Description
Savor the delightful harmony of Chinese-inspired cashew chicken, where tender poultry meets crunchy nuts in a symphony of flavors. Succulent chicken, crisp vegetables, and roasted cashews combine to create a restaurant-quality meal that brings exotic tastes directly to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (500 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup (150 g) unsalted cashews (lightly toasted)
Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sauce and Seasonings:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
Instructions
- Heat a dry skillet over medium flame, carefully roasting cashews until they develop a golden-brown hue and release an aromatic nutty essence.
- Slice chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces, ensuring consistent cooking and tender texture.
- Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch in a separate bowl, creating a smooth, glossy marinade that will enhance the chicken’s flavor profile.
- Marinate chicken pieces in the prepared sauce, allowing them to absorb the complex blend of savory and sweet notes for approximately 15 minutes.
- Preheat a large wok or skillet with a thin layer of vegetable oil, bringing it to a shimmering, high heat.
- Introduce marinated chicken to the hot surface, searing each piece to lock in moisture and develop a delectable caramelized exterior.
- Incorporate minced garlic and ginger, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and infuse the dish with aromatic depth.
- Add chopped green onions and bell peppers, tossing continuously to maintain vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Gently fold in the previously toasted cashews, ensuring even distribution throughout the dish.
- Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to reach perfect doneness.
- Transfer to a serving platter, garnishing with additional green onion slices for a fresh, bright finish.
Notes
- Toast cashews carefully to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning by constantly stirring and watching the pan.
- Remove cashews immediately when they turn golden to maintain their crisp texture and prevent bitter taste.
- Choose raw, unsalted cashews for better control of the dish’s overall saltiness and to allow seasoning flexibility during cooking.
- Quick toasting technique helps release natural oils in cashews, intensifying their rich, aromatic profile without adding extra fat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg