Ginger Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry
This delightful Ginger Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry is a perfect blend of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and vibrant vegetables, all tossed together in a savory sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend family meal, this simple yet flavorful dish encompasses a variety of textures and tastes. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles for a complete meal that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy the combination of fresh ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, which transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet treat.
4
Servings
250
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breast
1 large (cut across grain into slivers, 1/4 inch thickness)
Black pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Gourmet powder monosodium glutamate
1/16 teaspoon
Cooking wine
1 teaspoon
Light soy sauce
2 tablespoons, divided
Cornstarch or tapioca starch
1 tablespoon
Sesame oil
4 drops
Cold water
1/4 cup
Peanut oil
1 cup
Raw cashew nuts
8 ounces
Fresh gingerroot
4 slices, 1/8 inch thick
Garlic
3 cloves, crushed
Onion
1 medium, shredded or sliced fine
Small fresh mushrooms
1 cup, cut into halves
Frozen mixed vegetables
2 cups, thawed
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine black pepper, gourmet powder (monosodium glutamate), cooking wine, and 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce.
2
Add the chicken slivers to the marinade, coat well, and let them marinate for 15 minutes.
3
Prepare the starch mixture in a small bowl by combining the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, sesame oil, and cold water. Mix well and set aside.
4
In a wok, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add the cashews and stir-fry until they turn light brown, about 3 minutes. Remove the cashews from the wok and keep them warm in the oven.
5
Carefully remove all but 2 tablespoons of the peanut oil from the wok and increase the heat to high.
6
Add the ginger, garlic, and onion to the wok. Stir-fry for 1 minute or until they are lightly browned.
7
Introduce the marinated chicken slivers into the wok. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
8
Add the mushrooms, thawed mixed vegetables, and salt. Stir-fry for an additional 3 minutes on high heat until the vegetables are heated through.
9
Pour in the starch mixture and bring the contents to a boil, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
10
Finally, add the roasted cashew nuts back into the wok, mix everything together, and serve immediately for maximum freshness and flavor.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
18.75g
Carbs
11.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ginger Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry?
It is a savory dish featuring tender chicken slivers, crunchy cashews, and vibrant vegetables tossed in a sauce made with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What cut of chicken is best for this stir-fry?
The recipe calls for one large boneless skinless chicken breast cut across the grain into 1/4 inch thick slivers.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should be marinated for 15 minutes before cooking.
What ingredients are used in the chicken marinade?
The marinade consists of black pepper, gourmet powder (MSG), cooking wine, and 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce.
How do I prepare the sauce thickener?
Combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or tapioca starch with the remaining soy sauce, sesame oil, and 1/4 cup of cold water.
What type of oil is used for frying?
The recipe uses 1 cup of peanut oil, specifically chosen for its ability to handle high-heat stir-frying.
How should the cashew nuts be cooked?
Stir-fry the raw cashews in peanut oil over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until they turn light brown.
What aromatics are used in this dish?
Fresh gingerroot slices, crushed garlic cloves, and one medium shredded or finely sliced onion are used as aromatics.
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables that have been thawed.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 17.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 18.75 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 11.25 grams of protein in each serving.
How do I prepare the ginger?
Use 4 slices of fresh gingerroot, each approximately 1/8 inch thick.
What should I do with the cashews after they are browned?
Remove them from the wok and keep them warm in the oven until the final assembly.
How long does it take to cook the chicken in the wok?
The marinated chicken slivers should be stir-fried for about 2 minutes until cooked through.
When should I add the starch mixture?
Add the starch mixture after the vegetables have been stir-fried for 3 minutes, then bring to a boil to thicken.
What kind of mushrooms are used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of small fresh mushrooms cut into halves.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish is savory rather than spicy, though the ginger and black pepper provide a subtle warmth.
What should I serve with Ginger Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry?
It is best served over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles.
Can I substitute the starch?
Yes, you can use either cornstarch or tapioca starch for the sauce thickening mixture.
What is 'gourmet powder'?
Gourmet powder is another name for monosodium glutamate (MSG), used as a flavor enhancer.
At what temperature should I cook the vegetables?
The vegetables and mushrooms should be stir-fried on high heat.
When are the cashews added back into the dish?
Add the roasted cashews back into the wok at the very end, just before serving, to maintain their crunch.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 3 cloves of garlic, which should be crushed before use.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a One Dish Meal as it contains protein, vegetables, and fats in a single preparation.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
The recipe uses a total of 16 ingredients.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, with an easy preparation and quick cooking time, it is ideal for busy weeknights.