Takeout Fakeout Speedy Easy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a takeout cashew fakeout tonight? Honestly, who doesn't love a good stir fry? This easy cashew chicken recipe stir will give you all the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant, but without the guilt.

Brief Overview

The dish of cashew chicken with vegetables has origins that are probably a Chinese American adaptation. This recipe is super easy and takes about 35 minutes total.

It yields 4 servings. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!

Main Benefits

This healthy cashew chicken stir fry is packed with protein and veggies. It’s so good, it might just become your new favorite weeknight cashew chicken go-to.

Plus, it's better for you than ordering in.

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let’s get to the heart of it, shall we? Here's what you'll need to whip up this quick cashew chicken recipe . This is where the magic starts.

Why this Cashew Chicken Rocks

Remember those nights when ordering in felt like the only option? Well, those days are OVER.

This homemade cashew chicken is not only ridiculously tasty, but it's also ready faster than it takes for the delivery guy to arrive.

Plus, you know exactly what's going into it. No MSG surprises here.

Making it Easy: Let's Chop!

The biggest hurdle to getting a delicious stir fry onto the table is often the prep. But don’t stress! This easy chicken stir fry recipe is designed to be as straightforward as possible.

We're talking minimal chopping and maximum flavor.

I remember the first time I tried making this. I was so intimidated by the stir fry process, but honestly, it's easier than making toast.

Just get everything chopped and ready to go, and you're golden.

The Sauce: Secret Weapon

The sauce is seriously the star of the show. It's that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just a little bit spicy.

It's Chinese cashew chicken recipe that will make your taste buds sing.

Once I accidentally added too much rice vinegar and thought I ruined the whole thing. But you know what? It still tasted amazing. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Let’s get this cashew chicken stir fry recipe rolling. Trust me, you got this!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Alright, let's talk about what you actually need to make this easy cashew chicken recipe stir a reality. Don't worry, it's not a grocery list from hell! Think simple.

Think delicious. I've kept it super accessible for even the most casual cook.

Main Ingredients for Your Takeout Fakeout

Here's the lowdown on the essentials, including measurements, for the cashew chicken stir fry recipe :

• Chicken Marinade:
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Quality matters here! Look for plump, pink chicken.
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce. Low sodium is the bomb!
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) cornstarch. Makes it all lovely and crispy.
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) sesame oil. Hello, amazing aroma!
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1ml) ground white pepper.
• That Amazing Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce. Again, low sodium if you can.
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) oyster sauce. Or hoisin if you're feeling veggie.
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar. Adds the tang.
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) brown sugar. Packed. For a touch of sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) cornstarch.
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth. Or veggie broth works too.
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) red pepper flakes. Optional, for heat!
• The Stir Fry Crew:
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil. Or peanut oil, if you have it.
  • 1 large onion, sliced.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced. The more, the merrier, honestly!
  • 1 inch ginger, minced. Adds a zing!
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced.
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced.
  • 1 cup (100g) broccoli florets. For a healthy cashew chicken stir fry .
  • 1/2 cup (50g) roasted cashews. The stars of the show.
  • 2 green onions, sliced. For garnish.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bombs Away!

Okay, so about the seasoning… For this quick cashew chicken recipe , it's all about balance. Soy sauce gives you that umami punch.

Oyster sauce (or hoisin) adds depth and a hint of sweetness. Rice vinegar balances the saltiness with acidity. Red pepper flakes? Total game changer for a little kick! Don't be afraid to experiment with extra garlic or ginger.

This is your homemade cashew chicken , after all!

If you're missing oyster sauce, try hoisin sauce instead. A dash of dark soy will help with a similar colour and depth of flavour.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets for this easy chicken stir fry recipe . Just the essentials:

• Large wok or large skillet. Seriously, size matters here!
• Cutting board.
• Chef's knife. Keep it sharp!
• Mixing bowls. For marinating and mixing sauces.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Spatula or wooden spoon.

Don't have a wok? A big skillet will do just fine. Just make sure it's nice and hot before you start cooking.

Right, let's get cooking this chicken stir fry with cashews !

Unleash Your Inner Chef: The Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe Stir!

Craving some Chinese takeout, but want to skip the delivery fees and mystery ingredients? Honestly, who doesn't? Well, grab your wok, because we are diving into this easy cashew chicken recipe stir that's about to become your new weeknight staple!

Forget complicated recipes; this takeout cashew chicken fakeout is so simple, it is practically foolproof.

Trust me, I am no Gordon Ramsay, and even I can nail this! This quick cashew chicken recipe is not only fast but also healthy and customizable.

It will satisfy your cravings without the guilt. Think of it as a homemade cashew chicken experience, tailor made for your taste buds!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First things first, let's get organised. It's all about the mise en place , darling! This means having all your ingredients prepped and ready.

Chop your chicken into bite sized pieces. Whisk together the marinade. Slice those veggies. Having everything within arm's reach will make the whole process smoother and faster.

This easy chicken stir fry recipe relies on speed, so get those veggies sliced before you start! My hot tip is to prep everything before you even turn on the hob! Believe me, it saves so much time (and stress!) It also helps to avoid burning the garlic.

