Cashew Chicken Stir Fry

Introduction

In our household, stir fry dishes are a regular go-to for weeknight dinners. They’re quick, colorful, and packed with flavor, making them a hit with both adults and kids. This Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is a particular favorite, thanks to its delightful combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and the satisfying crunch of cashews. The sauce, a harmonious blend of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces, brings everything together, resulting in a dish that feels both comforting and gourmet. My family loves the way the bright colors of the vegetables pop against the rich sauce, and I appreciate how quickly this meal comes together, allowing us to spend more time at the dinner table.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry until they are browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and the sauce has thickened.
7. Finish with Cashews and Green Onions: Stir in the cashews and chopped green onions. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
8. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve the Cashew Chicken Stir Fry hot over steamed rice.
• Garnish with additional green onions for a fresh touch.
• Offer extra soy sauce or chili sauce on the side for those who like it spicy.
• Pair with a side of spring rolls or dumplings for a complete meal.
• Serve with a light salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition.

Additional Tips

1. Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh vegetables. Look for vibrant bell peppers and crisp snap peas.
2. Pre-Cook the Chicken: To save time, you can marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. This adds extra flavor.
3. Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a spicier dish, add a teaspoon of chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
4. Nut Alternatives: If you or your family members have nut allergies, feel free to omit the cashews or substitute with sunflower seeds.
5. Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked chicken—just skip the cooking step for the chicken and add it directly to the stir-fry.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use a vegetarian oyster sauce.
• Additional Vegetables: Experiment with other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bok choy for added nutrition and color.
• Noodle Dish: Instead of rice, serve the stir fry over cooked noodles for a delicious twist.
• Sweet and Sour Version: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
• Different Proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or pork depending on your preference.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with jasmine or basmati rice for an aromatic side.
• Serve alongside a light cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Accompany with a simple miso soup for an authentic Asian meal experience.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the stir fry for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
• Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water or additional sauce to prevent the stir fry from drying out.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?

• Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as they may release more moisture.

1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

• Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

1. What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

• You can use hoisin sauce or a homemade mixture of soy sauce and a little sugar.

1. Is this recipe spicy?

• This recipe is not spicy, but you can add chili flakes or sauce for heat.

1. How can I make this dish healthier?

• Increase the amount of vegetables and reduce the amount of oil used in cooking.

1. Can I add more protein?

• Yes, you can add more chicken, tofu, or even edamame for additional protein.

1. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

1. Can I serve this with something other than rice?

• Absolutely! It’s also delicious with noodles or quinoa.

1. How long does it take to cook the chicken?

• The chicken typically takes about 5-6 minutes to cook through.

1. Can I make this in advance?
   • While it’s best fresh, you can prep the ingredients and store them separately until you’re ready to cook.

Conclusion

This Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is more than just a quick dinner; it’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that your family will love. With its vibrant colors and satisfying crunch from the cashews, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner solution or a dish to impress guests, this stir fry hits all the right notes. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor every bite of this delicious meal!

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