Go Back
cashewnut chicken

cashewnut chicken

a stir fried dish of tender chicken in a savoury-sweet sauce
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Chinese

Equipment

  • 2 knives
  • 2 chopping boards
  • 1 frying pan
  • 1 wok
  • 1 Turner

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 500g chicken breast/tofu

Veggies and Nuts

  • 1 cup cashewnuts
  • 100g onions
  • 100g green bell pepper
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped Garlic
  • 1 tsp crushed green chillies (optional) for medium spice level
  • 2 sweet red chillies optional

Flours and Oils

  • 2 tbsp cornflour
  • 1 cup sesame oil

Sauces

  • 3 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 8-10 dried red birds eye chilli
  • 2 tsp flavour enhancer/msg/ajinomoto
  • 1 tsp black pepper powder
  • 2 tsp salt

Instructions
 

Preparing the chicken

  • Slice the chicken breast into thin stakes. if using Tofu, cut it into cubes and follow the same process.
  • Marinate chicken with 1 tsp salt, black pepper powder, 1 tsp flavour enhancer,1 tbsp cornflour, 1 tbsp oyster sauce and 1 tbsp light soy sauce.
    marinated chicken
  • Pan fry the chicken stake pieces using some of the sesame oil on medium high flame, in small batches. Fry a minute or two on each side until brown. The chicken will change its colour from white to pink to brown. this process will not take longer than a minute on each side. Do not overcook as it will make the chicken rubbery and take away all the moisture.

Preparing The Sauce

Stir Fry

  • In a wok heat the rest of the sesame oil. splatter sesame seeds and saute chopped garlic.
    saute garlic and green chillies
  • Add crushed green chilli (if using)
  • Throw in the cashews with onions, peppers and saute for a minute.
    add pepper, onion and cashews
  • Mix in the prepared chicken pieces and sweet red chillies (if using)
  • Finally add the sauces mix, stir in.
    add chicken and sauces
  • Pour the cornflour slurry and quickly stir in. The sauce will thicken slightly.
  • Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
  • The sauce should be of a semi dry consistency. Finish off with a silky finish.
    let it sizzle and serve!
    cashewnut chicken

Notes

Note:
These measurements will give you medium spice level. Adjust accordingly.
Dried red chillies add a wonderful colour , texture and aroma to the dish. Beware not to chew them if you do not like spice.