Zesty Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe: A Flavorful Family Hit

When dinnertime calls for something quick and delicious, this cashew chicken stir fry recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Tender chicken pieces dance with crunchy cashews in a savory sauce that promises excitement on your plate.

The blend of textures and flavors creates an irresistible meal that comes together in minutes.

Crisp vegetables add vibrant color and nutrition to this simple yet elegant dish.

Fresh ginger and garlic infuse each bite with aromatic warmth and depth.

Weeknight cooking doesn’t get easier or more satisfying than this crowd-pleasing stir fry.

You’ll find yourself falling in love with every single forkful of this restaurant-worthy meal that’s actually homemade.

Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Flavor Boosts

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious cashew chicken stir fry in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a fast, nutritious meal.
• Texture Explosion: Enjoy the delightful contrast between crispy chicken, crunchy cashews, and tender vegetables that dance together in every single bite.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily swap ingredients like chicken for tofu, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Create a professional-style Asian-inspired dish without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients, bringing gourmet flavors directly to your kitchen.

Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Ingredients Guide

• Chicken: A lean protein that provides the hearty base for this stir fry and absorbs the delicious sauce flavors.

• Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Hoisin Sauce, Cornstarch: A flavor-packed combination that creates a rich, glossy sauce with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet notes.

• Bell Pepper, Onion: Colorful vegetables that add crunch, sweetness, and nutritional value to the stir fry.

• Cashews, Sesame Oil: Toasted cashews provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, while sesame oil contributes a distinctive aromatic depth to the dish.

Making Cashew Chicken Stir Fry at Home

Step 1: Whip Up Tasty Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch.

Swirl and stir until the cornstarch completely melts into a smooth, glossy mixture that will later create a delicious coating for your chicken and veggies.

Step 2: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok until it’s shimmering and hot.

Carefully drop in chicken pieces and let them dance around the pan.

Cook and flip until each piece turns a gorgeous golden brown and develops those beautiful caramelized edges that promise incredible flavor.

Step 3: Welcome Colorful Vegetables

Toss bell peppers and onions into the sizzling pan with the chicken.

Keep the heat dancing and stir continuously.

Watch as the vegetables soften and become slightly tender, releasing their sweet and crisp essence into the dish.

Step 4: Create Magic With Sauce And Nuts

Sprinkle toasted cashews into the pan and pour your prepared sauce over everything.

Stir gently, allowing the sauce to bubble and thicken.

Watch how it transforms the stir fry, creating a glossy, appetizing coating that clings to every morsel.

Step 5: Plate And Enjoy

Scoop the steaming hot cashew chicken over a bed of fluffy rice.

Scatter extra toasted cashews on top for a delightful crunch.

Your restaurant-quality meal is ready to be devoured!

Tips for Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Perfection

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, quick-cooking meat that absorbs flavors perfectly.
• Dry-roast cashews in a separate pan until golden brown to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning during the main stir-fry.
• Use medium-high heat to achieve a quick sear on chicken and crisp vegetables without making them soggy or overcooked.
• Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to chicken and vegetables.
• Chop vegetables and chicken uniformly to guarantee even cooking and a professional-looking stir-fry presentation.

Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Cashew Tofu: Replace chicken with firm tofu, cubed and pan-fried for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and add extra nutrients.
• Spicy Sichuan Style: Incorporate Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil for a fiery kick that transforms the original recipe's flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Serving Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Deliciously

• Asian-Style Rice Bowl: Pile the stir fry over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a complete meal that captures authentic Asian flavors.
• Lettuce Wrap Adventure: Serve the cashew chicken inside crisp lettuce leaves for a light, low-carb alternative that adds fresh crunch and texture.
• Noodle Transformation: Swap rice with thin rice noodles or lo mein for an exciting twist that absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly.
• Green Garnish Boost: Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds on top to add color, brightness, and extra layers of flavor.

Storage Guide for Cashew Chicken Stir Fry

• Store leftover cashew chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the crispy texture of cashews. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out and restore moisture.
• Pack cooled stir fry in freezer-safe containers, keeping sauce separate if possible. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Avoid leaving stir fry at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Always use clean utensils when storing and reheating to maintain food safety.

FAQs

• What makes the sauce in this recipe unique?

The sauce combines soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch, creating a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that coat the chicken and vegetables beautifully.

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of cashews?

While cashews provide a distinctive crunch and nutty flavor, you can substitute with almonds or peanuts for a similar texture and taste profile.

• How do I ensure the chicken stays tender and not dry?

Cook the chicken over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. Remove it from the pan as soon as it’s nicely browned to maintain its moisture and tenderness.

Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Cashew Chicken Stir Fry brings Chinese-inspired flavors dancing across your plate with remarkable ease. Crisp vegetables and tender chicken chunks nestled with crunchy cashews promise a quick, delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) cashews, toasted, plus extra for garnish

Sauce:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon (8 grams) cornstarch

Oil:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch in a small mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and cornstarch completely dissolves.
2. Warm sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat (around 375°F). Add chicken pieces and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until meat turns golden brown and is cooked through.
3. Introduce sliced bell peppers and diced onions into the pan. Continue stir-frying for 2-3 minutes, ensuring vegetables remain crisp and retain their vibrant colors.
4. Sprinkle toasted cashews into the skillet and pour prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently toss ingredients, allowing sauce to simmer and thicken for approximately 1-2 minutes, creating a glossy, even coating.
5. Transfer the aromatic stir-fry to a serving platter, arranging it attractively over steamed rice. Garnish with additional roasted cashews for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili sauce or red pepper flakes for personalized spiciness.
• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains protein-rich profile.
• Toast cashews separately to enhance their nutty flavor and ensure perfect crispness before adding to stir fry.
• Prep all ingredients beforehand to guarantee smooth, quick cooking process without burning or overcooking components.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg