Craving a delicious and flavorful Chinese-inspired dish? Look no further than Cashew Chicken! This savory stir-fry combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and crunchy cashews in a rich, savory sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, Cashew Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that you can easily make at home.
Ingredients List
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tbsp cornstarch / cornflour
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (all-purpose or light)
- 1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine or Mirin
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- Dash of white pepper (substitute black pepper)
Stir Fry Ingredients
- 500g / 1 lb chicken thigh, skinless boneless, cut into 2.5cm/1″ pieces
- 2 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 onion, chopped into 1.75 cm / 3/4″ pieces (yellow, brown, or white)
- 1 green capsicum / bell pepper, chopped into 2 cm / 0.8″ pieces
- 6 tbsp water
- 3/4 cup roasted cashews, unsalted
Required Kitchen Tools
When preparing Cashew Chicken, having the right kitchen tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the essential tools you will need:
- Wok or Large Skillet: To stir-fry the ingredients quickly and evenly.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the chicken and vegetables.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: To ensure the right quantities of each ingredient.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining the sauce ingredients and marinating the chicken.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the stir-fry without scratching your wok or skillet.
Having these tools on hand will set you up for a successful Cashew Chicken cooking experience.
Sauce Preparation
Preparing the sauce for Cashew Chicken is a crucial step in achieving the perfect balance of flavors. Follow the steps below to mix the ingredients and create a delicious sauce.
Mixing the Ingredients
To start the sauce preparation, combine the cornstarch and soy sauce in a small mixing bowl. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Add the Chinese cooking wine or Mirin, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a dash of white pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the chicken and vegetables.
By following these steps, you’ll have a flavorful sauce ready to enhance your Cashew Chicken stir-fry.
Chicken and Vegetable Preparation
Preparing the chicken and vegetables properly ensures that your Cashew Chicken stir-fry is flavorful and cooked to perfection. Follow these steps for the best results.
Preparing the Chicken
- Cutting the Chicken:
Start by cutting the skinless, boneless chicken thighs into 2.5 cm / 1-inch pieces. Make sure the pieces are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. - Marinating the Chicken:
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of the prepared sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
Preparing the Vegetables
- Chopping the Onion:
Chop the onion into 1.75 cm / 3/4-inch pieces. You can use yellow, brown, or white onions depending on your preference. The onions should be in bite-sized pieces to match the size of the chicken. - Chopping the Bell Pepper:
Cut the green capsicum / bell pepper into 2 cm / 0.8-inch pieces. Ensure the pieces are uniform in size for even cooking. The bell pepper adds a nice crunch and vibrant color to the dish. - Mincing the Garlic:
Mince the garlic cloves finely. Fresh garlic provides a robust flavor that complements the savory sauce and tender chicken.
By preparing the chicken and vegetables as described, you’ll set a solid foundation for a delicious and well-balanced Cashew Chicken stir-fry.
Cooking the Cashew Chicken
Cooking the Cashew Chicken involves stir-frying the ingredients to perfection, ensuring that the chicken is tender, the vegetables are crisp, and the sauce is rich and flavorful. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome.
Stir-Frying the Ingredients
- Heating the Oil:
Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil (or vegetable oil) in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the ingredients to achieve a nice sear. - Cooking the Chicken:
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the wok. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside. - Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same wok, add the minced garlic and chopped onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the onions are slightly translucent and the garlic is fragrant. - Adding the Bell Pepper:
Add the chopped green bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper is tender but still crisp. - Combining the Ingredients:
Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Pour in the remaining sauce and add 6 tablespoons of water. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the sauce. - Cooking with the Sauce:
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken and vegetables nicely.
Adding the Cashews
- Toasting the Cashews:
If your roasted cashews are not already toasted, you can quickly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until they are golden and fragrant. - Incorporating the Cashews:
Add the 3/4 cup of roasted cashews to the wok. Stir to combine, ensuring the cashews are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
By following these cooking steps, you’ll achieve a delicious Cashew Chicken stir-fry that’s ready to be enjoyed.
Serving and Storage
After preparing your delicious Cashew Chicken stir-fry, it’s time to enjoy it while it’s fresh and flavorful. Here’s how to serve and store your dish for the best experience.
Serving Cashew Chicken
- Plating the Dish:
Transfer the Cashew Chicken to a serving platter or individual plates. Ensure each serving has a good mix of chicken, vegetables, and cashews for a balanced and appetizing meal. - Garnishing (Optional):
For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, garnish the dish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. - Serving Suggestions:
Cashew Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple salad to complete the meal.
Storage Instructions
- Storing Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers, allow the Cashew Chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Reheating:
To reheat, place the Cashew Chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, in 1-minute increments, stirring in between until hot. - Freezing (Optional):
For longer storage, you can freeze the Cashew Chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the reheating instructions above.
Conclusion
Making Cashew Chicken at home is a delightful and rewarding experience. With its tender chicken, crisp vegetables, crunchy cashews, and savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily recreate this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.
Remember, the key to a great stir-fry lies in preparation and timing. Have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking, and maintain a high heat to achieve that perfect sear and flavor. Enjoy your homemade Cashew Chicken, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or spices to make it your own.
Happy cooking!