Spicy Thai Stir-Fry Chicken with Cashews
Indulge in a vibrant and flavorful Thai dish that combines tender, marinated chicken with crispy vegetables and crunchy cashews. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can easily be adjusted to suit your spice preferences. Deliciously aromatic with garlic and fresh chili peppers, every bite bursts with flavor, complemented by the savory tang of fish and oyster sauces. Serve over fluffy jasmine rice for a wholesome, satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy nights, this dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it not just a treat for the taste buds but also a time-saver in the kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 (tablespoons)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Dried red chili peppers
2-6 (whole)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (cubed)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Sugar
1 (pinch)
Fish sauce
1 (tablespoon)
Oyster sauce
1 (tablespoon)
Green pepper
1 (chopped)
Celery
1 (stalk, chopped)
Chicken stock or water
2-3 (tablespoons)
Cashews
1/2 (cup)
Cooked rice
3 (cups)
Instructions
1
Begin by gathering and prepping all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process, as stir-frying happens quickly.
2
If using jasmine rice, start cooking it according to the package instructions to have it ready by the time your stir-fry is done.
3
In a wok or large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Be careful not to burn the garlic or dried chili peppers.
4
Add the minced garlic and whole dried chili peppers to the wok, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5
Add the cubed chicken, stirring constantly for about two minutes until it's no longer pink.
6
Introduce the chopped onion and continue to stir-fry for an additional one to two minutes until the onion starts to become translucent.
7
Reduce the heat to medium and add the pinch of sugar, fish sauce, and oyster sauce, stirring well to combine.
8
After one minute, add the chopped green pepper and celery along with chicken stock or water. Stir-fry everything together until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
9
Finally, add the cashews to the mix, stirring for one more minute to allow them to warm and combine with the sauce.
10
Remove from heat and serve immediately over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Thai Stir-Fry Chicken with Cashews?
It is a vibrant Thai dish featuring tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and crunchy cashews in a savory sauce.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The entire dish can be prepared and cooked in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Is this dish spicy?
Yes, it is designed to be spicy, featuring dried red chili peppers and garlic for heat.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely; you can use anywhere from 2 to 6 dried red chili peppers to suit your heat preference.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed for quick cooking.
What vegetables are included in the stir-fry?
The dish includes chopped onion, green pepper, and celery for a variety of textures.
What type of oil should I use?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are recommended for stir-frying the ingredients.
What ingredients make up the sauce?
The sauce is a savory blend of fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chicken stock or water.
How should the garlic be prepared?
You should use two cloves of garlic that have been finely minced.
What side dish is recommended for this meal?
It is best served over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used as a flavorful alternative to breasts.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is a family-friendly meal that can be adjusted for those who prefer milder flavors.
What if I don't have fish sauce?
You can substitute soy sauce, though the flavor profile will differ from traditional Thai cuisine.
Can I use a skillet instead of a wok?
Yes, a large skillet works perfectly well if you do not own a traditional wok.
How should the dried chili peppers be added?
The chili peppers should be added whole to the oil with the garlic.
What is the purpose of adding sugar?
A pinch of sugar helps balance the saltiness of the fish and oyster sauces.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is ready once it is no longer pink in the center and has reached an internal safe temperature.
When should I add the cashews?
Cashews should be added during the final minute of cooking to warm them through without losing their crunch.
Can I use water instead of chicken stock?
Yes, the recipe allows for 2-3 tablespoons of either chicken stock or water to help create the sauce.
How should the vegetables be cooked?
They should be stir-fried until they are tender-crisp to maintain their texture.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is gathering and prepping all ingredients since the stir-fry process happens very quickly.
How long do I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
How long should the onions cook?
The chopped onions should be stir-fried for one to two minutes until they start becoming translucent.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots to customize the meal.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it combines protein, nuts, and vegetables, making it a complete meal when served with rice.
What makes the chicken tender?
The combination of quick stir-frying over high heat and the savory sauce helps keep the chicken tender.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While not specified in the data, with 2 chicken breasts and 3 cups of rice, it typically serves 3 to 4 people.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, by substituting the chicken for tofu and using vegetarian stir-fry and mushroom sauces.
How much rice is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of cooked rice.
Why is it important to prep ingredients beforehand?
Because stir-frying requires constant movement and high heat, you won't have time to chop during the cooking process.