Are you tired of tough and chewy beef in your stir-fries? Look no further than the Chinese technique of velveting.
This method involves tenderizing the beef and marinating it with seasonings, oil, and cornstarch to create a velvety coating. The final step of pre-cooking can be done through deep-frying or searing in a hot wok.
The result? Soft and tender beef strips that are perfect for stir-fries, stroganoff, and more.
In this article, we’ll explore the different methods of velveting beef and provide tips for success. Say goodbye to tough beef and hello to velvety goodness.
How To Velvet Beef?
There are several methods for velveting beef, but we’ll focus on two popular techniques: using baking soda and the traditional cornstarch/par-boil method.
To use baking soda, mix it with water and toss the sliced beef with the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before thoroughly rinsing with cold water. Be sure not to use too much baking soda, marinade for longer than 30 minutes, or skip rinsing, as this can alter the taste and texture of the beef.
For the traditional method, slice the beef thinly against the grain and sprinkle over cornstarch. Par-boil the beef in simmering water for a few seconds before draining and rinsing with cold water. Marinate the beef with seasonings, oil, and more cornstarch before pre-cooking through deep-frying or searing in a hot wok.
What Is Velveting And Why Is It Important For Beef?
Velveting is a technique used in Chinese cuisine to tenderize and preserve the moisture of meat while cooking. It involves coating the meat with a mixture of cornstarch or baking soda, and either deep-frying or blanching in boiling water with a little bit of oil added to it. This process creates a protective barrier around the meat that seals in the moisture and prevents it from overcooking and becoming tough. The result is meat that is tender, silky, and smooth in texture.
Velveting is particularly important for beef because it helps to break down the tough muscle fibers and connective tissue that can make beef chewy and difficult to eat. By pre-cooking the beef through velveting, it becomes much more tender and juicy than even expensive cuts of beef like beef tenderloin. Additionally, velveting does not alter the flavor of the beef, so the taste will only be as good as the cut you use.
There are different methods for velveting beef, but the traditional cornstarch/par-boil method and the baking soda method are two popular techniques. Both methods involve coating the beef with a mixture that helps to tenderize the meat before cooking. Overall, velveting is an essential technique for creating delicious, tender beef dishes in Chinese cuisine.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Beef For Velveting
When it comes to velveting beef, not all cuts are created equal. Some cuts of beef are naturally tougher than others, and therefore require more tenderizing methods to achieve a soft and velvety texture. Here are some great options for velveting:
1. Round Bottom: This cut comes from the cow’s hindquarters and is lean and flavorful. It’s perfect for stir-fries and can be sliced thinly against the grain for velveting.
2. Hanger Steak: This cut is also known as “butcher’s steak” and is located near the diaphragm. It has a rich flavor and tender texture, making it a great choice for velveting.
3. Porterhouse: This cut is a combination of two different cuts of beef – the tenderloin and the strip steak. It’s a bit pricier than other cuts, but its tenderness and flavor make it worth the splurge.
4. Flank Steak: This cut comes from the cow’s abdominal muscles and is known for its bold flavor. It’s also lean and requires velveting to make it tender enough for stir-frying.
5. Chuck: This cut comes from the cow’s shoulder and is often used for stews and slow-cooking dishes. However, when sliced thinly against the grain and velveted, it can be used in stir-fries as well.
6. Low-Grade Sirloin: This cut is affordable but can be tough if not prepared correctly. Velveting can help to tenderize this cut and make it suitable for stir-fries.
When choosing a cut of beef for velveting, look for cuts that are lean and have minimal connective tissue. It’s also important to slice the beef thinly against the grain to break up any tough fibers. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to choose the perfect cut of beef for your next velveting adventure.
The Marinating Process: Seasonings, Oil, And Cornstarch
When it comes to marinating the beef for velveting, there are a few key ingredients to keep in mind. The first is cornstarch, which is used to create a protective coating around the beef that seals in moisture and prevents it from overcooking. The amount of cornstarch used will depend on the recipe, but a good rule of thumb is to use about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch per pound of beef.
In addition to cornstarch, you’ll also need to add some oil to the marinade. This not only helps to distribute the seasonings evenly, but also adds flavor and helps to keep the beef moist. You can use any type of oil you like, but sesame oil is a popular choice in Chinese cooking.
