Velvet Chicken StirFry RestaurantStyle at Home

Velvet Chicken Stirfry Restaurantstyle At Home

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Got Tender Chicken On Your Mind?
Ever wonder how those Chinese cooking restaurants get their tender chicken recipe so darn juicy? This velveting chicken recipe is the answer. Honestly, it's a game-changer for stir fries .
Brief Overview: Restaurant-Quality, Home Kitchen
This recipe for Velvet Chicken How To bring that restaurant flavor to your home kitchen. Velveting chicken is an Asian cooking technique that hails from China.
The recipe is medium difficulty and takes about 40 minutes total, yielding 4 servings.
Main Benefits: Tender, Flavorful, and Healthy-ish
This Easy Chicken Stir Fry recipe is packed with protein and vitamins from all those veggies. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner recipes , especially when you're craving something comforting.
What makes this Restaurant Style Stir Fry recipe special? The unbelievably tender chicken!
The Secret Weapon: A Velveting Chicken Marinade
The key to super tender chicken is the marinade we're using, aka the velveting chicken marinade . It might sound fancy, but it's actually super simple.
We're talking egg white, cornstarch, Shaoxing rice wine, salt and white pepper. Honestly, the combo is magic.
This How To Velvet Chicken For Stir Fry will make you forget all others.
Okay, let's dive into making some seriously tasty Velvet Chicken Stir Fry ! This is how to velvet chicken for stir fry and all about getting that restaurant-style goodness right in your own kitchen.
The secret? Velveting chicken . Trust me, it's worth it.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown
Let's get real. This is where we figure out if you actually have everything. Don't worry, it's all pretty basic stuff.
Main Ingredients: The Velvet Touch
Here's what you'll need. Accuracy is key here, folks.
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. Quality indicator: Fresh is always best. Plump, pink chicken is what you want.
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (cornflour in the UK)
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry). Quality indicator: For the rice wine or sherry, even a decent cooking one does the trick
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for velveting
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for the stir-fry)
- 1 inch (2.5cm) piece of ginger, peeled and minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup (100g) broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup (50g) sliced carrots
- 4 green onions, chopped (scallions)
Now, for the sauce, you'll need:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but adds major flavour)
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (cornflour in the UK) mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town
- The oyster sauce gives it that umami kick you find in restaurant style stir fry . If you are doing chinese cooking then try to have some at hand.
- Ginger and garlic are non-negotiable . They're the heart and soul of any good Asian cooking .
- Soy sauce and sesame oil are the classic combo. Don't skip 'em!
Need a sub? If you don't have Shaoxing rice wine, dry sherry works. Honestly, even a splash of apple cider vinegar will add some zing.
Equipment Needed: Keeping It Simple
You really don't need fancy gear for this easy chicken stir fry .
- A wok or a large skillet is your best friend.
- Some mixing bowls. Obviously.
- A whisk or fork. For mixing, duh!
Don't have a wok? No worries! A big frying pan works just fine. No need to buy extra stuff.
This whole thing is about a delicious and tender chicken recipe . Follow these tips to get a great weeknight dinner recipes for your family.
Right then, let's talk Velvet Chicken Stir-Fry . Honestly, how to velvet chicken was a game changer for my Asian cooking .
I used to get that chewy, dry chicken in my stir fries . But not anymore. This tender chicken recipe will blow your mind.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
First, let's get organised. Chop all your veggies. Slice your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Measure out all your sauce ingredients.
This is called mise en place and it means having everything in place. It really does save so much time.
For the love of Pete, don't forget the ginger and garlic. They are both the cornerstone of great Chinese cooking !
Unlock the Secret: The Velveting Chicken Steps
This is how to velvet chicken for stir fry :
- Whisk together 1 egg white, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing rice wine, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of white pepper.
- Add 1 lb of cubed chicken and marinate for at least 10 minutes .
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in your wok.
- Slide the chicken into the hot oil.
- Cook for 1- 2 minutes per side, until just cooked through. Internal temp is 165° F .
- Remove and set aside.
- Restaurant style stir fry is totally achievable at home, you know?
Pro Tips for Velvet Chicken Perfection
- Hot wok, hot wok, hot wok! It needs to be screaming hot before the chicken goes in. Honestly it makes the difference!
- Don't overcook the chicken. Remember, you will cook it again later in the sauce.
- Prep your sauce ahead. Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch slurry.
