Mediterranean Ultimate Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Rice

Mediterranean Ultimate Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Rice

Table of Contents

This stir-fry brings together tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and crunchy roasted cashews in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but bold enough to feel special. Serve it over fragrant jasmine rice for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

Time: 30 minutes
(Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes)

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stir-Fry:

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, thinly sliced

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp ginger, grated

1/2 cup roasted cashews

1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

For the Sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tbsp hoisin sauce

2 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water

Pinch of chili flakes (optional)

For the Base:

2 cups steamed jasmine rice

Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water), and chili flakes if using. Set aside.

Cook the chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Sauté vegetables:
In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Toss in garlic, ginger, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until peppers are slightly tender but still crisp.

Combine:
Return chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss everything together. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and peppers.

See also  Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Add crunch:
Stir in roasted cashews and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

Serve:
Spoon the stir-fry over steamed jasmine rice and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Tips

Slice evenly: Cut chicken into thin, uniform strips so it cooks quickly and evenly.

High heat is key: Use medium-high to high heat for that quick stir-fry texture and flavor.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid steaming instead of searing.

Cashew crunch: Add cashews at the end so they stay crunchy and don’t get soggy.

Adjust sauce thickness: If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a tablespoon of water. If too thin, simmer an extra minute.

Variations

Protein swaps: Try shrimp, beef strips, or tofu instead of chicken.

Veggie boost: Add broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or zucchini for more color and nutrition.

Nut alternatives: Use almonds or peanuts if you don’t have cashews.

Spicy kick: Increase chili flakes or stir in a spoonful of chili garlic paste.

Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of jasmine rice.

Mediterranean flair: Swap parsley for cilantro and drizzle with a touch of lemon juice before serving.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook the stir-fry and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving.

Q: How do I keep the chicken tender?
A: Slice it thin and cook quickly over high heat. Overcooking can make chicken chewy. You can also marinate it in a tablespoon of soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes before cooking.

See also  Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Recipe

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.

Q: What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
A: Mix 1 tbsp soy sauce with 1 tsp honey and a pinch of five-spice powder or garlic powder for a quick substitute.

Nutrition

(per serving, serves 4)

Calories: ~480

Protein: 32g

Carbohydrates: 45g

Fat: 18g

Fiber: 3g

Sodium: ~900mg

(Values are approximate and can vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

Conclusion

This Mediterranean-inspired Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry is a quick, colorful, and well-balanced dish that’s perfect for busy nights. It brings together tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a sweet-savory sauce that pairs beautifully with jasmine rice. Easy to customize with different proteins or vegetables, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation.