Cashew Chicken recipe

Introduction:

This Cashew Chicken recipe is a saucy, sticky, crispy, sweet, and savory dish, much like your favorite takeout but made easy at home. With bite-sized fried chicken pieces tossed in a flavorful soy-garlic sauce and garnished with crunchy cashews, it’s an irresistible combination. Serve it over rice for a complete meal, and don’t forget to add veggies like steamed broccoli for balance.

Ingredients:

Chicken:

• 3/4 cup flour
• 3/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 3/4 cup cold water
• About 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cashew halves

Sauce:

• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• A small piece of fresh ginger, grated

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and paprika. Set half aside. Mix the other half with cold water to form a loose batter.
2. Make the Sauce: Whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, sriracha (optional), sugar, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil over medium heat. Dredge chicken pieces in the dry flour mixture, then dip them into the batter. Fry the chicken in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Combine: Remove excess oil from the pan and return the fried chicken. Add the sauce and cashews, stirring to coat the chicken. Let cook for about 1 minute until everything is sticky and flavorful.
5. Serve: Serve over hot rice, with optional steamed or roasted broccoli on the side.

Conclusion:

This homemade Cashew Chicken recipe delivers a takeout-like experience with minimal effort. Whether you deep-fry the chicken for extra crispiness or choose to stir-fry for a lighter version, the combination of sweet, savory sauce and crunchy cashews is sure to satisfy. Ideal for a quick yet indulgent dinner, this dish can easily be customized with vegetables or served as leftovers the next day.