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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare protein by coating chicken pieces with a light dusting of cornstarch, seasoned with salt and black pepper, ensuring an even and delicate coverage.
- Activate a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating a perfect searing environment for the chicken.
- 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.
- 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.
- Create a thickening agent by whisking cornstarch with water, forming a smooth slurry that will enhance sauce consistency.
- Reduce skillet heat and introduce the prepared sauce, stirring in the cornstarch mixture to develop a glossy, slightly thickened texture.
- Incorporate roasted cashews into the sauce, then reintroduce the cooked chicken, gently tossing to ensure complete and luxurious coating.
- Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by garnishing with finely chopped green onions and a generous scatter of sesame seeds.
- 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