Weeknight Dinner Sorted: Easy Chicken Stir Fry
This easy chicken stir fry is perfect for weeknight dinner recipes . The velveting chicken marinade makes the chicken so incredibly tender.
It's way better than takeout, and you know exactly what's going into it. Give it a go, and let me know what you think.
You won't regret it.
Recipe Notes
Alright, so you're ready to tackle this Velvet Chicken How To recipe? Awesome! Here are a few extra bits and bobs to help you nail it.
Think of these as the behind-the-scenes secrets to a totally Restaurant Style Stir Fry . Honestly, after a bit of practice, you'll be whipping up this Easy Chicken Stir Fry like a total pro.
Serving It Up!
Plating this Tender Chicken Recipe is easy-peasy. Pile it high on a bed of fluffy rice. Green onions sprinkled on top? Absolutely! For a bit of visual flair, try arranging the stir-fry around the rice.
A nice side of crispy spring rolls? You know it! And if you're feeling fancy, a chilled glass of crisp white wine, like a Pinot Grigio, goes down a treat.
Storing Your Leftovers
Okay, so you've got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop them in an airtight container and they'll be happy in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing? Hmm, it's not ideal, as the vegetables can get a bit soggy. But, if you must, portion it out before freezing and use it within a month.
To reheat, either microwave it (easy peasy) or warm it up in a pan on the hob with a splash of water.
Variations on a Theme
Fancy a bit of a change? How To Velvet Chicken For Stir Fry , but without the chicken? No problem! Tofu works a treat.
Just press it to get rid of the excess water, cube it, and follow the same velveting method. For a veggie overload, chuck in some mushrooms, sugar snap peas or even some water chestnuts.
Boom! You have yourself a top-notch stir-fry.
Nitty-Gritty Nutrition Stuff
Each serving clocks in at around 350 calories. You're getting a good whack of protein. About 35 grams! Plus, this is packed with vitamins from all those veggies.
Keep in mind; these are just ballpark figures.
Velveting chicken really makes a difference. Trust me on this. It's the key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture you get in your fave Chinese Cooking .
Give it a go. I reckon you'll be chuffed with the results. It’s a great Weeknight Dinner Recipes , simple and delicious.
And with a few simple tricks and techniques, you can get Asian Cooking restaurant results at home.
So, go on then! Get cooking! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is velveting chicken, and why bother?
Velveting chicken is a Chinese cooking technique that uses a marinade of egg white, cornstarch, and seasonings to create a protective coating around the chicken. This coating helps to keep the chicken incredibly tender and juicy when it's cooked at high heat, much like what you'd expect at your favourite Chinese takeaway. It's a bit of extra effort, but the melt-in-your-mouth texture is totally worth it!
Can I skip the Shaoxing rice wine? What's a good substitute if I don't have it?
While Shaoxing rice wine adds a distinctive flavour, you can definitely use a substitute! Dry sherry is the best alternative. Or if you don't have any handy, a splash of apple cider vinegar will work as a last-minute stand in. Just remember, the rice wine adds a certain je ne sais quoi!
How long can I marinate the chicken for when velveting chicken? Can I leave it overnight?
While a short marinade of 10 minutes at room temperature is sufficient for this recipe, you can marinate the chicken for longer in the fridge. It is best not to exceed a 4-hour period though. Any longer and the chicken may become mushy, and we don't want that, now do we?
Help! My velvet chicken stuck to the pan. What did I do wrong?
Ah, the dreaded stuck chicken! This usually happens when the pan isn't hot enough or there isn't enough oil. Make sure your wok or skillet is properly heated before adding the chicken. You can test the heat by flicking a drop of water into the pan; it should sizzle and evaporate immediately. If it doesn't get those pans hotter than the Caribbean sun!
Is velveted chicken healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Velveting chicken itself doesn't drastically alter the nutritional profile, but keep in mind the overall recipe. This particular recipe includes a good balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. To make it even healthier, you can reduce the amount of oil used, use low-sodium soy sauce, and load up on extra veggies. Always remember portion control is your friend!
Can I use this velveting chicken technique with other proteins?
Absolutely! While chicken is most common, the velveting technique works wonderfully with other proteins like shrimp, pork, or even beef. The key is to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, shrimp will cook much faster than chicken, so keep a close eye on it! It's all about experimenting and finding what tickles your fancy.