This aromatic cashew chicken stir-fry is good-for-you, yet it’s also as flavorful as any fat- and sodium-loaded take-out number. This dish comes together in flash, making it a perfect weeknight meal! {Jump to Recipe}
Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 4 servings
This aromatic cashew chicken stir-fry is good-for-you, yet it's also as flavorful as any fat- and sodium-loaded take-out number. This dish comes together in flash, making it a perfect weeknight meal!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch (3.5 cm) pieces
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fish sauce
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) canola oil or peanut oil
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) chicken stock
- 1 lb (450 g) asparagus, sliced on the diagonal into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces (substitute green beans, snow peas, or broccoli florets)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Japanese soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup or honey
- Pinch crushed red pepper
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) unsalted toasted cashews
- 1/4 cup (125 ml) minced green onions
- 1/4 cup (125 ml) chopped fresh basil or coriander
Instructions
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the fish sauce. In a wok or a large saute pan, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the chicken in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and sauté over high heat until browned and just cooked through, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a clean bowl.
Pour the chicken stock into the wok and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Add the asparagus, cover, and cook over moderate heat until they are crisp-tender, about 2-3 minutes, depending on the thickness of the stalks. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the asparagus to the bowl along with the chicken.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of fish sauce as well as the soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, and crushed red pepper to the wok. Simmer until the sauce is slightly reduced, about 2 minutes. Return the chicken pieces and sliced asparagus to the wok and toss to heat through. Remove from the heat and stir in the cashews, green onions, and herbs.
Serve this Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry with steamed rice.
Recipe adapted from Stéphane Vivier, Food & Wine Magazine
[…] Cashews, fresh lime juice and chopped fresh basil will have you dreaming of Asia as you enjoy this healthy asparagus stir-fry. […]