Go Back
+ servings
velveted chicken in a bowl
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Velveting Chicken

What is velveting chicken? This guide has the answer! Velveting is a cooking technique often used on chicken or seafood before stir-frying.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time2 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Course: main dishes
Cuisine: Chinese
Servings: 4
Author: Kevin

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Slice chicken breast across the grain into 1 1/2 to 2-inch pieces, about ¼-inch thick.
  • In a medium bowl add the water and soy sauce to the chicken, mixing until the chicken is well-coated. Set aside for 5 minutes for most of the liquid to absorb into the chicken.
  • Add the oil and cornstarch, mixing again until everything is thoroughly coated. Let the chicken marinate for 10-15 minutes.

Oil Method

  • Heat your wok over high heat. When it starts to smoke lightly, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to coat the surface of the wok, swirl around to coat. Add the chicken pieces in one layer, and sear for 20 seconds. Stir-fry quickly until the chicken turns opaque, and remove from the wok. Set aside on paper towel lined plate.
  • Avoid overcooking it during the velveting process, you will be cooking the chicken again in your stir-fry.

Water (Blanch) Method

  • To blanch, add the chicken to a wok filled with boiling water, gently stir so it doesn’t clump together. When chicken turns opaque, cook for an additional 10 seconds and remove from wok.
  • Avoid overcooking it during the velveting process, you will be cooking the chicken again in your stir-fry.

Nutrition

Calories: 136kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 426mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 34IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.5mg