Cashew Chicken – with its rich, velvety sauce, tender chicken, and the crunch of roasted cashews. This classic dish seamlessly blends savory and sweet flavors with a nutty crunch that makes every bite irresistible.
What is Cashew Chicken?
Cashew Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish consisting of tender chicken pieces stir-fried with cashews, coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce often flavored with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of oyster sauce. Some variations lean toward a thicker, velvety sauce, while others highlight the dish’s nutty and aromatic notes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the heat level and other ingredients to your taste.
- Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and healthy fats from cashews.
- Deliciously Versatile: Perfect over steamed rice, noodles, or even on a salad.
Ingredients for Cashew Chicken
Here’s what you need to make a traditional and flavorful Cashew Chicken:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Cashews: Roasted and unsalted for the perfect crunch.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli add a pop of color and nutrition.
- Aromatic Base: Garlic and ginger for that unmistakable Asian flavor.
- Sauce Ingredients:
- Soy Sauce: For a salty umami punch.
- Oyster Sauce: Adds depth and a hint of sweetness.
- Hoisin Sauce: Optional, for a richer flavor.
- Chicken Broth: To thin out the sauce.
- Cornstarch: For thickening.
- Sesame Oil: For an aromatic finish.
- Optional Garnishes: Green onions and sesame seeds.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cashew Chicken
- Velveting the Chicken: Marinating chicken with cornstarch and soy sauce helps lock in moisture, making the meat tender and silky.
- Control the Sauce Thickness: Adjust the amount of cornstarch to get your preferred sauce consistency.
- High Heat is Key: Cooking over high heat ensures the chicken and veggies get a good sear without becoming soggy.
- Pre-toast Cashews: For the most flavor, always toast your cashews, even if they come pre-roasted.
Variations of Cashew Chicken
- Spicy Cashew Chicken: Add some dried red chili peppers or a dash of sriracha to give the dish a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth for a plant-based option.
- Honey Cashew Chicken: Add honey to the sauce for a sweeter profile.
- Thai Cashew Chicken: Incorporate fish sauce, lime juice, and Thai basil for a Southeast Asian twist.
How to Serve Cashew Chicken
- With Rice: Jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Over Noodles: Egg noodles or rice noodles work beautifully.
- In Lettuce Wraps: For a fun, low-carb presentation.
- With a Side of Vegetables: Steamed or stir-fried veggies complement this dish perfectly.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating Tips: Warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
Yes! If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different flavor, try using almonds or peanuts instead.
2. What vegetables go well with Cashew Chicken?
Bell peppers, snow peas, broccoli, and carrots are popular choices. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have.
3. How can I make this dish healthier?
Use less oil, opt for low-sodium soy sauce, and load up on vegetables to make it lighter and more nutritious.
4. Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely. Cashew Chicken reheats well and is perfect for meal prep. Just be sure to store the sauce separately if you want to keep the veggies crisp.
Cashew Chicken
Cashew Chicken - with its rich, velvety sauce, tender chicken, and the crunch of roasted cashews. This classic dish seamlessly blends savory and sweet flavors with a nutty crunch that makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
The Sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine or Mirin
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (or cornflour)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (all-purpose or light)
- A dash of white pepper (sub with black if needed)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
Ingredients for the Stir Fry
- 1/2 onion, chopped into ¾-inch pieces (yellow, brown, or white)
- 2 tbsp peanut or vegetable oil
- 500g / 1 lb chicken thigh, skinless and boneless, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 tbsp water
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped into 0.8-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup roasted, unsalted cashews
Instructions
- Marinate: Take 2 tbsp of your prepared sauce and coat the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Stir Fry Time: Heat oil in a hot wok or heavy skillet. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion for about a minute to release their aroma.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 2 minutes, searing it until slightly golden.
- Add Veggies: Toss in the bell pepper and stir fry for another minute to keep it crisp yet tender.
- Sauce It Up: Pour in the sauce and 6 tbsp of water. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about a minute.
- Finish with Cashews: Stir in the roasted cashews and remove from heat.
- Serve this savory delight immediately over fluffy jasmine rice or go healthy with cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 469Total Fat 29gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 22gCholesterol 138mgSodium 1254mgCarbohydrates 21gFiber 2gSugar 6gProtein 34g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Cashew Chicken is a delightful dish that’s easy to master and sure to please everyone at the dinner table. With its combination of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a rich sauce, it’s no wonder this meal has earned a spot in the hearts of food lovers everywhere. Give this recipe a try, experiment with different variations, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations. Happy cooking!
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