Are you tired of tough and chewy pork chops? Do you want to know the secret to achieving tender and succulent meat every time?
Look no further than the technique of velveting! This Chinese cooking method involves marinating the meat in a mixture of liquids and cornstarch, resulting in a velvety texture that is sure to impress.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps of velveting pork chops, providing you with all the tips and tricks you need to elevate your cooking game.
So grab your apron and let’s get started!
How To Velvet Pork Chops?
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
Start by slicing your pork chops thinly against the grain, about 1/8 inch thick. This will ensure that the meat is tender and easy to chew.
In a medium bowl, mix together water, Chinese cooking wine, oyster sauce, and baking soda. If desired, you can also add some sesame oil and white pepper for extra flavor.
Add the pork chops to the mixture and use your hands to massage the liquid into the meat. Make sure that each piece is well coated and that the liquid is absorbed into the meat.
Next, add cornstarch and vegetable oil to the mixture and mix again until everything is well incorporated. Set aside and let the pork chops marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Pre-Cooking
When you’re ready to cook your pork chops, start by pre-cooking them either by searing or blanching.
To sear, place a wok or skillet over high heat until it starts to smoke lightly. Add some oil around the perimeter of the wok to coat the surface and add the pork chops in one layer. Allow them to sear for 30 seconds before stir-frying until they turn opaque. Remove from the wok and set aside.
To blanch, bring water to a boil in your wok or pot. Stir in the pork chops and let them cook until they turn opaque. Blanch for an additional 10 seconds before removing from the wok using a spider or strainer. Set aside.
Remember not to overcook your pork chops during this pre-cooking step as they will be cooked again in your stir-fry.
Step 3: Stir-Frying
Now that your pork chops are pre-cooked, they are ready to be added to your stir-fry. Heat up a wok or skillet over high heat and add some oil.
Add your vegetables of choice and sauté for about 10 minutes or until they are al dente. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Add your pre-cooked pork chops to the same skillet and stir-fry for about 10 minutes or until they are fully cooked. Reduce heat to medium-low and add back your vegetables, stirring everything together.
Cover and let this steam for about 5 minutes before serving immediately.
What Is Velveting And How Does It Work?
Velveting is a Chinese cooking technique that involves marinating meat or seafood in a mixture of ingredients to keep it moist and tender during cooking. The technique creates a protective coating around the meat, sealing in the moisture and preventing it from overcooking and becoming tough.
To velvet pork chops, start by slicing them thinly against the grain. Then, prepare a marinade consisting of water, Chinese cooking wine, oyster sauce, and baking soda. This mixture can also include sesame oil and white pepper for extra flavor. Add the pork chops to the marinade and massage it into the meat until each piece is well coated.
Next, add cornstarch and vegetable oil to the mixture and mix well. Let the pork chops marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to cook your pork chops, pre-cook them either by searing or blanching. To sear, place them in a hot wok or skillet for 30 seconds before stir-frying until they turn opaque. To blanch, cook them in boiling water until they turn opaque before removing them from the wok using a spider or strainer.
Finally, add your pre-cooked pork chops to your stir-fry and cook until they are fully cooked. By velveting your pork chops, you’ll achieve a tender and juicy texture that’s similar to what you might find at a Chinese restaurant.
Choosing The Right Pork Chops For Velveting
When it comes to velveting pork chops, it’s important to choose the right cut of meat. Pork shoulder (picnic shoulder), pork butt (Boston butt), pork loin, tenderloin, and boneless country ribs are all suitable options for stir-fries.
Pork shoulder and butt are generally preferred for stir-fries since they have more fat content and better flavor. They’re also the most versatile and economic cuts. Pork loin, on the other hand, is tender but very lean, which can cause it to dry out easier. If using pork loin, it’s recommended to cut off the end where the blade roast starts, which is quite tasty.
Pork tenderloin is also quite lean but more tender than loin. It’s a bit luxurious for stir-fry, but it can be used if you want to splurge. Boneless country ribs are a very tasty option if you don’t mind some streaky fat in your pork slices.
Regardless of which cut you choose, it’s important to slice the pork thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Additionally, make sure to marinate and pre-cook the pork chops using the velveting technique explained above for best results.
The Velveting Marinade: Ingredients And Preparation
The velveting marinade is what makes the pork chops tender and juicy. The ingredients for the marinade include water, Chinese cooking wine, oyster sauce, baking soda, sesame oil, white pepper, cornstarch, and vegetable oil.
