Cashew Chicken(Oriental)
A savory Chinese-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful sauce, perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat wok over high heat.
- Add oil and swirl around until wok is coated.
- Sprinkle in salt.
- Add sliced chicken and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Add snow pea pods, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and chicken broth.
- Cover and cook for 2 minutes.
- Carefully stir in cashews and sugar.
- Mix cornstarch with water to form a paste.
- Add cornstarch mixture to the chicken and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Cashew Chicken, consider marinating the chicken in a mix of soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking. If snow pea pods are unavailable, snap peas can be a good substitute. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth. Adjust the cashew quantity to your preference for added crunch, and feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cashew Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or alongside fried rice for a hearty meal. It pairs wonderfully with Chinese recipes like almond vegetables or a simple side of stir-fried greens. Garnish with green onions and serve with soy sauce or chili sauce on the side for added flavor. This dish also complements a light soup such as Molly E.'s Hot and Sour Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cashew Chicken(Oriental) contains roughly 215 calories, with 5g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 869mg per serving (38% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just ensure it is fully thawed and pat dry before slicing to avoid excess moisture. This helps in achieving a better stir-fry texture. If using frozen vegetables, add them later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming too soft.
What can I serve with Cashew Chicken?
Cashew Chicken pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a filling meal. You can also serve it with a side of egg rolls or spring rolls for added crunch. For a refreshing contrast, a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar complements the flavors nicely.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat to your Cashew Chicken, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chilies during the stir-fry process. You can also serve it with a side of chili sauce for those who prefer an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your taste for a customized dish.
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).