Zesty Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Whipping up a delectable thai cashew chicken stir fry brings an explosion of flavors that dance across your palate with every single bite.

Aromas of roasted cashews and tender chicken mingle beautifully in this classic Southeast Asian dish.

Fragrant herbs and spices create a symphony of taste that transports you straight to the bustling streets of bangkok.

Crisp vegetables add delightful texture and vibrant colors to make this meal both nutritious and exciting.

Perfectly balanced between sweet, salty, and spicy notes, this recipe promises a culinary adventure that will impress even the most discerning food enthusiast.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting an unforgettable dining experience that feels both comforting and exotic.

Why Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Shines

• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust spiciness by selecting different chilies, from mild red cayenne to fiery Thai bird's-eye, making this recipe perfect for various taste preferences.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Pan-toasting raw cashews and using dark soy sauce create a rich, nutty profile that elevates the entire dish beyond ordinary stir-fries.
• Swap Protein Easily: Chicken thighs or breasts work beautifully, offering flexibility for home cooks with different protein preferences or dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this delicious Thai-inspired meal in minutes, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner that impresses family and friends.

Ingredients Needed For Thai Cashew Stir Fry

• Chicken: Thighs are juicier, but breast works well with tenderizing.

• Cashews: Raw cashews offer superior flavor when pan-toasted, avoiding salted varieties.

• Oyster Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce: Traditional Thai flavor enhancers that provide depth and umami to the dish.

• Garlic, Onion, Green Onions: Add layers of flavor and fragrance to the stir fry.

• Red Chili: Large red cayenne pepper provides a moderate heat level, with option to adjust spiciness.

• Plain White Rice, Brown Rice, Cauliflower Rice, Thai Fried Rice, Thai Pineapple Fried Rice: Various accompaniments to serve with the stir fry.

Directions For Perfect Thai Cashew Stir Fry

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Bomb Sauce

Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.

Set aside for later magic.

Step 2: Toast Those Nutty Cashews

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in cashews and cook until they turn a deep golden brown and become super crunchy.

Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

Crank up the heat to high.

Drop in garlic and onions, letting them sizzle and release their fragrant oils for about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Chicken Dance

Introduce chicken to the hot pan.

Cook quickly, watching it transform from pink to white on the outside.

Step 5: Spice It Up

Add white parts of green onions and chili.

Continue cooking until chicken is just perfectly done.

Step 6: Sauce Reduction Magic

Pour in the prepared sauce.

Let it bubble and reduce, creating a glossy coating that hugs every piece of chicken.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Sprinkle in green parts of green onions and the toasted cashews.

Toss everything together for a quick 30 seconds.

Step 8: Plate and Celebrate

Transfer to a serving dish.

• Jasmine rice
• Brown rice
• Cauliflower rice
• Thai Fried Rice
• Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
• Experiment with chili levels (Thai bird's eye for extra heat)
• Pan-toasting raw cashews gives the best flavor
• Avoid salted cashews to control salt content
• Substitute ingredients carefully
• Vegetarian oyster sauce works
• Fish sauce can be replaced with extra soy sauce
• Dark soy sauce provides deeper color and flavor

Storage Hack:

Keeps perfectly in the refrigerator for 4 days.

Freezer-friendly too!

Cooking Tips For Thai Cashew Stir Fry

• Pan-toast raw cashews for superior flavor, cooking until dark golden and crunchy without burning.
• Opt for chicken thighs to ensure a more succulent result, but tenderize chicken breast using Chinese techniques for softness.
• Adjust chili quantity based on heat preference, using large red cayenne for mild kick or Thai birds-eye chilies for intense spiciness.
• Use dark soy sauce for richer color and deeper flavor, and include fish sauce for authentic Thai taste profile.
• Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for later consumption, maintaining delicious stir-fry quality.

