Velvet Chicken Stir-Fry

Restaurant Tenderness: Velvet Chicken Stir-Fry Secret
Restaurant Tenderness: Velvet Chicken Stir-Fry Secret

Alright, let's dive into this velvet chicken stir fry recipe. ever had that chicken from your favourite chinese takeaway that's just ridiculously tender? i mean, almost too good to be true? yeah, the secret's out: it's called velveting chicken .

Say Goodbye to Dry Chicken: Let's Get Velvety

Velveting meat is a game changer. It's a Chinese cooking technique. It tenderizes the chicken. This method is popular in many Asian dishes . But don't stress, it’s easier than you think!

What Makes This Simply Recipes So Special?

This isn’t just another chicken dinner . it's a ticket to restaurant quality chinese dishes in your own kitchen. think juicy, flavourful chicken, coated in a savoury sauce, served over rice.

Honestly, what's not to love?

A Taste of Tradition: Origin and Flavors

This Asian Cooking technique has been around for ages. It’s all about creating that perfect texture. We will turn your average chicken breast into something amazing.

This Stir Fry wonder takes about an hour. Including marinating time. This recipe yields around 4 servings. Perfect for a family dinner, or even a cheeky meal prep!

Unlock Your Inner Chef

Want to try Velvet Chicken How To right now? This recipe is medium difficulty. It’s perfect if you’re feeling a little adventurous. I believe in you. Let’s make some magic happen.

Velveting chicken creates the most tender and palatable version, especially for dishes like Stir Fries .

Healthier Than Takeout, Tastier Than Ever

Using lean chicken and loads of fresh veggies. This meal is packed with protein and vitamins. Perfect for a balanced diet. It’s a great way to get your greens in. You know?

This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner. it is ready faster than ordering from your local pizza restaurant . everyone is going to think you are a professional chef.

Plus, it’s way healthier than takeout. you’ll feel good about serving it!

What Makes This Recipe Special

This is a special cooking techniques . how to velvet chicken for stir fry is surprisingly simple. the result is a restaurant quality dish.

You can make it at home. it's the ultimate comfort food, elevated.

Now, let’s talk ingredients. you'll need chicken, cornstarch, egg white, shaoxing wine, salt, white pepper, and oil. don't worry if you don’t have shaoxing wine.

Dry sherry works perfectly as a substitute. i know some people would also like to use velveting beef .

Alright, let's dive into making this amazing Velvet Chicken Stir Fry. Honestly, getting the right ingredients and gear makes all the difference. You know? Like having the right tools for any job.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Velvet Chicken

Main Ingredients

Velveting the chicken is where the magic starts.

  • Chicken: 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken, cut into 1 inch pieces. Fresh is always best. Avoid chicken that smells off or looks slimy. That said, frozen can be okay too. Just thaw it properly.
  • Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . This is the key to that velvety texture.
  • Egg White: 1 large egg white. This helps bind the marinade.
  • Shaoxing Wine (or Dry Sherry): 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Adds a depth of flavor. If you're out, dry sherry works great!
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
  • Ground White Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) .
  • Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) (for coating).

Stir Fry Time.

  • Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . For cooking.
  • Ginger: 1 inch , peeled and minced. Fresh ginger is a must!
  • Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
  • Red Bell Pepper: 1 , sliced.
  • Green Bell Pepper: 1 , sliced.
  • Snow Peas: 1 cup (100g) , trimmed.
  • Scallions: 4 , sliced.

Sauce It Up!

  • Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
  • Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . This adds a lovely umami flavor.
  • Shaoxing Wine (or Dry Sherry): 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
  • Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
  • Sugar: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
  • Cornstarch: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) .
  • Chicken Broth (or Water): 1/4 cup (60ml) .

Seasoning Notes

Honestly, the right seasoning can make or break a dish.

  • Essential Spice Combinations: Ginger and garlic are essential for that classic Asian Cooking flavour. White pepper adds a subtle heat.
  • Flavour Enhancers and Aromatics: Oyster sauce brings umami. Sesame oil adds nutty richness.
  • Quick Substitution Options: If you are looking for 3 Ingredient Dinners you can consider simply use soy sauce and sesame oil and ginger. Shaoxing wine can be swapped with dry sherry. For Thai Cooking , add a dash of fish sauce to the sauce.

