The Asian Larder

How to Velvet Chicken and Beef for Stir-Fries

Velveting is a Chinese technique of coating raw meat in a light cornflour and egg white marinade before cooking, keeping it tender and silky in stir-fries. Restaurants use it to stop lean cuts turning tough and dry over the high heat of a wok.

How to velvet meat

FAQ

Does velveting work with beef as well as chicken?

Yes, it works with most lean cuts of beef, chicken, pork and prawns.

How long should I marinate the meat for?

Fifteen to thirty minutes is usually enough. Longer risks the texture turning slightly mushy.

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  • Cornflour. For the classic velveting coating.
Huì

Huì

Huì is a Beijing-born chef working in the UK. She writes The Asian Larder, with tested Asian recipes for British home cooks and honest advice on where to buy every ingredient.
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