Zesty Lemon Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry
Zesty Lemon Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry is a delightful fusion dish that's perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. This stir-fry combines the tangy flavor of lemon with tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a medley of colorful vegetables. It's easy to make and perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests with its vibrant flavors and textures.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
peanut oil
1 tablespoon
chicken tenders
1 lb (cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces)
mushroom
1/2 cup (sliced)
green onion
1/4 cup (sliced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
carrot
1 cup (matchstick size strips)
reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth
1/2 cup
dry sherry
1-2 tablespoons
sugar
2 teaspoons
lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon (grated)
lemon juice
3 tablespoons
cornstarch
1 tablespoon
white pepper
1/8 teaspoon
snow pea pods
6 ounces (frozen and thawed)
cooked rice
3 cups (hot)
cashews
1/3 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the center.
2
Introduce mushrooms, green onions, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute until the vegetables become tender.
3
Stir in the carrot strips, chicken broth, dry sherry, sugar, and grated lemon peel. Continue to cook and stir for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and cornstarch until smooth. Add the white pepper to this mixture.
5
Gradually pour the lemon-cornstarch mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
6
Add the thawed snow pea pods to the skillet and stir-fry for about 1 minute until they are heated through.
7
Serve the stir-fry hot over freshly cooked rice and garnish with a generous sprinkle of chopped cashews for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry?
It is a fusion dish that combines tangy lemon flavor with tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and colorful vegetables, designed for a quick and satisfying meal.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What type of chicken should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of chicken tenders, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
How long should I stir-fry the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked for 7 to 8 minutes or until it is no longer pink in the center.
What oil is best for this stir-fry?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of peanut oil.
What vegetables are included in the stir-fry?
The dish includes mushrooms, green onions, carrot strips, and snow pea pods.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be cut into 1 cup of matchstick size strips.
What kind of broth is used in the sauce?
It uses 1/2 cup of reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth.
Is there alcohol in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1-2 tablespoons of dry sherry.
How much lemon peel is needed?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of grated lemon peel.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of lemon juice.
What is used to thicken the sauce?
One tablespoon of cornstarch is whisked with lemon juice to thicken the sauce.
What seasoning provides the spice?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper.
How are the snow pea pods prepared?
You should use 6 ounces of snow pea pods that have been frozen and then thawed.
What is the recommended side dish for this stir-fry?
It is recommended to serve the stir-fry over 3 cups of hot cooked rice.
When do I add the cashews?
The chopped cashews are used as a garnish and added just before serving.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
How long do the mushrooms and green onions cook?
They should be cooked for about 1 minute until they become tender.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 teaspoons of sugar.
When do I add the carrot strips and chicken broth?
Add them after the garlic and mushrooms, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
How do I prepare the sauce mixture?
Whisk together the lemon juice and cornstarch until smooth, then add the white pepper.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
The sauce typically takes 1 to 2 minutes of constant stirring to thicken and coat the ingredients.
How long should the snow pea pods stay in the pan?
Stir-fry them for about 1 minute until they are just heated through.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include stir-fry, chicken, lemon, cashew, quick, easy, asian fusion, healthy, and weeknight dinner.
Can this dish be served at parties?
Yes, its vibrant flavors and textures make it perfect for entertaining guests.
What is the preparation for the green onions?
They should be sliced, totaling 1/4 cup.
What is the preparation for the mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be sliced, totaling 1/2 cup.
What is the preparation for the cashews?
The cashews should be chopped, totaling 1/3 cup.
What temperature should the skillet be?
The skillet should be heated over medium-high heat.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and utilizes fat-free broth and fresh vegetables.