Easy Sesame Ginger Cashew Chicken Recipe: Sweet & Savory Magic

Crispy, golden sesame ginger cashew chicken dances between sweet and savory flavors that spark culinary excitement.

Nutty cashews add crunch to every tender bite of this Asian-inspired dish.

Weeknight meals need something special to break monotony, and this recipe delivers with its vibrant profile.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of textures and aromatic spices.

Ginger provides a warm, zingy undertone that complements the rich chicken perfectly.

Simple ingredients combine to create a meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Ready to unlock a new favorite that’ll have everyone asking for seconds?

Sesame Ginger Cashew Chicken That’s Quick Yet Impressive

• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delicious sesame ginger cashew chicken in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using tofu for a vegetarian version or adjusting spice levels to suit personal preferences, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Create a takeout-style dish that tastes better than delivery, saving money and impressing family and friends with professional-level cooking skills.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein from chicken and cashews, this recipe offers a balanced meal that's both wholesome and flavorful, supporting a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing taste.

Stir-Fry Mix for Cashew Chicken

• Chicken: Tender protein base for the dish, boneless and skinless for easy cooking, white meat preferred for lean texture.

• Cornstarch, Salt, Black Pepper: Creates crispy chicken exterior, enhances flavor and helps thicken sauce, choose fine-ground cornstarch for smooth coating.

• Soy Sauce, Honey, Rice Vinegar: Provides balanced flavor profile with sweet, salty, and tangy notes, low-sodium soy sauce recommended for controlled saltiness.
• Sesame Oil: Adds distinctive nutty aroma, cold-pressed varieties offer richer flavor.

• Ginger, Garlic: Brings warm, spicy undertones, fresh roots provide more intense flavor compared to pre-minced versions.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and complexity, adjust quantity for personal spice preference.

• Cashews: Provides textural contrast and nutty richness, raw or roasted options work well.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Adds fresh color and subtle crunch, white and green parts both usable.
• Steamed Rice, Quinoa, Cauliflower Rice: Serves as complementary base, choose according to dietary needs.

Sesame Ginger Cashew Chicken Prep Method

Step 1: Prep the Protein

Coat chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until every morsel is perfectly seasoned and ready to sizzle.

Step 2: Sear and Sizzle

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until each piece turns a beautiful golden brown and reaches complete doneness.

Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Craft the Flavor Explosion

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Fresh ginger
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

In a separate small bowl, create a thickening agent by mixing cornstarch with water until smooth.

Step 4: Bring the Dish Together

Lower the skillet’s heat and pour in the prepared sauce.

Stir in the cornstarch mixture and let it simmer until the sauce transforms into a glossy, slightly thickened coating.

Toss in crunchy cashews and return the cooked chicken to the pan, ensuring every piece gets a luxurious sauce bath.

Step 5: Final Flourish and Serve

Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve this delectable creation over steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Cashew Chicken Tips With Sesame-Ginger Kick

• Mix cornstarch thoroughly with seasonings to create an ultra-crispy exterior that locks in moisture and adds delightful texture.
• Whisk cornstarch slurry carefully to ensure smooth sauce consistency without unwanted lumps or thick patches.
• Cook chicken on medium-high to achieve golden-brown color without burning, maintaining tender meat and crisp edges.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat intensity, making the dish enjoyable for mild and bold spice lovers alike.
• Swap traditional rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for lower-carb options that keep meal exciting and nutritious.

Cashew Chicken That Comes Back Crunchy And Sauced

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to prevent drying. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• For crispy cashews, sprinkle extra toasted nuts on top after reheating to restore the original crunch and flavor.

Tasty Matches For Cashew Chicken

• Pair Zesty Asian Flavors: Complement the sesame ginger cashew chicken with a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling that balances the dish's spicy and tangy notes.
• Refresh with Citrus Cocktail: Mix a classic gin and ginger cocktail with fresh lime juice to echo the ginger's warmth and cut through the chicken's richness.
• Boost Asian-Inspired Sides: Serve with a light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil to enhance the meal's complementary Asian flavor profile.
• Cool Down with Green Tea: Brew a chilled green tea to provide a clean, subtle backdrop that refreshes the palate between bites of the savory chicken.

Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry Ideas

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and cubing the protein before coating with cornstarch and following the same cooking method.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Skip rice and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal.
• Nut-Free Version: Substitute cashews with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining a similar crunchy texture.

FAQs

• Why use cornstarch on the chicken?

Cornstarch creates a crispy, golden exterior and helps seal in moisture, ensuring the chicken stays tender and juicy during cooking.

• Can I use a different nut instead of cashews?

Absolutely! Almonds or peanuts work great as alternatives with similar texture and flavor profile.

• How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that’s not overwhelming. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance, reducing or increasing as desired.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Sesame Ginger Cashew Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sesame ginger cashew chicken brings Asian-inspired comfort to your dinner table with bold, zesty flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy chicken, toasted cashews, and a silky sauce make you crave another bite of this irresistible meal.

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Ingredients

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Chicken:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup unsalted cashews
• 0.5 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare protein by coating chicken pieces with a light dusting of cornstarch, seasoned with salt and black pepper, ensuring an even and delicate coverage.
2. Activate a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating a perfect searing environment for the chicken.
3. Transfer seasoned chicken into the heated skillet, allowing pieces to transform into a golden-brown exterior while cooking thoroughly, approximately 5-6 minutes. Carefully extract chicken and reserve on a separate plate.
4. Craft a vibrant sauce by blending soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, crushed garlic, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in a mixing vessel.
5. Create a thickening agent by whisking cornstarch with water, forming a smooth slurry that will enhance sauce consistency.
6. Reduce skillet heat and introduce the prepared sauce, stirring in the cornstarch mixture to develop a glossy, slightly thickened texture.
7. Incorporate roasted cashews into the sauce, then reintroduce the cooked chicken, gently tossing to ensure complete and luxurious coating.
8. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by garnishing with finely chopped green onions and a generous scatter of sesame seeds.
9. Present the aromatic creation atop steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, offering a versatile and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are uniformly cut for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Pat chicken dry before coating with cornstarch to help achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance, creating a milder or more intense flavor profile.
• Consider replacing cashews with alternative nuts like almonds or peanuts for dietary preferences or allergy accommodations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg