I tried “velveting” some beef the other day (basically marinating the meat in baking soda) and the result was absolutely disgusting, both in terms of texture and flavor. I wonder if maybe I didn’t wash off the baking soda sufficiently and got soap, although that wouldn’t explain the texture issue. The texture was similar to Chinese takeout beef but somehow not as palatable.
Use cornstarch for velveting, and not much, and don’t rinse. I wouldn’t use baking soda to tenderize either, acids are the way to go, or just cooking it for the time it needs.
I’ve never had it break them down too much, nor create anything remotely soapy in flavor. Perhaps it chemically does create soap, I don’t know. But the end result is delicious and I’m a fifth the time.
Interesting. That has not been my experience. The baking side turns them green and mushy and they taste terrible and weren’t even really caramelized.
I’ve since taken to steaming them under a lid for about 10mins before removing the lid, cooking the water off, and caramelizing them. It’s more involved but gives me consistent results, and is still faster than doing it without steam.
That breaks down the onions too much and then reacts with the fats in the pan to make soap.
3/10 do not recommend.
I tried “velveting” some beef the other day (basically marinating the meat in baking soda) and the result was absolutely disgusting, both in terms of texture and flavor. I wonder if maybe I didn’t wash off the baking soda sufficiently and got soap, although that wouldn’t explain the texture issue. The texture was similar to Chinese takeout beef but somehow not as palatable.
Use cornstarch for velveting, and not much, and don’t rinse. I wouldn’t use baking soda to tenderize either, acids are the way to go, or just cooking it for the time it needs.
What were you making that called for baking soda?
I’ve never had it break them down too much, nor create anything remotely soapy in flavor. Perhaps it chemically does create soap, I don’t know. But the end result is delicious and I’m a fifth the time.
Interesting. That has not been my experience. The baking side turns them green and mushy and they taste terrible and weren’t even really caramelized.
I’ve since taken to steaming them under a lid for about 10mins before removing the lid, cooking the water off, and caramelizing them. It’s more involved but gives me consistent results, and is still faster than doing it without steam.
Oh wow, yeah, that’s never happened to me. Green? How much did you put in?
Its been years since I tried so I honestly don’t remember, but yeah its possible I used way too much.
I’m happy with my method though :)
Good to know it works for some people! I thought the chemistry was cool.