Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that combines the perfect balance of protein, crunch, and flavor? Look no further than this Asian-inspired Chicken Cashew Nut Stir Fry that promises to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and toasted cashew nuts that deliver an explosion of taste in every single bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1 cup cashew nuts
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure the chicken breast is sliced into thin strips for even cooking. Rinse and chop the mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces if they aren't pre-cut.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Swirl the oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Allow it to cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to brown. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Next, add the mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, toast the cashew nuts in a separate dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they are golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, add the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Finally, add the toasted cashew nuts to the stir-fry. Toss everything together for another minute to warm the nuts and ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and taste the stir-fry. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Chicken Cashew Nut Stir Fry hot over steamed rice or noodles, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Asian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Mise en Place is Key: Prep all ingredients before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens quickly, so having everything chopped and ready ensures a smooth cooking process.
- High Heat is Essential: Use a wok or large skillet and keep the heat high to achieve that perfect sear on the chicken and crisp-tender vegetables.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and prevent steaming instead of stir-frying.
- Toasting Nuts Matters: Take the extra few minutes to toast cashews separately - it dramatically enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Even a short 10-minute marinade helps the chicken absorb delicious seasonings.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap or add different vegetables based on what's in season or your personal preference.
- Serve Immediately: Stir-fries are best enjoyed hot and fresh, so time your cooking to serve right away for optimal taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
