17 Basic Chinese Velveting Recipe Delight In These Amazing Recipes!
Published on: Mar 22, 2024
In addition to the basic velveting recipe discussed in the previous article, there are a few tips and tricks that can take your Chinese cuisine to the next level. In this article, we will discuss the importance of marinating and the different methods of velveting to achieve that signature tender and velvety texture in your dishes. With these tips, you can elevate your cooking skills and impress your family and friends with authentic and delicious Chinese dishes.
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cornstarch, Egg
When it comes to preparing chicken, one of the best methods is velveting. This Chinese cooking technique involves marinating the chicken in a mixture of egg whites, cornstarch, and rice wine, giving it a tender and velvety texture. It's a crucial step in many Chinese dishes, including Chinese Orange Chicken, Chinese Beef and Broccoli, and Chinese Fried Rice. In this section, we'll explore the art of velveting chicken and how to use it in various recipes.
One of the most popular dishes in Chinese cuisine, Chinese Orange Chicken is a flavorful and tangy dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. To make this dish, you'll need to velvet chicken thighs and then coat them in a cornstarch and flour mixture before frying. The chicken is then tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce made with orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and garlic. Serve it over white rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
For a healthier and more nutritious take on Chinese takeout, try making Chinese Beef and Broccoli at home. Tender strips of beef are first marinated and then velveted before being stir-fried with broccoli and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic. This dish is a great way to get your fill of protein and vegetables in one flavorful and satisfying meal.
A staple in Chinese cuisine, Chinese Fried Rice is a versatile and delicious dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. The key to making perfect fried rice is using day-old rice, which helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy. You can add in your choice of meat or vegetables, such as chicken, shrimp, peas, or carrots. Don't forget to add a splash of soy sauce for that signature flavor.
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Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
If you're tired of plain chicken breasts, try using chicken thighs in your Chinese cooking. They are a great option for velveting and have a richer and more flavorful taste than chicken breasts. You can use them in dishes like Chinese Chicken and Broccoli, Chinese Egg Drop Soup, or even Classic Pork Fried Rice. They also work well in slow-cooker recipes, making them a convenient and delicious protein option.
Another classic Chinese dish, Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a simple and healthy option for dinner. Tender chicken and broccoli are stir-fried with a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. This dish is a great way to get your fill of vegetables and protein in one dish. Serve it over white rice or fried rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
For a comforting and nourishing soup, try making Chinese Egg Drop Soup at home. This simple yet delicious soup is made with a chicken broth base and is thickened with cornstarch and egg whites. You can add in shredded chicken, mushrooms, or green onions for extra flavor and texture. It's a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
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Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
No Chinese takeout meal is complete without a side of Classic Pork Fried Rice. This dish is a staple in many Chinese restaurants and is a crowd-pleaser for its flavorful and satisfying taste. Diced pork is stir-fried with rice, peas, carrots, and eggs, and seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. It's a great option for a quick and easy meal at home.
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Egg Fried Rice - An Easy Chinese
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Large Eggs, Paprika, Turmeric, Oil, Medium
Another popular fried rice dish in Chinese cuisine is Egg Fried Rice. This dish is a great option for vegetarians or those looking for a lighter and healthier option. Instead of using meat, this fried rice is made with eggs and a variety of vegetables such as carrots, peas, and green onions. It's a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal.
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Velveting Chicken Breast, Chinese Restaurant-Style
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Chinese Rice Vinegar, Corn Starch, Kosher
For a healthier and more budget-friendly option, try making Velveting Chicken Breast, Chinese Restaurant-Style at home. This dish uses the same velveting technique as traditional Chinese takeout, but with a few healthier substitutions. Instead of cornstarch, use whole wheat flour for a healthier coating, and instead of frying, bake the chicken in the oven. Serve it with your choice of vegetables and a flavorful sauce for a delicious and healthy meal.
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Fried Chicken Wings, Chinese Takeout Style
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Garlic
For a finger-licking good appetizer or snack, try making Fried Chicken Wings, Chinese Takeout Style at home. These crispy and flavorful wings are made with a cornstarch and flour coating and fried to perfection. Toss them in a spicy or sweet and sour sauce for a delicious and authentic Chinese takeout experience. Serve them with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for the ultimate game-day snack.
