Tender Veal & Crisp Cucumber Stir-fry: A Delightful Dish for Kids
Tender Veal & Crisp Cucumber Stir-fry: A Delightful Dish for Kids
Cucumber and Veal Stir-fry for Children
Introduce your little ones to delicious and healthy eating with this ‘Cucumber and Veal Stir-fry’. Made with lean veal tenderloin and top round, this dish is rich in protein and iron, making it an excellent first meat for babies. The combination of tender meat and crunchy cucumber is sure to become a favorite in your child’s meal rotation.
Main Ingredients- Ground Veal 110g
- 1 medium Cucumber
Veal Marinade- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Ginger Powder
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin or similar)
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (ground)
- 10g Chopped Scallions
- 1/2 Tbsp Cooking Oil
Cucumber Brining- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 50ml Water
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Ginger Powder
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin or similar)
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (ground)
- 10g Chopped Scallions
- 1/2 Tbsp Cooking Oil
Cucumber Brining- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 50ml Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To help the cucumber brine more effectively, first prepare the ‘Cucumber Brining Solution’ by mixing kosher salt and water. Drizzle this solution evenly over the cucumber slices. This method promotes faster wilting and helps retain a crisp texture.
Step 2
Thoroughly wash the cucumber, pat it dry, and then slice it thinly. Slicing them to a consistent thickness is key, as thicker pieces may not brine as well.
Step 3
Pour the prepared brining solution over the cucumber slices and let them brine for 15 minutes. During this time, flip the cucumber slices halfway through to ensure the salt water penetrates evenly, optimizing the brining process.
Step 4
After 15 minutes, gently squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the brined cucumber slices using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Do not rinse the cucumbers! Because we washed them thoroughly before brining with salt, rinsing would wash away the seasoning and affect the flavor.
Step 5
Now, it’s time to prepare the veal marinade. Toasted sesame seeds add a wonderful nutty flavor. It’s best to grind them beforehand and sprinkle them in right after turning off the heat to preserve their aroma.
Step 6
Removing excess moisture (blood) from the ground veal is an important step. Use a kitchen towel to gently press down on the veal, absorbing any liquid. This step is crucial for a clean flavor without any gamey taste.
Step 7
For smaller portions of ground meat, push the meat to one side of a bowl, creating an empty space. Add all the marinade ingredients into this space and mix them together. This technique ensures the marinade is evenly distributed throughout the meat.
Step 8
Bring the meat back into the center and gently toss and mix it with your hands until well combined. Avoid over-mixing or kneading, as this can make the meat tough. The goal is to gently coat the meat with the marinade.
Step 9
Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add the marinated ground veal directly into the pan. Use a spatula or spoon to break up the meat into smaller pieces as you stir-fry, spreading it out evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly.
Step 10
When the veal is about 90% cooked, add the squeezed cucumber slices to the pan. Stir-fry for just 2-3 minutes. Avoid overcooking the cucumber, as it can release water and become mushy. Keeping it crisp is the aim!
Step 11
Finally, sprinkle the pre-ground toasted sesame seeds over the dish for an extra layer of nutty flavor. While you can add sesame oil according to your preference, the toasted sesame seeds alone provide ample richness. Enjoy your delicious meal!