Equipment Needed

You don't need fancy stuff. Just the basics.

  • Essential Tools: Large bowl, wok or large skillet, small bowl, whisk, cutting board, sharp knife.
  • Common Household Alternatives: If you don't have a wok, a large, deep skillet works perfectly. A fork can sub for a whisk in a pinch. I remember one time when I started cooking and there wasn't a sharp knife. It was tough! Use the right equipment!

And remember, the goal here is creating velvet chicken . this classic technique is a game changer for chinese dishes . it gives you restaurant quality results at home.

No need to order from that pizza restaurant down the street tonight. plus, velveting meat , particularly velveting beef , works wonders too! how to velvet chicken for stir fry ? this recipe is it! enjoy some fantastic stir fries by following these simply recipes to learn how to cook beef .

So, there you have it. All the ingredients and gear you'll need to rock this recipe!

Right then, let's get down to business! you know how much i love a good chinese dish , especially when it nails that restaurant quality flavour.

And honestly? nothing beats that melt-in-your mouth chicken. so, i'm gonna let you in on a little secret: it's all about velveting chicken !

Cracking the Code: Prep Steps for Velvet Chicken How To

Velvet Chicken Stir-Fry presentation

Essential Mise en Place: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, let's talk mise en place. sounds fancy, right? it's just french for "everything in its place". we're talking chopping your veggies that's your bell peppers, snow peas, and scallions, all prepped and ready to go.

You'll also need to prep your sauce, it is a 3 ingredient dinner , so grab your soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, whisk them up, and set them aside.

Get your wok out! trust me. having everything prepped is a lifesaver when you're working with a hot wok and hungry bellies!

Time Saving Tips: Speedy Stir Fries are the Best

Okay, listen up, the best thing i did once, was cutting chicken breasts or thighs into 1 inch pieces the night before.

Then storing them in a container will save precious minutes, especially if you're doing this after a long day at work! plus, double up your sauce.

Make extra stir fry sauce and store it in the fridge. it will make your asian cooking weeknights a breeze!

Safety First: Wokking Wonders Responsibly

Okay. this might sound like your mum nagging. when cooking with high heat, please be careful of oil splatters. and also keep a fire extinguisher close by.

That's all i'm saying! but please be safe when cooking.

How To Velvet Chicken For Stir Fry : The step-by-step

Right, pay attention now. This is the clever bit!

  1. Cut 1 pound of chicken into even pieces.
  2. Whisk together 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 egg white, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or sherry), 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp white pepper in a bowl.
  3. Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes . Don't skip this step!
  4. Chop your veggies (peppers, snow peas, scallions) and mix your sauce (soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch and chicken broth).
  5. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok until smoking hot.
  6. Stir fry the chicken until almost cooked through. Set aside.
  7. Stir fry your veggies until tender crisp.
  8. Combine everything with the sauce and cook until thickened. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Velveting Meat : Secrets from the East

Here’s the lowdown on levelling up your velvet chicken how to .

  • Don't overcrowd the wok Seriously. Cook the chicken in batches to ensure it gets that lovely slightly browned look, and doesn't steam.
  • Hot Wok Magic : A screaming hot wok ( high heat ) is your best friend. That's where you get that authentic Chinese cooking flavour!
  • Avoid the Overcook : Remember that overcooked chicken. Pull it out of the pan when it’s almost cooked. It will finish cooking in the sauce.

Honestly, once you've nailed how to cook beef , you will never go back! you're basically a pro at asian dishes now.

So, next time you are at pizza restaurant , just think about your new skills at the stir fries . these simply recipes , will up your thai cooking !

Alright, let's chat about the nitty gritty bits, shall we? These Recipe Notes are like the bonus tracks on your favourite album. They take everything up a notch!

Recipe Notes to Ace Your Velvet Chicken Stir Fry

Let's dive into the heart of making this Velvet Chicken Stir Fry your own. These notes are like a little cheat sheet for Asian Cooking success!

Ace Plating: Serving Ideas

Forget boring plates! picture this: your glistening stir fry , piled high on fluffy jasmine rice. garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh scallions and a drizzle of sesame oil.

