Simple Chicken & Cashew Nut Stir-Fry
Got veggies in your fridge that need using up? This vibrant, quick, and flavourful stir-fry is here to save the day! With tender, velvety chicken, crunchy cashews, and a rich, savoury sauce, it’s perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Customisable: Add your favourite vegetables to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Velvety Chicken: Learn the secret to tender chicken just like your favorite stir-fry dishes.
Mood-Boosting: Packed with protein, vibrant veggies, and healthy fats to nourish your body and mind.
Mood-Boosting Benefits:
Chicken: High in lean protein to support mood-stabilising neurotransmitters like serotonin.
Cashews: A great source of magnesium, which helps combat stress and supports brain health.
Broccoli & Capsicum: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants to fight oxidative stress and support a healthy immune system.
Ginger & Garlic: Known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
What is Velveting, and Why Should You Do It?
Velveting is a Chinese cooking technique where baking soda is used to tenderise meat. This process breaks down proteins, resulting in chicken that is soft, juicy, and melts in your mouth, just like at your favourite takeout spot. It's a simple step that elevates any stir-fry.
Ingredients
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 mins (plus 30 mins for velveting) | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins
Chicken:
400g chicken thighs, sliced
1–2 tsp baking soda (for velveting)
Stir-Fry Sauce:
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
2 tbsp dark soy sauce
2 tbsp tamari
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1–2 tbsp Chinese wine (optional but recommended)
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp cornflour
Drizzle of water
Veggies:
1 cup broccoli florets
1 capsicum, sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 spring onions, chopped
Toppings:
1/2 cup cashew nuts
Method
Velvet the Chicken:
Mix the sliced chicken with baking soda. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels before cooking.
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix garlic, ginger, soy sauce, tamari, oyster sauce, Chinese wine, honey, cornflour, and water. Set aside.
Stir-Fry Time:
Heat a wok or large pan on high heat. Add a drizzle of oil.
Sauté onion until translucent.
Add chicken and cook until golden and nearly cooked through.
Toss in veggies and stir-fry until tender-crisp (about 5–7 minutes).
Add the Sauce:
Pour the sauce over the stir-fry and toss well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Finish & Serve:
Toss in cashew nuts and spring onions. Serve hot with steamed rice.
My Tips:
Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh.
Meal Prep: Prep the chicken, veggies, and sauce ahead of time for a quick dinner fix.
Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and tamari.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use other nuts?
A: Yes, peanuts or almonds work as great substitutes.
Q: Is velveting only for chicken?
A: No, you can velvet beef, pork, or even prawns!
Q: Can I skip the Chinese wine?
A: Yes, substitute it with a splash of rice vinegar or leave it out.
Enjoy this simple and delicious Chicken & Cashew Stir-Fry – perfect for a quick, nutritious dinner that everyone will love!