Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry

The aroma of sizzling cashews and tender chicken fills the kitchen, creating an irresistible invitation to gather around the dinner table. This Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is a delightful blend of savory flavors, quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, and ideal for a busy weeknight dinner. Its perfect balance of crunch and zest makes it a winning dish that everyone will love.

This recipe is perfect for families and anyone looking to elevate their weeknight meals with a burst of flavor. It’s a great option for entertaining or a cozy dinner at home. Plus, the components can be prepped in advance and stored, making it easy to whip up on demand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy cashews add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
• Velvety chicken thighs ensure juicy and flavorful meat.
• A five-minute sauce brings together a perfect symphony of umami.
• Swift cooking technique keeps the dish light and fresh.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients for a delicious Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry.

For the Stir Fry

• 2 tbsp peanut oil, or canola or vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup raw cashews, unsalted (Note 1 for roasted)
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1/2 onion, brown, yellow, or white, cut into thin wedges
• 200g/7oz chicken thighs, skinless and boneless, sliced into 1cm / 1/3" thin strips (Note 2)
• 2 green onions, cut into 2.5cm / 1” lengths, white part separated from green part
• 1/2 red cayenne pepper, deseeded and finely sliced on the diagonal (omit or reduce if preferred)

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (Note 4)
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce (Note 5)
• 2 tsp fish sauce (Note 6)
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 3 tbsp water

For Serving

• Red chili, finely sliced (optional garnish)
• Jasmine rice, for serving (or other rice of choice)

Notes: Use roasted cashews for added flavor. Chicken thighs provide juiciness.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Canola oil for peanut oil
• Bell pepper for red cayenne pepper
• Soy sauce for oyster sauce
• Any long-grain rice for jasmine rice

How to Make It

Here’s how to prepare this delicious stir fry step by step.

1. Mix Sauce

Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

2. Cook Cashews

Heat oil over medium heat in a wok or large skillet. Add cashews and cook for 5 minutes until they become a dark golden color and crunchy. Remove from skillet with a slotted spoon.

3. Sauté Garlic & Onion

Turn heat up to high. Add minced garlic and onion. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Cook Chicken

Add chicken to the pan. Cook for 1 minute until the outside changes from pink to white.

5. Add Green Onion & Chilli

Stir in the white part of green onions and chilli. Cook for 1 minute until chicken is just cooked through.

6. Incorporate Sauce

Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to reduce to a syrup that coats the chicken nicely.

7. Finish with Green Onions & Cashews

Add the green part of green onions and cashews. Toss for 30 seconds to combine all elements beautifully.

8. Serve

Transfer to a serving dish and serve with jasmine rice or your choice of rice, garnished with extra red chili if desired.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the texture will suffer.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Use high heat for a perfect stir fry texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan for even cooking.
• Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed jasmine rice for an authentic experience.
• Pair with a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Enjoy alongside an evening with friends or family for a fun dinner night.