Chicken And Cashew Nuts
A savory Chinese-inspired chicken stir-fry with crunchy cashews, tender squash, and flavorful sauces, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal for family or friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut chicken into cubes and marinate with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Cut onion and squash into cubes.
- Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, tapioca powder, and 1/2 cup water to prepare the sauce and set aside.
- Saute onion in 2 tablespoons vegetable oil until browned.
- Add marinated chicken and stir until cooked through.
- Add squash and onion; stir until half cooked.
- Pour in the mixed sauce and bring to a boil.
- Add toasted cashews and chili oil before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider marinating chicken for longer with soy sauce and a pinch of sugar. For a crunchier texture, you can substitute cashew nuts with peanuts or almonds. If you prefer more heat, increase the chili oil or add fresh chili peppers. This dish is reminiscent of Moo-Goo-Gai-Pan, making it a delightful choice for stir-fry enthusiasts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken And Cashew Nuts over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs well with a side of sautéed vegetables or a light salad. For an Asian-inspired feast, consider complementing it with other Chinese recipes like Oriental Chicken And Rice or Shrimp Cantonese With Rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Cashew Nuts contains roughly 143 calories, with 8g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 974mg per serving (42% 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 types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute cashew nuts with other nuts such as almonds or peanuts. Each nut will bring a different flavor and texture to the dish, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Just ensure to marinate the tofu well to absorb flavors, and cook until golden brown for the best texture.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Certainly! To add more heat, you can increase the amount of chili oil or include fresh sliced chilies. Additionally, incorporating crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce can also elevate the spiciness to your liking.
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).