Savory Cashew Chicken Stir-fry
Experience the vibrant flavors of Asia with this Savory Cashew Chicken Stir-fry, inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Chinese cuisine. This dish combines tender chicken breast with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, roasted cashews, and a luscious sauce that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes. The aromatic garlic and ginger enhance the dish, while the crunch of the cashews adds a delightful texture. Perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is not just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to an upscale restaurant experience. Pair it with fluffy jasmine rice for a satisfying meal.
4
Servings
300
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breast
1 lb (boneless, skinless, cubed)
salt
1 teaspoon
rice wine
2 teaspoons
fresh ginger
2 teaspoons (minced)
cornstarch
2 tablespoons
hoisin sauce
1/4 cup
soy sauce
2 tablespoons
water
1/4 cup
granulated sugar
1 tablespoon
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
green onions
3 (sliced 1 inch on a diagonal)
carrots
2 (peeled and sliced on a diagonal)
broccoli
1/2 cup (roughly chopped)
celery
2 stalks (sliced 1 inch on a diagonal)
onion
1/4 cup (sliced)
red bell pepper
1/4 cup (chopped)
water chestnuts
1 (8 ounce) can (drained and sliced)
roasted cashews
1/2 cup (lightly toasted)
oil
4 tablespoons (for frying)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes and place them in a medium mixing bowl.
2
2. Season the chicken with salt, rice wine, minced ginger, and one tablespoon of cornstarch. Use a fork to mix evenly, ensuring each piece of chicken is well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
3
3. While the chicken marinates, prepare the sauce by combining hoisin sauce, soy sauce, water, granulated sugar, and an additional teaspoon of minced ginger in a small bowl. Set this mixture aside.
4
4. Wash and julienne the carrots, chop the broccoli, slice the celery on the diagonal, and thinly slice the onion and red bell pepper. Rinse and slice the water chestnuts, and finely mince the garlic.
5
5. In a dry skillet over medium heat, roast the cashews for about 5 minutes, ensuring to shake the pan continuously, until they are lightly browned. Remove them from the pan and let them cool.
6
6. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
7
7. Incorporate the marinated chicken into the wok and stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink. Once done, remove the chicken from the wok and keep it warm.
8
8. In the same wok, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped vegetables and stir-fry them for about 5 to 6 minutes until they are crunchy-tender.
9
9. Push the vegetables to the sides of the wok, then pour in the prepared sauce and add the cooked chicken back in. Stir everything together so that the chicken and vegetables are well-coated with the sauce and heated through.
10
10. Serve the stir-fry over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice and top with roasted cashews for a crunchy garnish. Enjoy your homemade Asian-inspired feast!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
20g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cashew Chicken Stir-fry?
It is an Asian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and roasted cashews in a sweet and savory sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
What type of chicken is best for this stir-fry?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized cubes is recommended.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for breast?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier texture, though the cooking time may vary slightly.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the marinade?
The cornstarch helps to coat the chicken, providing a protective layer that keeps it tender during high-heat stir-frying.
What ingredients are in the stir-fry sauce?
The sauce consists of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, water, granulated sugar, and minced ginger.
How do I prepare the ginger for this dish?
You should mince the fresh ginger finely for use in both the marinade and the sauce.
What is the best way to roast the cashews?
Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, shaking the pan continuously until they are lightly browned.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes carrots, broccoli, celery, onion, red bell pepper, and water chestnuts.
How should the carrots be sliced?
The carrots should be peeled and sliced on a diagonal.
How long should I stir-fry the vegetables?
Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5 to 6 minutes until they are crunchy-tender.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 25 grams of protein per serving.
Can I use rice vinegar instead of rice wine?
While rice wine is specified for its flavor, dry sherry or rice vinegar can often be used as substitutes in a pinch.
What should I serve with cashew chicken?
This stir-fry is best served over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice.
Is there a specific way to slice the celery and green onions?
Both should be sliced on a diagonal, with the green onions cut into 1-inch pieces.
How much oil is required for the entire recipe?
A total of 4 tablespoons of oil is used for frying.
What do water chestnuts add to the dish?
Water chestnuts provide a unique, crunchy texture that complements the tender chicken and vegetables.
How do I know when the chicken is finished cooking?
Stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, once the marination is done, the actual stir-frying process takes less than 20 minutes.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but ensure it is thawed and drained well to prevent excess moisture from making the stir-fry soggy.
What if I don't have a wok?
A large skillet can be used as an effective substitute for a wok.
How much fat is in a serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Why is the chicken removed from the wok before cooking vegetables?
This prevents the chicken from overcooking and becoming tough while the vegetables reach their desired texture.
Can I use salted cashews?
The recipe calls for roasted cashews; if using pre-salted ones, you may want to reduce the additional salt in the marinade.
How should I garnish the final dish?
Top the stir-fry with the roasted cashews and sliced green onions for extra crunch and presentation.
How do I prepare the garlic?
Mince the three garlic cloves and stir-fry them in hot oil for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, you can easily add snap peas, zucchini, or baby corn to increase the vegetable variety.