Fancy, right? how about serving it in those cute chinese takeout boxes? adds a bit of fun, innit? you could even try it with a cool drink to help balance the heat from the thai cooking !

Storage Sensibly

Right, listen up! leftovers are a gift, not a burden. pop your stir fry into an airtight container and it'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Feeling ambitious? freeze it! just let it cool completely first. when reheating, a splash of water can bring it back to life.

Microwave it until piping hot , mind!

Playing with Flavours: Easy Variations

Want to shake things up? swap the chicken for velveting beef . honestly, it's banging! need a gluten-free chinese dishes night? use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Boom! or add some spice and try it with thai cooking ! i once threw in some pineapple chunks, just because.

Don't knock it 'til you try it!

Velvet Chicken How To: Nutrition Nuggets

So, what's the good stuff? this chicken dinner is packed with protein. it will help keep you full for hours.

But it does have a bit of sodium, so maybe go easy on the soy sauce if you're watching your salt intake.

Plus, all those colourful veggies give you a vitamin boost. it’s like a hug in a bowl. just remember, these are approximate values !

Velveting Chicken: The Secret's Out!

Listen, velveting chicken sounds fancy, right? it's actually a super easy cooking techniques to create tender meat. how to velvet chicken for stir fry ? it's all about that marinade! cornstarch, egg white, a bit of wine, and voilà !

this is great for the chinese cooking that you will find even in a pizza restaurant .

Velveting meat , and how to cook beef is also another way to use the technique.

Velvet Chicken How To: Your New Go-To

Honestly, give it a whirl! this velvet chicken recipe is a winner. even if you are only using 3 ingredient dinners it will take you to new heights!.

Experiment with the asian dishes , adapt it to your taste, and have fun. you got this! and remember: cooking should be a joy, not a chore.

Happy stir frying! i hope that you enjoy simply recipes , or even better mine!

Velvet Chicken: Restaurant-Style Tenderness at Home

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is velveting chicken, and why should I bother?

Velveting chicken is a Chinese technique that tenderizes the chicken, giving it that incredibly smooth, "velvety" texture you often find in restaurant stir fries. It involves marinating the chicken with ingredients like cornstarch and egg white, which create a protective coating that helps the chicken retain moisture during cooking.

Think of it as a spa day for your chicken it emerges relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to shine!

Is there a substitute for Shaoxing wine if I don't have any? I'm fresh out!

Absolutely! Shaoxing wine adds a unique depth of flavor, but a good dry sherry works perfectly well as a substitute. You could also use dry white wine in a pinch, just remember that Shaoxing Wine has a unique flavor that can make this dish shine.

Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 30 minutes when velveting chicken?

Yes, you can! Marinating the chicken for longer, even overnight, will allow the flavors to penetrate even deeper, resulting in a more flavorful and tender result. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated while it's marinating. Just like a good cup of tea, sometimes the longer it steeps, the better it gets!

My stir fry sauce isn't thickening up. What am I doing wrong?

The most common culprit is not enough heat. Make sure your wok or skillet is hot enough when you add the sauce. Also, ensure your cornstarch is fresh. If your sauce is still too thin, whisk a tiny bit of extra cornstarch (mixed with cold water) and add it gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

Think of it like adding gravy granules to your Sunday roast a little goes a long way!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts when velveting chicken?

Definitely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic option and often preferred by many as they tend to be more flavorful and stay moist during cooking. Just be sure to trim any excess fat before cutting them into pieces for the marinade.

This is a great way to add a little extra richness to your stir fry a bit like swapping your usual cheddar for a mature Red Leicester!

How long does leftover velvet chicken stir fry last, and how should I store it? Any tips for reheating?

Properly stored, your velvet chicken stir fry will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a skillet. For the skillet, add a splash of water or broth to help prevent the chicken from drying out.

Microwaving might be quicker, but the skillet helps to revive the texture a bit better!

Velvet Chicken Stir Fry

Restaurant Tenderness: Velvet Chicken Stir-Fry Secret Recipe Card
Restaurant Tenderness: Velvet Chicken Stir Fry Secret Recipe Card
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Preparation time:50 Mins
Cooking time:15 Mins
Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories350 calories
Fat15g
Fiber2g

Recipe Info:

CategoryMain Course
CuisineChinese

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