As for seasonings, there are many different options depending on the recipe you’re using. Soy sauce, rice wine, garlic, ginger, and green onions are all common ingredients in Chinese marinades. You can also add spices like black pepper or chili flakes for extra flavor.
To marinate the beef, simply mix together the cornstarch, oil, and seasonings in a bowl until well combined. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Once the beef has marinated, it’s ready to be pre-cooked using either deep-frying or searing in a hot wok. This step helps to set the coating and create that characteristic velvety texture. With a little bit of patience and attention to detail, you can achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen!
Pre-cooking Methods: Deep-frying Vs. Searing In A Hot Wok
The last step of velveting beef is pre-cooking, which really depends on the dish you are cooking and the outcome you’re looking for. The traditional method for velveting beef is to pass the meat through hot oil, essentially deep-frying, which is referred to as “zǒu yóu” in Mandarin or “jau yau” in Cantonese. This method produces a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a tender, juicy interior. However, deep-frying can be messy and requires a lot of oil. It can also be unhealthy if not done properly.
Alternatively, you can sear the marinated beef in a hot wok. Simply heat up some oil in the wok until it’s smoking hot, and then add the beef in a single layer. Sear the beef without disturbing it for about 2 minutes on one side and 30 seconds on the other side. This method imparts more flavor than deep-frying and is less messy since you only need a small amount of oil. However, it may not produce the same crispy texture as deep-frying.
For soups or stews, you can skip pre-cooking altogether and simply add the marinated beef directly to the broth to cook. Remember to only cook the beef to about 50% cooked when pre-cooking, as it will continue to cook when stir-fried with vegetables or noodles.
Tips For Success: Timing, Temperature, And Other Considerations
When it comes to velveting beef, timing and temperature are crucial factors to consider. Here are some tips for success:
1. Timing: Be sure to marinate the beef for the appropriate amount of time. For the baking soda method, 30 minutes is the maximum time recommended for marinating. For the traditional method, par-boil the beef for just a few seconds before removing it from the heat. Over-marinating or over-cooking the beef can result in a tough and chewy texture.
2. Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the beef. For deep-frying, heat the oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C). For stir-frying, heat your wok or pan until it’s smoking hot before adding the beef. This will ensure that the beef cooks quickly and evenly, while maintaining its tender texture.
3. Other Considerations: When velveting beef, it’s important to use the right cut of meat. Cheaper, tougher cuts like flank steak or sirloin are ideal for velveting because they benefit from the tenderizing process. Additionally, be sure to rinse the beef thoroughly after marinating to remove any excess baking soda or cornstarch.
By following these tips, you can achieve perfectly tender and juicy beef in your stir-fries every time. Experiment with different marinades and seasonings to create your own unique dishes!
Recipes To Try: Stir-fry, Stroganoff, And More.
Now that you know how to velvet beef, it’s time to put it to use in some delicious recipes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Stir-fry: Flank steak is a popular choice for Chinese restaurants and home cooks alike. Slice the velveted beef thinly and marinate with your favorite stir-fry sauce. Heat a wok or skillet over high heat and stir-fry the beef with vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. Serve over rice or noodles for a quick and satisfying meal.
2. Beef Stroganoff: This classic Russian dish has been Americanized over time and typically features tender beef in a sour cream sauce served over egg noodles. Use the baking soda method to velvet a beef chuck roast before cooking it low and slow in a flavorful sauce with mushrooms, onions, and plenty of sour cream. Serve over buttered egg noodles for a comforting and hearty meal.
3. Beef and Broccoli: This popular Chinese-American dish is easy to make at home with the right ingredients. Velvet beef strips with baking soda before stir-frying them with broccoli florets in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger. Serve over rice for a complete meal.
4. Mongolian Beef: Another Chinese restaurant favorite, Mongolian beef features tender strips of beef in a sweet and savory sauce made with brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili flakes. Velvet the beef with baking soda before stir-frying it with scallions and garlic. Serve over rice for an easy and flavorful meal.
With these recipes and techniques, you can transform tough cuts of beef into tender and flavorful dishes that are sure to impress your family and friends. Give them a try and see how velveting can take your cooking to the next level!