Been there, done that!

Stir Fry Like a Boss: The step-by-step

1. Marinate chicken in soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and white pepper for 10 minutes. It needs to coat well and soak up all that flavour.
2. Whisk sauce in a separate bowl with soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth.
3. Heat oil in a wok over high heat . Stir fry onion, garlic, and ginger for about 1 minute . Add bell peppers and broccoli. Cook for 3- 4 minutes , until slightly tender.
4. Add the marinated chicken, making sure not to overcrowd the wok. Cook until no longer pink. (About 5- 7 minutes), the internal temperature should be 165° F ( 74° C).
5. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Simmer until thickened. (1- 2 minutes).
6. Stir in roasted cashews. Garnish with green onions.

Pro-Tips for Stir Fry Success

For a truly authentic experience with your cashew chicken stir fry recipe , make sure your wok is HOT before adding ingredients.

This creates that lovely, slightly charred flavour. One thing that I always do is roast my cashews. A quick toast in the oven, or a dry pan, intensifies their nutty flavour.

Also, don’t forget you can absolutely adapt this recipe. Add other vegetables. Swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu! The possibilities are endless.

I encourage you to create the perfect cashew chicken with vegetables. Now get out there, and create the best Chinese cashew chicken recipe .

Elevate Your Plate: Weeknight Cashew Chicken Perfection

So there you have it! A speedy, delicious, and customizable easy cashew chicken recipe stir that’s perfect for any weeknight.

Ready in under 35 minutes, this weeknight cashew chicken dish is a surefire winner. Enjoy your very own healthy cashew chicken stir fry !

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Easy Cashew Chicken Stir

Right then, let's chat about how to make this easy cashew chicken recipe stir truly yours . I am telling you, this isn't just another cashew chicken stir fry recipe ; it's your canvas! Don't be afraid to experiment.

Here are some ideas to get you started.

Presentation is Key!

Honestly, presentation can make a huge difference. You know? I like to plate my takeout cashew chicken fakeout over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, then sprinkle extra green onions on top.

It makes it look all fancy. For a bit of theatre, try arranging the cashew chicken with vegetables artfully in a bowl.

A side of crispy spring rolls? Bangin'! I also like to complement my easy chicken stir fry recipe with a chilled glass of crisp white wine.

Storing Like a Pro

If you end up with leftovers (unlikely, but hey!), chuck 'em in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days .

For longer storage, freezing is an option, but the texture of the vegetables might change a bit. Reheat in a wok or microwave until heated through.

Make sure it's piping hot we're talking 165° F ( 74° C) .

Mixing it Up Variations Galore

Fancy a change? Swap out the chicken for prawns. Bam, cashew shrimp stir fry . If you're veggie, use tofu. Remember to press the tofu for 30 minutes to remove extra water for better flavour.

For a healthy cashew chicken stir fry version, use brown rice and load up on the veggies. This quick cashew chicken recipe is so adaptable, you can really go wild.

In winter, butternut squash can be a great seasonal addition.

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

Okay, so this Chinese cashew chicken recipe isn't exactly a salad, but it's not terrible either! You get a good whack of protein from the chicken, and the veggies add fibre.

The sauce does have sugar, so maybe go easy on that. On average, this weeknight cashew chicken has a good balance, even a great balance that will keep you wanting to do your best.

Honestly, give this homemade cashew chicken a go. You will not regret it. It is a game changer for those nights when you crave comfort food but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this truly an easy cashew chicken recipe stir, or are we talking "bake a soufflé" easy?

Absolutely "cuppa tea and a biscuit" easy! This recipe is designed for even the most beginner cook. With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you'll be whipping up restaurant quality cashew chicken in no time. Think of it as your culinary shortcut to takeout satisfaction.

Can I make this easy cashew chicken recipe stir spicier? I like a bit of a kick!

Spice it up, baby! Absolutely, if you are looking to bring on the fire, you can definitely add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. A teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a drizzle of sriracha at the end will also do the trick.

Taste as you go and adjust to your preferred level of heat don't go full vindaloo unless you're ready for it!

I'm not a fan of broccoli. Can I substitute it with something else in this easy cashew chicken recipe stir?

No worries, broccoli isn't everyone's cup of tea. Feel free to swap it out for other veggies that you enjoy. Snap peas, snow peas, or even green beans would work beautifully in this stir fry. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to keep them crisp tender.

How long does leftover cashew chicken last, and what's the best way to store it?

Leftovers can be a lifesaver! Your cashew chicken will happily reside in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container. Reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. However, be aware that the cashews may lose some of their crunch over time.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! To make this cashew chicken dish vegetarian, substitute the chicken with firm or extra firm tofu, tempeh, or even seitan. Be sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before marinating and stir frying for best results. To make it vegan, substitute honey for the brown sugar.

I don’t have oyster sauce. Is there anything else I can use?

Not a problem! If you don't have oyster sauce on hand, hoisin sauce makes a great substitute. For a vegetarian option, use mushroom flavored soy sauce or simply add a bit more soy sauce and a touch of sugar to achieve a similar flavor profile. It will still taste absolutely delicious!