Cashew Chicken Stir Fry

Ingredients

• 400 g boneless chicken thighs or breast (sliced)
• 1.5 tbsp soy sauce (sodium reduced preferred)
• 1.5 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• black pepper (to taste)
• 4 tbsp soy sauce (sodium reduced preferred)
• 5 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 6 tbsp water or broth
• 0.5 tsp cornstarch
• 0.5 tsp MSG (optional)
• neutral oil (for frying (approx 2 tbsp))
• 4 garlic (cloves, minced)
• 1 tsp fresh ginger (minced)
• 1 onion (cubed)
• 1 red bell pepper (big, chunked)
• 100 g cashews (roasted)
• 3 spring onions (white and green parts separated)
• 1 sweet Thai basil (big handful)
• chili flakes (to taste)

Steps

1. 1

   Mix all marinade ingredients (sliced chicken, 1.5 tbsp soy sauce, 1.5 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, and black pepper) with the chicken and let sit for 15 minutes while prepping everything else.

2. 2

   In a small bowl, mix all sauce ingredients (4 tbsp soy sauce, 5 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 6 tbsp water or broth, 1/2 tsp cornstarch, and optional MSG) and set aside. Stir again before using as cornstarch sinks.

3. 3

   Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.

4. 4

   Turn heat to HIGH. Add the chicken in one layer. Let it sear 30–40 seconds before stirring, then stir-fry 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through.

5. 5

   Add minced garlic, minced ginger, and chili flakes. Stir for 30 seconds.

6. 6

   Add cubed onion, chunked bell pepper, and the white part of the spring onions. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, keeping them slightly crisp.

7. 7

   Pour in the prepared sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes until thick, glossy, and coating everything. If the sauce looks too thick, add 1–2 tbsp water.

8. 8

   Turn off the heat. Add roasted cashews, Thai basil, and the green part of the spring onions. Toss quickly so the basil just wilts.

9. 9

   Serve immediately with hot jasmine rice.

Notes

If the sauce becomes too thick during the final cooking stage, thin it out with 1-2 tablespoons of water. Ensure you stir the sauce mixture immediately before adding it to the pan as the cornstarch tends to settle at the bottom.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• stir-fry
• dinner
• fakeaway
• chicken
• nutty
• quick