Cashew Chicken Stir Fry

by Faty

Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry is a beloved dish in both Chinese-American cuisine and households looking for a quick and tasty meal. This dish combines tender chicken pieces, crunchy cashews, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. It’s the perfect balance of protein, veggies, and flavor—ideal for a busy weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.

Ingredients Overview

Chicken Breast

  • Why This Ingredient? Chicken breast provides a lean protein base for the stir-fry, ensuring a light yet satisfying meal.
  • Health Benefits: High in protein and low in fat, chicken breast supports muscle growth and maintenance without adding excessive calories.

Cashews

  • Why This Ingredient? Cashews add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the texture and taste complexity of the dish.
  • Health Benefits: Cashews are rich in healthy fats, magnesium, and zinc, which are essential for energy production, brain health, and immune function.

Bell Peppers

  • Why This Ingredient? Bell peppers bring color, crunch, and sweetness to the stir-fry, making the dish more appealing and balanced.
  • Health Benefits: High in vitamins A and C, bell peppers help improve eye health and provide antioxidant properties.

Broccoli

  • Why This Ingredient? Broccoli adds a hearty, fibrous element to the dish, complementing the softer textures with its robust presence.
  • Health Benefits: Known for its high vitamin K and fiber content, broccoli supports bone health and digestion.

Soy Sauce and Hoisin Sauce

  • Why This Ingredient? These sauces provide the essential savory and sweet undertones typical of stir-fry dishes, creating a rich flavor base.
  • Health Benefits: Soy sauce is good for adding umami, and hoisin sauce contributes a touch of sweetness without the need for added sugars.

Substitutions

To cater to various dietary needs or preferences, consider these swaps:

  • Chicken Breast: Use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, or shrimp for a different protein choice.
  • Cashews: Almonds or peanuts can be substituted if cashews are unavailable or if there’s an allergy concern.
  • Soy Sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos are excellent gluten-free options for soy sauce.

Recipe

Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients with Measurements

  • 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cashews, unsalted
  • 1 red bell pepper, julienned
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Slice the chicken, chop the vegetables, and measure out the sauces and cashews.
  2. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and stir-fry until it starts to brown, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add Vegetables: Incorporate the garlic, bell peppers, and broccoli. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  5. Season: Pour in the soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Add Cashews: Mix in the cashews and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through and coated with sauce.
  7. Serve: Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Nutrition

Each serving of Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry contains approximately:

  • Calories: 350
  • Carbs: 15g
  • Fats: 18g
  • Protein: 30g

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Conclusion

Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry is not just a meal; it’s a vibrant, quick, and healthy option that satisfies the whole family. Its combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables makes it a balanced dish perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try and bring a touch of gourmet to your dinner routine!

FAQ

  1. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and quickly stir-fry them before serving.
  2. What can I serve with Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry? This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of additional steamed vegetables.

 

Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry

Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry is a beloved dish in both Chinese-American cuisine and households looking for a quick and tasty meal. This dish combines tender chicken pieces, crunchy cashews, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a savory and slightly sweet sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine Chinese-American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet or Wok
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound Chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Cashews, unsalted
  • 1 medium Red bell pepper, julienned
  • 1 cup Broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Hoisin sauce
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Ingredients: Slice the chicken, chop the vegetables, and measure out the sauces and cashews.
  • Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  • Cook Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and stir-fry until it starts to brown, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add Vegetables: Incorporate the garlic, bell peppers, and broccoli. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  • Season: Pour in the soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add Cashews: Mix in the cashews and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through and coated with sauce.
  • Serve: Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 18g
Keyword Easy
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