Everyday Cashew Chicken

What is Everyday Cashew Chicken?

This is our simple version of the Thai Cashew Chicken without using any specialty Asian ingredients.

It's made up of stir-fried chicken pieces mixed with bell peppers, onions and garlic. We have put cornstarch in the sauce to make it thick and sticky.

We've developed this recipe for the busy cooks out there. We've tried to stick to the most basic Asian ingredients so you don't have to research any alternatives to the ingredients.

This dish should be finished in around 30 minutes or less, without counting the time to marinade and cut the chicken.

The Ingredients You'll Need

Meat

• 400 grams of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Marinade

• 1 tablespoon each of soy sauce and dark soy sauce

Sauce

• 2½ tablespoons vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• A pinch of white pepper

Stir-Fry

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• Chilli flakes, to taste
• 2 green bell peppers, chopped
• 1/2 bunch of green onions, chopped

Garnish

• 1 cup toasted cashews

Creating Your Culinary Masterpiece

1. Begin by letting your chicken pieces soak in a marinade of soy sauce.
2. Turn up the heat on your wok and add your cooking oil. Stir-fry the marindated chicken pieces until cooked through and tender. Set aside.
3. While the chicken is cooking, make the sauce by combining the dark soy sauce, vinegar, honey, cornstarch, and white pepper.
4. Add a bit more oil to the wok, then stir fry the onions, garlic, and chili flakes.
5. Once fragrant, add the green bell peppers until crisp and tender.
6. Add the white parts of the green onions, letting them soften slightly in the wok's heat.
7. Add back the chicken, followed by the cashews.
8. Pour in the sauce and toss until all the ingredients are well-coated.
9. Garnish with the green parts of the green onions.

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving

Per 100g serving, this disc contains approximately:

• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrate Content: 15g
• Cholesterol Content: 55mg
• Fat Content: 9g
• Protein Content: 20g
• Saturated Fat Content: 2g
• Serving Size: 100g
• Sodium Content: 400mg
• Sugar Content: 5g
• Trans Fat Content: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat Content: 7g

Remember, this can vary slightly based on the specific brands of ingredients used.

The Perfect Accompaniments

A side of fragrant jasmine rice or even fluffy quinoa would complement the rich, savory flavors of the cashew chicken.

Throw in some steamed broccoli or a colorful Asian slaw for added crunch and freshness.

Elevating Your Cashew Chicken

Want to take your dish to the next level? Try using a mix of cashews and peanuts for an extra crunch.

You can also spice it up with a dash of Szechuan peppercorns or infuse it with a hint of orange zest for a refreshing twist.

Top Tips and Secrets for the Best Everyday Cashew Chicken

• Marinate your chicken pieces for at least 4 hours or even overnight. This ensure you don't have any bland chicken meat.
• Cut the chicken pieces into roughly the same sizes so that they cook at almost the same time.
• Prepare all your ingredients before hand. This dish comes together very quickly. Prepare your sauce and chop your vegetables in advance.
• Before adding the sauce to the wok, be sure to stir it as the cornstarch might have settled to the bottom.
• Toast your cashews in an oven pre-heated to 180C or 350F for around 10-12 minutes. They should come out with a deep golden color.
• If you plan to store this dish for a later serving, do not mix the cashews in during cooking. Instead, mix them before you serve. This ensure your cashews will continue to be crispy during serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Make This Dish Vegan?

You can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use a plant-based sweetener instead of honey.

Can I Use Other Nuts Instead of Cashews?

Absolutely! Almonds or peanuts could be a great alternative. However, the unique flavor profile of cashews lends a distinct taste to this dish.

Can I Use Other Vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to add any other veggies of your choice. Mushrooms, baby corn, or snap peas would all work well.

What Can I Use If I Don't Have A Wok?

A large, deep frying pan can work as a substitute for a wok. However, it may not distribute heat as evenly as a wok.

Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?

Sure, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. However, stir-fry the veggies and combine everything just before serving for the best taste and texture.