When you want take-out but don't want to go to the effort of actually getting take-out, this quick and easy cashew chicken stir-fry recipe is for you. With only 30 minutes of active preparation and cooking time, you will have the most flavorsome cashew chicken ready and on the table in no time. Serve with steamed rice and veggies, and you have a meal the whole family will love.
Make This Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe at Home
This deliciously satisfying meal is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends. With the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors, cashew chicken stir fry is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Combining tender chicken pieces with a savory sauce, and lots of crunchy cashews, this popular dish is one for the whole family. And the fact that it comes together so quickly helps too.
Although traditionally served with lots of veg, we have kept this version pretty basic for the fussy members of the family. Simply add your own favorite veggies to the dish to make it your own.
Gather all of your ingredients, and let's get cooking.
Tips for Perfecting Your Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
To ensure your cashew chicken stir fry turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips to help you master this classic recipe:
- Use high-quality ingredients: When making cashew chicken stir fry, it's important to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. This includes using fresh vegetables, good quality chicken breast or thigh meat that has been cut into similar-sized pieces so that it cooks evenly, and roasted cashews (as opposed to raw cashews) for maximum flavor.
- Marinate the chicken: For extra flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken before cooking it in the stir fry. Aim for at least 30 minutes of marinating; however, the longer, the better.
- Cook the chicken first: When making cashew chicken stir fry, always cook the chicken first before adding in the vegetables, sauce, and cashews. This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: To achieve a perfect sear on your chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Use a wok or large skillet: A wok or large skillet is ideal for making stir fry as it allows for quick and even cooking of all ingredients. Make sure your pan is hot before adding in your ingredients to achieve that perfect texture.
- Add sauce at the end: Once all your ingredients are cooked through, add in your homemade stir fry sauce at the end of cooking and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
Traditionally, this meal would be served with steamed white rice or brown rice for a simple and satisfying meal.
However, sometimes that might not fit with your diet, or you just want to change things up. Try serving your cashew chicken with:
- Rice noodles, konjac noodles, or steamed quinoa.
- For a low-carb option, try serving the stir fry over cauliflower rice, broccoli rice, or zucchini noodles.
- Served alongside a chilled cucumber salad or tangy coleslaw for some freshness.
- Pair with your favorite veggies: steamed broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy for added texture and color.
- Add some sliced chili peppers to kick up the heat a bit.
- For an Asian-inspired feast, serve the cashew chicken stir fry alongside other popular dishes, such as egg rolls, potstickers, or spring rolls.
- Add a little texture with a sprinkle of sesame seeds right before serving.
The options are endless, so be sure to make this meal your own.
Variations and Ingredient Substitutions for Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
This stir fry is a delicious and versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit individual tastes. Whether you prefer your stir fry with extra vegetables or a bit of kick with some added spice, this recipe allows for endless variations.
Try some of these variations to change things up:
- Spicy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
- Teriyaki Cashew Chicken Stir Fry: Replace the soy sauce with a teriyaki sauce for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Pineapple Cashew Chicken Stir Fry: Add chunks of pineapple for a tropical twist on this classic dish (controversial, I know).
- Thai-Inspired Cashew Chicken Stir Fry: Add coconut milk, lemongrass, and Thai basil for an aromatic and flavorful variation.
Ingredient substitutions are also easy to make with this recipe, which is perfect for using up what you have. Try some of these substitutions:
- Protein: Instead of chicken breast, you can use chicken thigh. Alternatively, you can use shrimp (prawn), tofu, beef, or even tempeh.
- Nuts: If you don't have cashew nuts on hand, feel free to substitute with almonds or peanuts for a different texture and flavor.
- Vegetables: I have kept this version very simple and only added green onions, however, this is the perfect dish for adding lots of veggies. Try adding broccoli florets, snap peas, red bell peppers, carrot slices, or baby corn for added crunch and color.
- Sauce: Swap out the traditional soy sauce with tamari or a low sodium soy sauce if required. You can also use coconut aminos for a healthier alternative.
With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, cashew chicken stir fry is sure to become a favorite easy dinner in your household. Give it a try and enjoy a satisfying meal that can be on the table in no time at all.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Happy Eating
xx
Recipe
Quick and Easy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
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Ingredients
For Chicken Marinade
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 pound chicken breast or tenders cut into 1 inch pieces
For Sauce
- 6 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon hoisin
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon granulated or brown sugar (optional)
For Stir Fry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or you can use sesame oil
- 2 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger minced
- 5 scallions thinly sliced
- 1 cup cashews halved, roasted and unsalted
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix the chicken with water, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, paprika, and salt. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.3 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon paprika, 1 pound chicken breast or tenders
- Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a bowl.6 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoon hoisin, 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon granulated or brown sugar
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat half of the olive oil. Add the marinated chicken (by now, the chicken should have absorbed all the marinade, so there won’t be any excess liquid to pour out) and cook for about 5 minutes until browned. Set the cooked chicken aside.2 tablespoons olive oil
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Sauté the lighter parts of the scallions, along with the garlic and ginger, for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Save the green parts of the scallions for garnish. Add cashews.2 teaspoon garlic, 1 inch fresh ginger, 5 scallions, 1 cup cashews
- Combine and Thicken: Add the sauce and the cooked chicken to the skillet. Lower the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve with rice or noodles, topped with the reserved green scallion tops.
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