It’s not as hard as you would think to get tender meat for your favorite Chinese meals! The key is a straightforward method called “velveting,” which makes even the toughest pieces incredibly soft by breaking down the fibers of the meat with a marinade. This technique is ideal for stir-frying, guaranteeing that your meat is tender and tasty. 🍛🥚
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef (flank steak, sirloin, or another tough cut), thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon rice wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Instructions
Velveting the Beef:
- Slice the Beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain. This helps to break up the muscle fibers and makes the meat more tender.
- Marinate with Baking Soda: Place the sliced beef in a bowl and sprinkle with baking soda. Toss to coat the beef evenly. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Baking soda raises the pH level of the meat, breaking down the proteins and tenderizing it.
- Rinse the Beef: After the baking soda has done its work, rinse the beef thoroughly under cold water to remove any residual baking soda. Pat the beef dry with paper towels.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch, soy sauce, vegetable oil, rice wine, and sugar (if using). The cornstarch helps to create a barrier around the meat, locking in moisture, while the soy sauce adds flavor and the oil keeps the beef moist.
- Marinate the Beef: Add the rinsed and dried beef to the marinade, mixing well to ensure all pieces are coated. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour.
Cooking the Beef:
- Stir-Fry: Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Serve: Use the velvety, tender beef in your favorite Chinese stir-fry recipes. Pair it with vegetables, a savory sauce, and serve over steamed rice or noodles.
A game-changer for your homemade Chinese cuisine is velvety beef. This easy method guarantees consistently juicy, tender, and tasty meat. Make stir fries at home that rival those found in restaurants and wow your family and friends. Savor the mouthwatering aromas and flawless texture of tender beef with each bite! 🍛🥖