Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe

This Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry is a healthier, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings the best of your favorite Chinese takeout right to your kitchen. Featuring juicy pieces of chicken, crisp vegetables, and crunchy cashews, all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, this dish is the perfect balance of texture and taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep option, this stir-fry is ready in just 30 minutes, making it an easy and delicious option for any day of the week. It’s a fresh, homemade alternative to greasy takeout, and you’ll love how customizable it is

Total Time: 30 minutes

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the stir-fry:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying

1/2 cup unsalted cashews, roasted or raw

1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (red, yellow, or green)

1 medium carrot, julienned

1 small zucchini, thinly sliced

1/2 onion, thinly slice

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized piece

For the sauce:

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon water (if needed to adjust consistency)

1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

Instructions:

Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes until the cornstarch dissolves. Set aside.

Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for about 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Stir in garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the bell peppers, carrot, zucchini, and onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the sauce and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

Add cashews: Stir in the cashews and cook for an additional minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (more soy sauce, honey, or a splash of vinegar for balance).

Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your homemade, Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry

Tips:

• Chicken Substitute: If you prefer, you can swap out chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even beef.
• Vegetable Variety: Feel free to switch up the veggies depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand—broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms all work wonderfully in this stir-fry.
• Crunchy Cashews: If you like extra crunch, lightly toast the cashews in a dry skillet before adding them to the dish.
• Low-Sodium Option: For a lower-sodium version, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce or eliminate the salt in the recipe.
• Make it Spicy: For a spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a sliced chili pepper to the stir-fry.
• Meal Prep: This stir-fry stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Just reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Customization: You can control the vegetables, protein, and sauce, making it a versatile recipe that suits various dietary preferences.

Healthier Ingredients: Using lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and a balanced homemade sauce reduces the amount of added sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats typically found in takeout.

Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights.

Flavorful: The combination of cashews, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a rich, savory flavor profile that rivals restaurant-quality stir-fries.

Nutrient-Rich: With a variety of vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots), this stir-fry is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

This cashew chicken stir-fry is so simple and delicious, you’ll never want to order takeout again!