Speedy Weeknight Cashew Chicken Stirfry Ready in a Flash

Recipe Introduction

Fancy an easy cashew chicken recipe stir that's quicker than calling for takeaway? Honestly, who doesn't love a good stir fry? This one is bursting with flavour and packed with veggies plus, that satisfying crunch from the cashews.

Why This Recipe Rocks

This quick cashew chicken recipe takes its inspiration from Cantonese cuisine. It's a weeknight wonder that delivers a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.

Trust me, you'll be saying "cheerio" to boring dinners.

Originating in Chinese American restaurants, Cantonese cashew chicken became a popular dish blending Asian flavors with Western preferences. It's simplicity makes it ideal for busy people.

This recipe serves 4. It's surprisingly easy, taking about 15 minutes prep and 15 minutes cooking time, making it a super weeknight cashew chicken stir fry .

Benefits Galore

Packed with protein and lots of colorful vegetables, this healthy cashew chicken recipe is both delicious and nutritious. Seriously, it's a winner! I love how versatile it is perfect for a family dinner or even impressing your mates at a casual get-together.

It is a perfect 30 minute cashew chicken .

It is special because it is so adaptable. You can easily swap out the veggies for your favourites, adjust the spice level, or use different types of nuts.

Plus, that stir fry sauce for cashew chicken is divine . You know? It just elevates everything. I remember one time, I accidentally added a bit too much red pepper flakes.

Oh my gosh! It was fiery, but still so yummy. Just goes to show, you can have a bit of fun with it!

I tried making cashew chicken last week, and it was quite a challenge! I ended up burning the sauce, which was quite frustrating.

But after a few tweaks, I finally got it right, and I was so proud of myself.

Now, let's get to the good stuff the ingredients! The most important step when creating this easy chicken stir fry recipe is to get the best quality chicken and cashews.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Easy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry

So, you fancy whipping up this easy cashew chicken recipe stir ? Sorted! Let's get you prepped. Here's what you'll need to nail this quick weeknight cashew chicken stir fry .

It will become your new favourite 30 minute cashew chicken meal, trust me.

Main Ingredients

• Chicken: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed. The fresher, the better, obvs! Look for chicken that's pink and firm.
• Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml) for the marinade, plus 3 tbsp (45ml) for the sauce. Low sodium is your mate here, otherwise it can be a tad salty!
• Cornstarch: 1 tbsp (15ml) for the marinade, 1 tsp (5ml) for the sauce. This helps thicken things up nicely.
• Rice Vinegar: 1 tsp (5ml) marinade, 1 tbsp (15ml) sauce. Adds a bit of tang.
• Sesame Oil: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) for the marinade. That nutty flavour is just chef's kiss .
• White Pepper: Just a pinch in the marinade.
• Hoisin Sauce: 2 tbsp (30ml) . Essential for that proper Cantonese flavour.
• Oyster Sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml) . If you're veggie, use mushroom sauce instead - works a treat!
• Honey (or Maple Syrup): 1 tbsp (15ml) . For a touch of sweetness.
• Chicken Broth: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Adds depth to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional) . For a cheeky bit of heat.
• Veg Oil or Peanut Oil: 2 tbsp (30ml) .
• Ginger: 1 inch , peeled and minced. Fresh is best.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy!
• Red and Green Bell Peppers: 1 each , seeded and sliced. Adds colour, innit?
• Broccoli Florets: 1 cup (115g) .
• Sliced Carrots: 1/2 cup (50g) .
• Roasted Cashews: 1/2 cup (75g) . Don't skip these, they're what make it cashew chicken with vegetables and are proper important.

Seasoning Notes

Honestly, the sauce is where the magic happens in this easy chicken stir fry recipe . Soy sauce, hoisin, and a touch of honey is a classic combo.

Red pepper flakes are ace if you like it spicy, but totally optional. Don't have rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar will do in a pinch.

Try this stir fry sauce for cashew chicken and see how well your chicken stir fry recipe develops.

Equipment Needed

Nothing too fancy needed here, thank goodness!

• Large wok or large skillet: This is your main battlefield. A non-stick one is ideal.
• Small & Medium bowls: For marinades and sauces.
• Cutting board & Chef's knife: For chopping all those lovely veggies.

