe revolves around veal escalopes — the meat of young cattle — sage leaves and the use of typically Italian hams, such as Parma ham — the star of many of the best cold cut platters one can elaborate. Another classic aspect is the addition of a thin layer of flour and preparation in a skillet with butter.

But over time, interesting reinterpretations gained space and honored the traditional flavors of Italy, even exploring the use of chicken as the main protein and its preparation on the barbecue grill!

How to make saltimbocca on the grill?

To make saltimbocca on the grill, you will need quality ingredients and the best knife options for barbecue — considering the importance of making a precise cut into escalopes for the recipe to be a complete success.

This is because the proper cutting of the escalope is fundamental for the success of the saltimbocca — since a thin and uniform escalope ensures quick and even cooking, maintaining the moisture and flavor of the meat. To obtain the best results, it is recommended to cut the escalopes with a sharp and consistent knife, ensuring the ideal thickness for the dish.

With the meat portioned, it's time to separate the other ingredients you'll need to prepare the dish on the grill:

• Chicken breast, veal, or traditional beef;

• Slices of Parma ham;

• Sage leaves;

• Wheat flour;

• Butter or olive oil;

• Salt and pepper to taste.

Step-by-step preparation of saltimbocca on the grill

1. Start with the escalopes, whether chicken or beef: season the pieces with salt and pepper — remembering not to overdo it, considering the strong-flavored ingredients that will still be used in the preparation.

2. Continue the preparations by assembling the saltimbocca, placing a sage leaf on each escalope, then covering them with pieces of Parma ham. Here, when cooking on the stove, this would be the time to pass the ingredients together in wheat flour, creating a thin and uniform layer. When cooking directly on the grill, this will not be necessary, as everything will be ready to go on the barbecue.

3. Brush olive oil or butter on the grill and, with a medium to high heat, let the saltimboccas grill for about 4 minutes on the side without ham.

4. After that, just flip them, let the ham side brown for 2 to 3 minutes, and serve to your guests. The thickness of the escalopes allows the preparation to be, in addition to delicious, very quick to make!

Extra tips for preparing saltimbocca on the grill

As you can see, the dish is simple and, consequently, depends a lot on the choice of quality ingredients for its preparation.

Both the main protein and the chosen ham must be of good origin to guarantee the best possible flavor, while fresh sage is essential to ensure a result with striking aromas and flavors.

With such personality, despite the delicacy of the preparation, saltimboccas have very present flavors. Opt for lighter and more discreet accompaniments to complement the dish and make the saltimbocca the real protagonist of the plate.

Enjoy light and fresh salads and more delicate sauces — such as those made with herb, yogurt, and olive oil bases — they are excellent choices for barbecue accompaniments!

Saltimbocca on the grill is a modern and delicious interpretation of an Italian culinary classic. With attention to detail, ranging from the perfect cut of the escalope, through the choice of quality ingredients, and extending to the harmonization of flavors, the dish offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience — now fully capable of becoming a new star on your grill!

Keep browsing the CIMO world to discover even more alternatives from other cultures to add to your barbecue!