Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe: A Flavorful and Easy Dish
If you’re craving a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner, look no further than this Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry. This vibrant dish is packed with tender pieces of chicken, crunchy cashews, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed together in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. It’s a perfect blend of Thai-inspired flavors that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.
Whether you’re familiar with Thai cuisine or trying it for the first time, this recipe is an easy way to enjoy the bold, aromatic flavors that make Thai food so popular. With the perfect balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
In this article, we’ll dive into how to make Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry, from preparing the sauce to stir-frying the chicken and vegetables, and how to make the most of this delicious dish.
🧑🍳 What is Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry?
Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is a popular Thai-inspired dish that combines chicken, cashews, and vegetables in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. The dish is often served over steamed rice or noodles, making it a satisfying meal that’s full of vibrant colors and fresh flavors.
This dish is beloved for its crunchy cashews, tender chicken, and delicious stir-fried vegetables. The addition of ginger and garlic adds depth to the flavor profile, while the fish sauce and oyster sauce give it a rich umami flavor that’s characteristic of many Thai dishes. The optional red pepper flakes provide a hint of heat, making it customizable to your preferred spice level.
🍴 Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a variety of fresh ingredients that work together to create a balanced and flavorful stir fry. Here’s everything you need:
Main Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference. Thighs will yield juicier pieces, while breasts are leaner.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil): This oil is used for cooking the chicken and vegetables. Sesame oil adds an extra depth of flavor, but you can use regular vegetable oil if you prefer.
1/2 cup unsalted cashews (roasted or raw): Cashews add a delicious crunch to the stir fry and provide a nutty, buttery flavor.
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced: The bell pepper adds both color and sweetness, and it pairs perfectly with the other stir-fry ingredients.
1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Onion brings a savory sweetness and works well with the other vegetables in the dish.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic is essential in adding aromatic flavor to the stir fry.
1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced: Fresh ginger provides a spicy warmth and brightness that complements the other ingredients.
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred): Soy sauce is a key ingredient for the stir fry’s salty base. Low-sodium soy sauce is ideal to control the salt content.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Oyster sauce adds richness and umami flavor to the sauce.
1 tablespoon fish sauce: Fish sauce contributes a distinct savory flavor, giving the stir fry an authentic Thai flair.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: The brown sugar balances out the salty and tangy flavors, adding a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
1/4 cup chicken broth or water: This helps to loosen the sauce and make it easier to coat the chicken and vegetables.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice: Rice vinegar adds a tangy touch, or you can use lime juice for a fresh citrusy flavor.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat): Add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat in your dish, or leave it out for a milder version.
1-2 green onions, chopped (for garnish): Green onions bring a fresh, crisp finish and a pop of color to the dish.
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish): Cilantro adds freshness and an herby taste that enhances the flavors of the stir fry.
Cooked jasmine rice or noodles (for serving): Serve the stir fry over fluffy jasmine rice or your favorite noodles for a complete meal.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is a breeze and comes together in just a few simple steps. Follow along for a delicious, restaurant-quality dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight meal!
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the following ingredients until well combined:
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lime juice)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using)
Set the sauce aside for later. This sauce will bring all the flavors together and coat the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the pan, seasoning them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This allows the chicken to stay juicy while you cook the vegetables.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary. Toss in the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes or until they are tender-crisp, and the garlic and ginger are fragrant. You want the vegetables to retain a bit of crunch for texture, so don’t overcook them.
4. Add the Cashews
Now, stir in the cashews and cook for an additional minute to toast them lightly. This will bring out their nutty flavor and give them a little extra crunch in the dish.
5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and heat through.
6. Serve
Once everything is well coated and heated, it’s time to serve your Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry! Serve it over cooked jasmine rice or toss it with noodles for a satisfying meal.
Garnish the stir fry with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for an extra burst of freshness. You can also sprinkle some extra red pepper flakes on top if you like a bit more heat.
🍽️ Tips for Perfect Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: If you prefer juicy, tender meat, opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay moist even after stir-frying.
Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add or swap vegetables based on what you have on hand. Carrots, broccoli, and snow peas are all excellent choices for this stir fry.
Toast the Cashews: Toasting the cashews enhances their flavor. Just add them to the pan for the last minute of cooking to ensure they don’t burn but still get a little crispy.
Make it Spicy: If you love heat, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or add sriracha to the sauce for a spicier kick.
Make it Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce and fish sauce are gluten-free.
🥄 Final Thoughts
This Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is the perfect way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that’s full of fresh flavors. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and vibrant vegetables, all coated in a savory-sweet sauce, creates a balanced and delicious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish is a great choice for a weeknight meal or even a special occasion. With the option to adjust the spice level and customize the veggies, you can make this stir fry just the way you like it. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a flavorful meal that’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yields: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal per serving
Enjoy your homemade Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry with a side of rice or noodles, and savor the rich, flavorful, and aromatic taste of Thai-inspired cuisine. 🍽️