Alternatives? If you haven't got a wok, a large frying pan will be reet good. No excuses let’s get this homemade cashew chicken on the go! And soon you will have the best healthy cashew chicken recipe .

Cooking Method

Let's talk about the best part, actually cooking this easy cashew chicken recipe stir fry. Honestly, it's so quick, even I can't mess it up and that's saying something.

Trust me, the aromas alone are worth the effort! You know? The secret is being ready, so let's get into Prep Steps .

Prep Steps for Stir Fry Nirvana

Alright, first things first, the mise en place . In plain English, that means get everything chopped, measured, and ready to rock 'n' roll.

We're talking 1 lb chicken cubed, peppers sliced, broccoli florets ready, the ginger and garlic minced and all the stir fry sauce for cashew chicken already mixed.

Having everything ready is key for a quick cashew chicken recipe .

For a time saving tip, prep the chicken and sauce while the wok is heating up. As for safety, well, just don't set yourself on fire.

Keep the heat high but manageable. And be careful handling that hot wok.

Stir Fry Like a Pro: step-by-step

Right, listen up, 'cause this goes fast!

1. Marinate the cubed chicken for at least 10 minutes in the soy sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, sesame oil and pinch of white pepper.
2. Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth. Set aside.
3. Chop all vegetables according to the ingredient list. Have them ready to go near the stove.
4. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add marinated chicken and stir fry until cooked through and lightly browned to an internal temperature of 165° F/ 74° C . Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
5. Add the remaining oil, then ginger and garlic. Fry for around 30 seconds . Add the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots and stir fry until tender crisp ( 3- 5 minutes ).
6. Return the cooked chicken to the wok, pour over the sauce, and stir fry until thickened ( 1- 2 minutes ).
7. Stir in 1/2 cup roasted cashews.
8. Serve immediately, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

See? Dead easy.

Pro Tips for Cashew Chicken Perfection

Hot wok, high heat! Make sure that wok is screaming hot before you add anything, seriously! Also, don't overcrowd it.

If you're doing a big batch, cook the chicken in stages. A common mistake? Overcooking the veggies. We want them tender crisp, not baby food.

Fancy doing a make-ahead? Cook the chicken and veggies separately, store in the fridge, then just combine and heat up with the sauce when you're ready.

This weeknight cashew chicken stir fry is perfect every time if you follow these tips! For a healthy cashew chicken recipe , load up on the veggies! It's a complete win!

Recipe Notes: Making Your Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe Stir Work For You

Plating Like a Pro (Or Just Making It Look Nice ish)

Honestly, presentation is half the battle, right? Forget fancy restaurants. Pile your quick cashew chicken recipe high on a bed of fluffy rice.

A sprinkle of sesame seeds makes it look posh. For extra points, chuck on some chopped spring onions. Boom Instagrammable! I once served this to my notoriously fussy Auntie Brenda, and even she was impressed with the presentation!

Storage: No Soggy Chicken Here!

Got leftovers? First, kudos to you for not inhaling the whole thing. Let the weeknight cashew chicken stir fry cool completely.

Then, whack it in an airtight container. In the fridge, it'll be good for 3-4 days . To reheat, microwave it (add a splash of water if it's dry).

Or, for best results, stir fry it again in a pan. Freezing? Sure! But the veggies might lose some crunch.

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

Fancy a healthy cashew chicken recipe ? Use low-sodium soy sauce and load up on the veggies. Going veggie? Swap the chicken for tofu! Press it first to get rid of the water, then marinate it as normal.

Seasonal swap? Add some sliced mushrooms in autumn or sugar snap peas in the spring. It's all about using what you've got.

Nutrition: The Good Stuff

Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the gist. This homemade cashew chicken is packed with protein. Chicken helps build and repair muscle.

The veggies give you vitamins and fiber. The cashews are a good source of healthy fats. Just watch the sodium levels in the soy sauce, especially if you're being health conscious.

This 30 minute cashew chicken dish is not just tasty, but also quite good for you!

So there you have it! A cashew chicken stir fry recipe easy enough for anyone to tackle. Don't be afraid to experiment. You know? Add your own twist. Have fun with it!