THAI CASHEW CHICKEN STIR-FRY
This Thai-inspired stir-fry brings the perfect combination of textures and flavours to your plate with minimal ingredients and effort. Juicy diced chicken is stir-fried with garlic until golden and combined with crisp bell peppers and roasted cashews. A touch of soy sauce brings umami depth, while the natural sweetness of the peppers and the nutty crunch of cashews provide a satisfying contrast. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this dish can be served on its own or over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice. It’s naturally protein-rich and with easy customisation options, it can be adapted to suit various dietary needs. Thai Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry is your go-to for a simple, nutrient-dense meal that delivers flavour and comfort in just one pan.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Main Course
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Thai
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Stir-Fry
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Casual Dinner
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Quick & Easy
DISH TYPE
Protein Shakes
INGREDIENTS
Here is a list of ingredients for Thai-inspired stir-fry:
- ¼ cup chicken, diced
- 1 tablespoon cashews
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
- ¼ cup bell peppers, sliced
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 133.1 kcal
- Protein:7 g
- Fat: 9.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.6 g
- Sugars: 1.5 g
- Fibre: 0.8 g
- Sodium: 172.2 mg
- Potassium: 189.6 mg
- Cholesterol: 4.6 mg
- Calcium: 12.1 mg
- Iron: 1.1 mg
- Vitamin D: 0.1 IU
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Thai-inspired stir-fry:
- Prepare The Ingredients: Dice the chicken into small, even pieces. Slice the bell peppers and mince the garlic.
- Toast The Cashews: In a dry, non-stick skillet, toast the cashews over medium flame for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté The Garlic: Add a small amount of oil to the pan, then sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Cook The Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pan and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until browned and fully cooked.
- Add Bell Peppers: Stir in the sliced bell peppers and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
- Add Soy Sauce: Pour in the soy sauce and toss everything together to evenly coat the chicken and vegetables.
- Finish With Cashews: Return the toasted cashews to the pan and stir briefly to combine.
- Serve Immediately: Plate and enjoy hot, optionally garnished with green onions or sesame seeds.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
10 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for Thai-inspired stir-fry:
- Use Pre-Roasted Cashews: Saves time and adds extra flavour without toasting.
- Slice Evenly: Evenly cut chicken and vegetables cook more uniformly.
- Cook In Batches If Needed: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure a proper sear.
- Add Sauce Last: This helps prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
- Pair With Rice: Serve with jasmine rice or brown rice to make it a complete meal.
VARIATIONS
- Make It Spicy: Add red chilli flakes or sliced Thai chillies for a fiery kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for tofu and use tamari for a plant-based alternative.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce salt.
- Add More Veggies: Include broccoli, snap peas or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Sweet And Savoury: Stir in a small amount of honey or pineapple chunks for sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari.
- Boost Protein: Add a scrambled egg or cooked quinoa into the mix.
- Garnish Creatively: Top with crushed peanuts, fresh coriander or lime wedges for flair.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium flame to maintain texture or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as bell peppers and cashews may lose texture upon thawing.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the chicken and chop vegetables in advance; cook just before eating for freshness.
- Keep Cashews Separate: If storing, keep cashews aside and mix in just before serving to maintain crunch.