Velvet Beef: Pro Tips & Methods
Learn the secret to incredibly tender beef with this classic Chinese stir-fry. Featuring perfectly velveted beef, crisp vegetables, and a rich savory sauce, it’s an ideal dish for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef flank steak sliced against the grain into thin strips
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger grated
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers any color
- 0.5 cup snap peas
- 0.25 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
Instructions
- Velvet the Beef: In a bowl, combine beef strips with baking soda, 1 tbsp soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1 tbsp water. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Prepare Stir-fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, 2 tbsp soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and the cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
- Cook Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until smoking. Add the velveted beef in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until browned and mostly cooked through. Remove beef from the wok and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics & Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broccoli florets, bell peppers, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Combine & Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the wok with the vegetables. Give the prepared stir-fry sauce a quick whisk and pour it over the beef and vegetables. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice.
Notes
For best results, ensure your wok or pan is very hot before adding the beef to achieve a good sear. You can customize vegetables based on seasonal availability. Serve immediately with steamed rice.