How To Make Velvet Chicken Stir Fry: The Easiest Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Velvet chicken stir fry is a tantalizing dish that combines the tender texture of velvety chicken with the vibrant flavors of stir-fried vegetables. Mastering the technique of velveting chicken is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of taste and texture.

What is Velveting Chicken?

Velveting chicken is a technique that involves marinating the chicken in a cornstarch-based mixture before cooking. This creates a protective layer around the chicken, preventing it from drying out and resulting in a silky-smooth texture.

Ingredients for Velveting Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions for Velveting Chicken

1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice wine, and vegetable oil. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This allows the marinade to penetrate the chicken and enhance its flavor.

Stir-Frying the Chicken

1. Heat a wok or large skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over high heat.
2. Add the chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken: Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.

Preparing the Stir-Fry Sauce

• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions for Stir-Fry Sauce

1. Combine the ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil.
2. Thicken the sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.

Stir-Frying the Vegetables

• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced

Instructions for Stir-Frying the Vegetables

1. Reheat the wok: Return the wok or skillet to medium-high heat.
2. Add the vegetables: Add the broccoli, snap peas, carrots, onion, and red bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Return the chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the wok and stir-fry to combine.
4. Add the sauce: Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to coat evenly.
5. Cook until heated through: Continue to stir-fry until the sauce has thickened and the vegetables are heated through, about 1-2 minutes more.

Finishing Touches

1. Season to taste: Adjust the seasoning as desired, adding more soy sauce, oyster sauce, or sesame oil if needed.
2. Garnish: Serve the stir-fry immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions.

Tips for Perfect Velveting

• Use a high-quality cornstarch for the best results.
• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than overnight.
• Do not overcook the chicken, as it will become tough.
• Stir-fry the vegetables quickly to maintain their crispness.
• Adjust the amount of sauce to your desired consistency.

“Wrap-Up” (Conclusion)

Velveting chicken stir fry is a culinary masterpiece that combines the techniques of velveting and stir-frying. By following these steps, you can create a dish that is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Impress your family and friends with this flavorful and satisfying meal.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I use other proteins for velveting?
A: Yes, you can velvet other proteins such as beef, pork, or shrimp.

Q: How long can I marinate the chicken?
A: You can marinate the chicken for up to overnight, but 30 minutes is usually sufficient.

Q: What vegetables can I use in my stir-fry?
A: You can use any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, snap peas, carrots, onions, bell peppers, or asparagus.

Q: Can I make the stir-fry sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it before using.

Q: How do I store leftover stir-fry?
A: Store leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.