Description
Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast (cubed)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 zucchini, sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
3/4 cup raw cashews
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
1 tsp sesame oil
Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add cubed chicken and cook until golden and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
Remove the chicken and set aside.
Stir Fry Veggies:
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed.
Stir-fry the zucchini, mushrooms, and garlic for 3-4 minutes until tender.
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
Combine Everything:
Return the chicken to the skillet.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add Cashews:
Stir in the cashews and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped green onions.
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Savory, nutty, and packed with flavor!
#QuickDinner #CashewChicken #HealthyMeals
Step-by-Step Guide
For a flawless stir fry, follow this detailed sequence. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped (mise en place) before heating your pan. Use a large wok or skillet for even cooking. When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to achieve a proper sear. For the vegetables, add the garlic last to prevent burning—only stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant before adding the sauce. When combining, let the sauce bubble and simmer for the full 2-3 minutes after adding the cornstarch slurry to activate the thickening power fully.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile stir fry pairs beautifully with several bases and sides. For a classic presentation, serve it over steamed jasmine or brown rice. For a lighter option, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. To make it a more substantial meal, consider serving it over lo mein or udon noodles. A simple side of steamed broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad can complement the rich, savory flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
- Prep all ingredients before starting to cook.
- Sear chicken cubes until golden, then remove from pan.
- Stir-fry zucchini and mushrooms, adding garlic at the end.
- Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin, honey, and sesame oil.
- Return chicken to pan, add sauce, then thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Fold in raw cashews just before serving for maximum crunch.
- Garnish with green onions and serve over your chosen base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Thinly sliced beef, shrimp, or firm tofu are excellent substitutes. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
Are the cashews added raw? Yes, adding them raw at the end preserves their crunch. For a deeper flavor, you can toast them separately in a dry pan first.
What can I use instead of hoisin sauce? A mixture of 1.5 tbsp oyster sauce and 1/2 tbsp brown sugar makes a good substitute, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, ensure you use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce and check your hoisin sauce label.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding the garlic too early, which causes it to burn and turn bitter.
- Overcooking the vegetables until they become mushy; they should be tender-crisp.
- Adding the cornstarch slurry directly to the dry pan. Always mix it with cold water first to prevent lumps.
- Crowding the pan when cooking the chicken, which steams it instead of creating a flavorful sear.
- Adding the cashews too early, causing them to soften in the sauce instead of providing texture.
Conclusion
This Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is a reliable, flavor-packed solution for a busy weeknight. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home in under 30 minutes. Its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty elements, combined with its adaptability, makes it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Enjoy the process and the delicious, healthy results!