What makes chicken with cashew nuts a good choice?
This recipe for chicken with cashew nuts is popular because it uses common ingredients and takes very little time to cook. The contrast between the soft chicken and the toasted nuts provides a great texture in every bite. It is a healthy choice as it contains plenty of vegetables and lean protein. Making this meal at home allows you to control the ingredients compared to a takeaway.
How to cook chicken with cashew nuts
Prepare the ingredients: Cut the chicken into small bite sized pieces and chop the pepper and onion. Mince the garlic and measure out the sauces into a small bowl. Toast the cashew nuts in a dry pan for a few minutes until they are golden brown and set them aside.
Fry the chicken: Heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok over a medium high heat. Add the chicken pieces and fry them until they are cooked through and slightly browned on the outside. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm.
Cook the vegetables: In the same pan add the onion and pepper and stir fry for about three minutes until they start to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute while stirring constantly to prevent burning. Pour in the sauce mixture and water then let it bubble and thicken slightly.
Combine and serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add the toasted nuts. Toss everything together so the sauce coats the chicken with cashew nuts evenly. Serve the dish immediately while it is hot with your choice of side.
Important tips for chicken with cashew nuts
To make the best chicken with cashew nuts you should ensure your pan is very hot before adding any ingredients. This helps to sear the meat and keep the vegetables crisp rather than soggy. If you prefer a thicker sauce you can mix a little cornflour with the water before adding it to the pan. Use unsalted nuts to better manage the overall saltiness of the dish.
You can add other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas if you have them in the fridge. For a bit of heat add some dried chilli flakes or a fresh red chilli when frying the garlic. Always have all your ingredients chopped and ready because stir frying happens very quickly.
You can also try these recipes:
mustard pickles,
risotto with prawns or
steak with garlic butter.