Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and a touch of heat in your dishes, then this Spicy Cashew Chicken recipe is a must-try. This Asian-inspired dish combines tender chunks of chicken, crunchy cashews, and a fiery sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and nutty goodness. Let’s dive into the recipe.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Spicy Cashew Chicken
2. Ingredients You’ll Need
3. Preparing the Sauce
4. Preparing the Chicken
5. Cooking the Cashew Chicken
6. Serving Your Spicy Cashew Chicken
7. Variations and Tips
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
9. Conclusion

1. Introduction to Spicy Cashew Chicken

Spicy Cashew Chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine known for its bold and zesty flavors. It typically consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken, roasted cashews, and a sauce that packs a spicy punch. This recipe will guide you through creating this delicious dish at home.

2. Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare Spicy Cashew Chicken:

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for your preferred level of spiciness)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted cashews, roasted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2-3 green onions, chopped
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Steamed jasmine rice (for serving)

3. Preparing the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sriracha sauce, and sesame oil. Set this sauce aside.

4. Preparing the Chicken

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Ensure each piece is evenly coated.

5. Cooking the Cashew Chicken

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the coated chicken pieces to the hot skillet and cook until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and fully cooked on the inside. This should take about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over it. Toss everything together to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
5. Add the roasted cashews and chopped green onions to the skillet and stir well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the cashews to warm up.
6. If you like it extra spicy, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top.

6. Serving Your Spicy Cashew Chicken

Serve your Spicy Cashew Chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with extra chopped green onions and cashews for added crunch and flavor.

7. Variations and Tips

• You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha sauce used.
• For a healthier version, you can use skinless chicken breast and reduce the amount of oil used for cooking.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use other types of nuts instead of cashews? A1: Yes, you can substitute cashews with almonds or peanuts if you prefer.

Q2: Is there a vegetarian version of this dish? A2: Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian Spicy Cashew dish.

Q3: Can I make it less spicy for kids? A3: Of course! Just reduce or omit the sriracha sauce to make it milder.

9. Conclusion

Spicy Cashew Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the crunchiness of cashews with the heat of spicy sauce, resulting in a satisfying and flavorful meal. Whether you enjoy it on a weeknight or serve it at a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, get ready to savor the bold flavors of this Spicy Cashew Chicken. Enjoy your meal!

Source: dinnerthendessert.com