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Chinese Broccoli Beef
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Soy Sauce, Cornstarch, Freshly Ground
For a hearty and satisfying meal, try making Chinese Broccoli Beef at home. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with Chinese broccoli and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic. This dish is a great way to get your fill of protein and vegetables in one flavorful and satisfying meal. Serve it over white rice or fried rice for a complete and delicious meal.
For a tasty and satisfying appetizer, try making Chinese Egg Rolls at home. These crispy and delicious rolls are filled with a mixture of pork, shrimp, cabbage, and carrots, and fried to perfection. Serve them with a side of soy sauce or sweet and sour sauce for dipping. They are a great addition to any Chinese meal or as a snack on their own.
For a flavorful and versatile meat option, try making Chinese BBQ Pork at home. This marinated and grilled pork is a staple in Cantonese cuisine and is often used in dishes like Char Siu Bao or Chinese BBQ Pork Fried Rice. You can also slice it and serve it over rice or noodles, or use it as a filling for dumplings or buns.
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Classic Beef Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Salt, Water, Baking Soda, Dark Soy Sauce
Another favorite in Chinese takeout, Classic Beef Fried Rice is a simple and delicious dish that is loved by many. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with rice, peas, carrots, and eggs, and seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. It's a great option for a quick and easy meal at home that is sure to satisfy your cravings for Chinese food.
For a quick and easy weeknight dinner, try making Chinese Chicken Stir Fry at home. This dish is a great way to use up any vegetables you have on hand and can be made with any protein of your choice, such as chicken, beef, or shrimp. The key to making a delicious stir fry is a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
For a classic Chinese dish that never goes out of style, try making Chinese Sweet And Sour Chicken at home. Tender chicken is coated in cornstarch and fried until crispy, then tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce made with pineapple juice, vinegar, and brown sugar. Serve it over white rice for a delicious and satisfying meal that will be sure to please the whole family.
For a sweet and savory seafood option, try making Chinese Honey Prawns at home. These succulent and juicy prawns are coated in a flour and cornstarch mixture and fried until crispy, then tossed in a delicious honey sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and garlic. Serve them over white rice or fried rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Homemade Chinese Fried Noodles
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Chinese Chives, Medium Carrot, Shredded
For a tasty and satisfying side dish, try making Homemade Chinese Fried Noodles at home. These crispy and flavorful noodles are made with egg noodles and stir-fried with vegetables and a savory sauce made with soy sauce and oyster sauce. You can add in chicken, beef, or shrimp for a protein-packed meal or enjoy them on their own as a side dish.
For a simple and delicious vegetable side dish, try making Chinese Garlic Green Beans at home. These tender and flavorful green beans are sautéed with garlic and a soy sauce and oyster sauce mixture for an easy and tasty side dish. They are a great addition to any Chinese meal or can be enjoyed on their own for a quick and healthy snack.
Marinating for Optimal Flavor
Why Marinating is Important
Marinating is an essential step in the velveting process as it not only adds flavor to the meat but also helps to tenderize it. Marinating involves soaking the meat in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, and other seasonings for at least 30 minutes before velvetting. This allows the meat to absorb the flavors and become more tender, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent dish.
Marinating Tips
When marinating, it is important to use a non-reactive container such as glass or plastic, as metal containers can affect the flavor of the marinade. Minced garlic and ginger can also be added to the marinade for extra flavor. Furthermore, meats such as beef, chicken, and pork can be marinated overnight for even more tender and flavorful results.
Different Methods of Velveting
Traditional Method
The traditional method of velveting involves blanching the marinated meat in boiling water or oil for a short period of time, followed by shocking it in cold water. This process helps to seal in the juices and results in a more tender and juicy texture.
Deep Frying
Another method of velveting is deep frying. This method involves frying the marinated meat in hot oil for a short period of time, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender and juicy interior.
Stir-Frying
Lastly, stir-frying is a popular method of velveting in Chinese cooking. This involves quickly cooking the marinated meat in a hot wok with a small amount of oil. This method results in a tender and velvety texture while also infusing the meat with the flavors of the stir-fry sauce.
In conclusion, marinating and using different methods of velveting are key to achieving that signature tender and velvety texture in your Chinese dishes. Experiment with different flavors and methods to find your favorite combination and elevate your Chinese cuisine to a professional level.
