If you love dishes that burst with vibrant color, exciting textures, and just the perfect balance of savory and sweet, then this Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is going to be your new go-to weeknight marvel. It’s a delightful mix of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and crisp veggies, all coated in a luscious sauce that makes every bite sing. Quick to whip up and packed with wholesome ingredients, this stir fry never fails to impress, whether you’re cooking for family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating this delicious Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. Each component, from the fresh vegetables to the robust sauces, plays a crucial role in bringing together the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Use bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- Cashews: These add a satisfyingly crunchy texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
- Red and yellow bell peppers: They bring sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Snap peas: For a fresh, crisp bite that contrasts beautifully with tender chicken.
- Soy sauce: The salty umami base that ties the sauce together.
- Oyster sauce: Adds depth and a hint of sweetness for complexity.
- Hoisin sauce: Lends a rich, slightly sweet and tangy note.
- Rice vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a gentle acidity.
- Brown sugar: Enhances the sauce with just the right touch of sweetness.
- Garlic and ginger: Essential aromatics that infuse the dish with warmth and zest.
- Green onions: Freshness and a mild onion crunch to finish off the stir fry.
- Vegetable oil: For stir-frying, helping everything cook quickly and evenly.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
How to Make Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Start by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces and stir-fry until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 5-6 minutes. Once done, set the chicken aside to let the skillet work its magic on the veggies.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
With the same skillet still warm, add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for about a minute until their irresistible fragrance fills your kitchen. This step is crucial for layering flavors and waking up your taste buds.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Next, throw in the colorful red and yellow bell peppers along with the snap peas. Stir-fry these vibrant vegetables for 2-3 minutes, keeping them tender yet delightfully crisp — you want that satisfying crunch in every mouthful.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. This combination creates the signature sauce that gives this Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe its fantastic sweet-savory flavor profile. The balance is what makes the dish truly special.
Step 5: Combine Chicken, Sauce, and Vegetables
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour your freshly made sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything carefully to coat each piece with the glossy sauce, then cook for another 2-3 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and clings perfectly to each ingredient.
Step 6: Add Cashews and Green Onions
Finish by stirring in the crunchy cashews and chopped green onions. Give the stir fry an additional 1-2 minutes on the heat to blend the flavors and warm the cashews just right. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready!
How to Serve Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair and flavor, sprinkle a few extra toasted cashews or a handful of freshly chopped cilantro on top. These finishing touches not only enhance the presentation but add an irresistible aroma and crunch that elevate this dish.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is a classic and perfect partner, soaking up all the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with simple fried rice or even some lightly steamed broccoli or bok choy to add more vibrant greens to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe in beautiful lettuce cups for a fresh and fun handheld treat. Alternatively, plate it over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or even a warm quinoa salad for an interesting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The flavors actually intensify after a few hours, making it just as tasty the next day, perfect for quick lunches or a no-fuss dinner.
Freezing
This Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Place it in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Just be sure to separate any rice if you plan to freeze it along with the stir fry.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating and to keep the cashews from getting too soft. Adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce can help maintain the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
Absolutely! While cashews are traditional for their creamy crunch, almonds or peanuts can be great substitutes if you prefer or have a nut allergy; just adjust cooking time to avoid burning.
Is this recipe spicy?
The classic Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can easily add some heat with red chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you like a bit of a kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or a medley of mushrooms, and swap oyster sauce with a vegan alternative to keep all the luscious flavors intact without any meat.
How do I prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy?
Quick high-heat cooking is key here. Stir-fry vegetables only until they’re just tender-crisp to retain their crunch and vibrant color.
What’s the best way to cut the chicken?
Cut your chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and quickly, making the whole process smooth and efficient.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is always a joy and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a perfect blend of textures, flavors, and colors that feels both comforting and exciting on the table. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or looking for a reliable, delicious meal to add to your rotation, this recipe is sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. Get ready to savor every bite and share the love with those around you!
Print
Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Cashew Chicken Stir Fry featuring tender chicken pieces, crunchy cashews, and fresh colorful vegetables tossed in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy stir-fry is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Chicken and Nuts
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cashews
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Others
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering, preparing it for stir-frying the chicken.
- Cook chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir-fry them until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn them to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Cook vegetables: Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp, retaining their vibrant colors and crunch.
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar until thoroughly combined to create the flavorful stir-fry sauce.
- Combine and cook: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir well to combine. Cook everything together for 2-3 minutes until heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly to coat the ingredients.
- Add cashews and green onions: Stir in the cashews and chopped green onions into the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm the cashews and meld the flavors.
- Season: Season the stir-fry with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the cashew chicken stir fry hot, ideally over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
- For a spicier version, add sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes.
- To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Cashews can be toasted beforehand for extra crunch and flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
