Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
If you’re on the hunt for a quick, delicious, and satisfying dinner that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than this Cashew Chicken Stir Fry. This dish combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and crunchy roasted cashews, all enveloped in a savory sauce that’s sure to please your taste buds. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering, this stir fry is not only easy to make but also a feast for the eyes and palate. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try and how you can whip it up in your own kitchen!
Why Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is Worth Your Time
Cashew Chicken Stir Fry brings together the best of both worlds: it’s healthy and indulgent at the same time. The combination of fresh vegetables and lean chicken breast creates a balanced meal, while the roasted cashews add a delightful crunch and nutty richness. Plus, this dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. With its vibrant colors and fantastic flavors, it’s no wonder that Cashew Chicken Stir Fry has become a favorite in many households.
Ingredient List
To create this delicious Cashew Chicken Stir Fry, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 medium red bell peppers (julienned, different colors)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ cup roasted cashews
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Equipment Breakdown
Before you start cooking, gather the following kitchen tools:
- Wok or large skillet – Ideal for stir-frying; it distributes heat evenly.
- Cutting board – For chopping vegetables and chicken.
- Sharp knife – Essential for cutting chicken and vegetables.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – For stirring and mixing the ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To measure out your ingredients accurately.
Cashew Chicken Stir Fry in Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken with the egg white, corn starch, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes. This will help tenderize the chicken and give it a great texture once cooked.
Step 2: Heat the Wok
Place your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Allow it to heat up until it shimmers.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the hot wok in a single layer. Let it sear without stirring for about 2-3 minutes until it’s golden brown. Stir-fry the chicken for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked. Remove it from the wok and set it aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same wok, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the julienned bell peppers and broccoli florets. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Pour in the low sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Add the Cashews
Finally, add the roasted cashews to the stir fry and give it one last toss to integrate them well. Cook for an additional minute to warm the cashews through.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Transfer your Cashew Chicken Stir Fry to serving plates. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful finish. Serve hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Make It Diet-Friendly
This Cashew Chicken Stir Fry can easily be adapted to suit various dietary preferences:
- Low-carb: Serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, and replace the egg white with cornstarch and water.
- Keto-friendly: Reduce the amount of hoisin sauce and use extra vegetables to keep the carb count low.
Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary
- For the best flavor, use fresh vegetables. They add crunch and color to your dish.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- This recipe is versatile; feel free to swap in other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the wok when cooking the chicken. This helps achieve that lovely sear.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it, but for best texture, the skillet method is preferred. For longer storage, consider freezing the stir fry, but keep in mind that the texture of the vegetables may change after thawing.
Your Top Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as frozen vegetables may release more water than fresh ones. Stir-fry them until they are heated through and tender.
What can I substitute for cashews?
If you’re not a fan of cashews, you can use peanuts or almonds instead. Both add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.
Can I make Cashew Chicken Stir Fry ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables. When you’re ready to eat, just stir-fry everything together for a quick meal.
Is this dish spicy?
This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can easily customize it to your spice preference by adding chili sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Make It Tonight
Now that you have all the details you need, it’s time to bring this Cashew Chicken Stir Fry to life in your kitchen. With its vibrant ingredients and quick cooking time, this dish promises to be a hit at your dining table. Gather your ingredients, fire up that wok, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that will impress your family or guests. Happy cooking!
Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by marinating the chicken pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken with the egg white, corn starch, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes.
- Place your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Allow it to heat up until it shimmers.
- Add the marinated chicken to the hot wok in a single layer. Let it sear without stirring for about 2-3 minutes until it’s golden brown. Stir-fry the chicken for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked. Remove it from the wok and set it aside.
- In the same wok, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the julienned bell peppers and broccoli florets. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Pour in the low sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Finally, add the roasted cashews to the stir fry and give it one last toss to integrate them well. Cook for an additional minute to warm the cashews through.
- Transfer your Cashew Chicken Stir Fry to serving plates. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful finish. Serve hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh vegetables. They add crunch and color to your dish.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- This recipe is versatile; feel free to swap in other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini.
