Cashew Chicken Oriental
Cashew Chicken Oriental is a delightful stir-fry dish that combines tender chicken with crunchy cashews and vibrant vegetables. The umami-rich soy sauce and aromatic garlic and ginger create a savory flavor profile that's both satisfying and refreshing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sherry ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. grated ginger root ⓘ
- 1 c. cashew nuts ⓘ
- 15 oz. bamboo shoots, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, cut in 1/8-inch slices ⓘ
- 4 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. snow peas
- 3/4 c. water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix soy sauce and cornstarch together.
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and marinate in soy sauce, sherry, salt, garlic, and ginger.
- Sauté cashew nuts and stir-fry vegetables in a small amount of oil until tender-crisp.
- Fry the marinated chicken until cooked through, then add the cashews and vegetables.
- Stir in water and remaining soy sauce, heating and stirring until thick.
- Serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using roasted cashews instead of raw. You can substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a gluten-free dish, use tamari instead of soy sauce. To enhance the dish, incorporate bell peppers or carrots for extra color and crunch. Always keep an eye on the vegetables to ensure they remain tender-crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cashew Chicken Oriental over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside Stir-Fried Rice for a complete meal. For a refreshing touch, garnish with additional chopped green onions. This dish pairs well with steamed broccoli or a light cucumber salad to balance the richness of the cashews.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a stovetop skillet. If using the microwave, heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking the chicken. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cashew Chicken Oriental contains roughly 332 calories, with 5g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2790mg per serving (121% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
Yes, you can substitute cashews with almonds or peanuts for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as different nuts may require varying levels of toasting.
What can I serve with Cashew Chicken Oriental?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of garlic sautéed greens or a light vegetable stir-fry to enhance the flavors and add more nutrition.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Cashew Chicken can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat when ready to eat. It's a great option for meal prepping since the flavors develop even more after a day or two in the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).