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Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe

When I first made this Spicy Cashew Chicken, I was hooked from the very first bite! The tender, golden-brown chicken, paired with the crunch of roasted cashews and coated in a fiery, tangy sauce, was an explosion of flavors I couldn’t resist.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Brown sugar
  • Sriracha
  • Sesame oil
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Cornstarch
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Vegetable oil
  • Unsalted roasted cashews
  • Garlic minced
  • Fresh ginger minced
  • Green onions
  • Red pepper flakes optional

Method
 

  1. Start by whisking together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Combine soy sauce, hoisin, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and sriracha. Stir until the mix is smooth and set aside. This flavorful blend is the heart of the dish!
  2. Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This step gives the chicken that crisp exterior you’re going to love.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook them until golden and crispy on the outside. This should take around 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  4. Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them until fragrant (about a minute). This adds a delightful zing to the dish.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Mix in the roasted cashews and green onions for the finishing touches. Sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you want an added kick.
  6. Scoop the Spicy Cashew Chicken over a plate of steamed white rice or jasmine rice, and garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds.

Notes

  • Coat with Care: Lightly coating the chicken in cornstarch ensures a crispy texture that holds up in the sauce.
  • Keep It Hot: Use high heat while cooking for a classic stir-fry texture and flavor.
  • Adjust the Sauce: Like it a bit sweeter or tangier? Play around with the proportions of soy sauce and brown sugar to suit your taste.