Looking for a quick and delicious meal that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition? Say hello to Orzo Cashew Stir Fry! This vibrant dish combines the delightful texture of orzo pasta with the crunch of toasted cashews and a medley of colorful vegetables. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner with friends. With its Asian-inspired flavors and wholesome ingredients, this stir fry is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to whip up a gourmet meal that will impress everyone at your table!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cashews, toasted
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell pepper, snap peas)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all ingredients: Rinse and chop mixed vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely. Toast cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large wok or wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic, being careful not to burn.
- Add mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender, maintaining their vibrant colors and slight crunch.
- Incorporate cooked orzo pasta into the vegetable mixture. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the ingredients, tossing gently to ensure even coating.
- Add toasted cashews and continue stirring for an additional 2 minutes to heat through and blend flavors. If mixture seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and toast the cashews in advance. This way, you can throw everything together quickly when you're ready to cook.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers work wonderfully in this dish!
- Don't Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo while it cooks; you want it al dente, so it holds up well in the stir fry.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you like it saucier, add a splash more soy sauce or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor, but you can also try green onions or sesame seeds for extra flair.
- Serve Hot: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove, so serve immediately to savor the vibrant flavors and textures!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
