Thai Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry
Why this recipe works
- Fast, high-heat cooking: The chicken and vegetables cook quickly in a hot wok, keeping the method efficient while building good browning.
- Crunch and tenderness: Toasted cashews add crispness against juicy chicken and crisp-tender peppers and onions.
- Glossy savoury sauce: Light soy sauce and oyster sauce coat the stir-fry at the end, giving concentrated umami without a long simmer.
Get the most out of this recipe
Common mistakes
- Avoid crowding the wok: Cook the chicken in batches if needed so it browns rather than releases liquid and steams.
- Watch the cashews closely: Toast them only until lightly golden, then remove them from the wok before they darken too far.
- Keep the heat high: A properly hot wok helps the vegetables stay crisp-tender and keeps the sauce glossy rather than watery.
Ingredient notes
- Chicken thighs suit stir-frying: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy over high heat and are forgiving if cooked a little longer.
- Use unsalted cashews: Unsalted cashews let the soy and oyster sauce season the dish without making it overly salty.
- Adjust salty sauces carefully: Dark soy sauce can bring deeper colour and sweetness, but it may taste stronger, so add it more cautiously.
Serving ideas
- Serve with rice: Plain jasmine rice is a natural match for the glossy savoury sauce and crunchy cashews.
- Finish with spring onion: Add the spring onion off the heat so it stays fresh and bright.
Make-ahead tips
- Prep before heating the wok: Slice the vegetables, chop the garlic and mix the sauce before you start, as the stir-fry moves quickly once cooking begins.
- Reheat hot and fast: Warm leftovers in a hot wok or frying pan with a small splash of water until piping hot throughout, then add fresh spring onion if possible.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the light soy sauce and oyster sauce. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then slice the onion and red pepper; thinly slice the spring onions and finely chop the garlic, keeping the spring onions aside for finishing.
- Set a wok over high heat until very hot, then add the cashew nuts and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until lightly golden. Tip them out to a bowl so they do not over-brown.
- Return the wok to high heat and add the vegetable oil. Add the chicken in a single layer and stir-fry for 4 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add the onion and red pepper and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Add the garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the soy and oyster sauce mixture and toss for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is glossy and well coated. Stir in the toasted cashew nuts, then take off the heat and scatter over the spring onions to serve.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Keep the wok hot and work quickly so the chicken browns rather than stews; if your pan is small, cook the chicken in two batches.
- Toast the cashew nuts just until pale golden, as they will continue to colour slightly from residual heat.
- If serving anyone vulnerable, make sure the chicken is cooked until piping hot throughout with no pink remaining.
Substitutions
- Replace chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner stir-fry; reduce the cooking time slightly to keep it juicy.
- Replace red pepper with green pepper for a slightly more bitter, savoury edge.
- Replace light soy sauce with dark soy sauce for a deeper colour and slightly sweeter flavour; use a little less as it can be stronger.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat in a hot wok or frying pan with a small splash of water until piping hot throughout; add the spring onion after reheating if possible to keep it fresh.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 3 servings
- Total time: 25min (25min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Thai
-
Allergens:
Cashews Soybeans
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