This Savory Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry is a vibrant and aromatic dish that brings the flavors of Thailand right into your kitchen. Combining tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and fragrant basil, this recipe is a delightful explosion of tastes that will impress anyone at your dinner table.
The key to achieving the perfect stir-fry lies in using high-quality ingredients, especially fresh Thai basil, which infuses the dish with its unique, slightly peppery flavor. Paired with fluffy jasmine rice, this meal not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a comforting and hearty option for any night of the week.
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in red bell pepper and snap peas; cook for another 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch mixture; pour over the chicken and vegetables.
- Add cashews and Thai basil, tossing everything together for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Serve the stir-fry over cooked jasmine rice, garnishing with extra basil if desired.
Notes
Note: For a spicier kick, add sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the stir-fry.
To customize this dish, feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli, for extra nutrition and color. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with firm tofu and use soy sauce instead of oyster sauce.
To store leftovers, keep the stir-fry and jasmine rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if necessary to restore moisture.