To prepare the marinade, start by mixing together water, Chinese cooking wine, oyster sauce, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Next, add sesame oil and white pepper if desired.
Add the thinly sliced pork chops to the mixture and massage the liquid into the meat with your hands. Make sure that each piece is well coated and that the liquid is absorbed into the meat.
Finally, add cornstarch and vegetable oil to the mixture and mix again until everything is well incorporated. Let the pork chops marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
Once the pork chops are marinated, they can be pre-cooked by either searing or blanching before being added to your stir-fry. Remember not to overcook them during this step as they will be cooked again in your stir-fry.
Step-by-Step Guide To Velveting Pork Chops
Velveting pork chops is a Chinese technique that ensures the meat stays moist and tender during cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to velveting pork chops:
Step 1: Marinate the Pork Chops
Slice the pork chops thinly against the grain and place them in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together water, Chinese cooking wine, oyster sauce, and baking soda. Add the mixture to the pork chops and use your hands to massage the liquid into the meat until it is well coated.
Next, add cornstarch and vegetable oil to the mixture and mix again until everything is well incorporated. Set aside and let the pork chops marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Pre-Cooking
To pre-cook the pork chops, you can either sear or blanch them. To sear, heat up a wok or skillet over high heat and add some oil. Add the pork chops in one layer and allow them to sear for 30 seconds before stir-frying until they turn opaque. Remove from the wok and set aside.
To blanch, bring water to a boil in your wok or pot. Stir in the pork chops and let them cook until they turn opaque. Blanch for an additional 10 seconds before removing from the wok using a spider or strainer. Set aside.
Remember not to overcook your pork chops during this pre-cooking step as they will be cooked again in your stir-fry.
Step 3: Stir-Frying
Heat up a wok or skillet over high heat and add some oil. Add your vegetables of choice and sauté for about 10 minutes or until they are al dente. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Add your pre-cooked pork chops to the same skillet and stir-fry for about 10 minutes or until they are fully cooked. Reduce heat to medium-low and add back your vegetables, stirring everything together.
Cover and let this steam for about 5 minutes before serving immediately.
By following these simple steps, you can velvet your pork chops like a pro!
Cooking Tips For Perfectly Tender Pork Chops
Cooking pork chops can be tricky, as they can easily become tough and dry if not cooked properly. Here are some tips to ensure that your pork chops turn out perfectly tender every time:
1. Choose the right cut: When buying pork chops, opt for a bone-in cut that is at least one-inch-thick, but no larger than two inches. This will help to ensure that the pork chops cook evenly and stay moist.
2. Don’t overcook: Overcooking pork chops is a surefire way to end up with tough, dry meat. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops and remove them from the heat when they reach 145°F.
3. Brine the pork chops: Brining is a process of soaking the meat in a saltwater solution prior to cooking. This can help to keep the pork chops moist and tender, especially if you’re using a lean cut of meat.
4. Bring the pork chops to room temperature: Letting your pork chops sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking can help to ensure that they cook evenly.
5. Rest after cooking: Letting your pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chop.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to cook perfectly tender and juicy pork chops every time.
Serving Suggestions And Recipe Ideas For Velveted Pork Chops
Once you’ve mastered the art of velveting pork chops, there are endless ways to serve them up. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Velvet Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom Sauce: After stir-frying your pork chops, remove them from the wok and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms until they are browned and tender. Add some heavy cream and stir until the sauce thickens. Pour this over your pork chops and serve with a side of steamed rice.
2. Velvet Pork Chops with Garlic and Broccoli: Stir-fry your pork chops as directed, then remove them from the skillet and set aside. Add minced garlic and chopped broccoli to the same skillet and sauté until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Add a splash of soy sauce and stir everything together before serving.
3. Velvet Pork Chops with Pineapple and Bell Peppers: This sweet and savory dish is perfect for summer. Stir-fry your pork chops until they are fully cooked, then remove them from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté sliced bell peppers and fresh pineapple until they are caramelized and tender. Add back your pork chops and stir everything together before serving.
4. Velvet Pork Chops with Noodles: Instead of serving your pork chops with rice, try tossing them with some cooked noodles for a hearty meal. Stir-fry your pork chops as directed, then remove them from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, cook some egg noodles until they are al dente. Toss everything together with some chopped scallions and a splash of sesame oil before serving.
No matter how you serve them up, velveted pork chops are sure to be a hit at your dinner table!