Flavor Enhancements For Thai Cashew Stir Fry

• Vegetarian Cashew Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, ensuring a protein-packed plant-based version that maintains the original stir-fry's vibrant flavors.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrate intake while preserving the dish's delicious essence.
• Spicy Lovers' Edition: Increase heat by using Thai bird's-eye chilies instead of cayenne peppers, creating an intensely fiery version for those craving extra spiciness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, making the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Best Sides For Thai Cashew Stir Fry

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry with steamed jasmine rice for an authentic experience that transports your taste buds straight to Thailand.
• Spice Lover's Paradise: Sprinkle extra red chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies on top for those who crave an extra heat kick and want to amplify the dish's fiery profile.
• Veggie Companion Delight: Add a side of quick-pickled cucumber salad or fresh Asian slaw to provide a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, savory stir fry and balance the meal's overall flavor intensity.
• Texture Play Plate: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, crushed roasted cashews, and a wedge of lime to introduce additional layers of texture and bright, zesty notes that complement the rich chicken.

Storing Thai Cashew Stir Fry Properly

• Store the Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator and consume within 4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Transfer the cooled stir fry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What makes this Thai Cashew Chicken different from other stir-fry recipes?

This recipe focuses on creating deep, complex flavors through carefully toasted cashews, a balanced sauce, and proper cooking technique that ensures each ingredient maintains its unique texture and taste.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely! You can reduce or completely omit the chili. If you want mild heat, use large red cayenne peppers. For those who love spice, Thai bird’s-eye chilies will add serious kick.

• What's the best cut of chicken for this recipe?

Chicken thighs are recommended for juicier results, but chicken breast works fine too. If using breast, consider tenderizing it the Chinese way to ensure softness and juiciness.

Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Sizzling Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry brings authentic Southeast Asian flavors right to your kitchen table. Crunchy cashews, tender chicken, and bold spices create a quick, irresistible meal that promises restaurant-quality satisfaction without leaving home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 7 ounces (198 grams) chicken thighs, skinless and boneless, sliced into 1/3″ thin strips

Nuts and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup raw cashews (unsalted)
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1/2 onion, brown, yellow, or white, cut into thin wedges
• 2 green onions, cut into 1-inch lengths, white part separated from green part
• 1/2 red cayenne pepper, deseeded and finely sliced on the diagonal

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or canola or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 3 tablespoons water

Garnish and Serving:

• Red chili, finely sliced (optional)
• Jasmine rice (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce by thoroughly blending all sauce ingredients in a small mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth consistency.
2. Toast cashews in a wok or large skillet over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown and develop a satisfying crunch. Remove with a slotted spoon.
3. Increase heat to high and quickly sauté minced garlic and diced onions for 30 seconds, releasing their aromatic flavors.
4. Add chicken pieces and stir-fry for 1 minute until the exterior transforms from pink to white.
5. Incorporate white sections of green onions and chopped chili, continuing to cook for an additional minute until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
6. Pour prepared sauce into the skillet, allowing it to reduce and caramelize for 1 minute, creating a glossy coating on the chicken.
7. Toss in green onion tops and toasted cashews, stirring for 30 seconds to integrate flavors and textures.
8. Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish, pairing with jasmine rice or alternative rice options.
9. For optimal flavor, use raw cashews and pan-toast them until golden and fragrant. Roasted cashews can be substituted with slightly shorter cooking time.
10. Choose chicken thighs for juicier results, though breast meat works equally well. Consider tenderizing breast meat using traditional Chinese techniques.
11. Adjust chili quantity based on personal heat preference. Larger chilies typically offer milder heat, while Thai bird’s-eye chilies provide intense spiciness.
12. Substitute oyster sauce with vegetarian alternatives available in specialty grocery stores.
13. Use dark soy sauce for enhanced color and deeper flavor profile compared to light soy variants.
14. Fish sauce adds complexity to the dish; can be replaced with additional soy sauce if unavailable.
15. Serve alongside complementary rice options like plain white, brown, cauliflower, Thai fried, or pineapple fried rice.
16. Store leftover stir-fry in refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for future consumption.

Notes

• Toast cashews carefully to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch, ensuring they turn a rich golden brown without burning.
• Tenderize chicken breast using a classic Chinese technique to guarantee juicy, soft meat that melts in your mouth.
• Adjust chili levels based on personal heat tolerance, using larger red cayenne for mild spice or fiery Thai bird’s-eye chilies for an intense kick.
• Opt for dark soy sauce to achieve a beautiful mahogany color and deeper flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Choose between plain white rice, brown rice, or low-carb cauliflower rice as a perfect base to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Store leftovers confidently in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for later enjoyment without compromising taste or texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 545 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg