Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry with Bell Pepper and Onion
Cook cashew chicken with chicken, roasted cashews, bell pepper, onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and oyster sauce alternatives.
chicken, takeout-style, family-friendly, high-protein
chicken: 500 g / 1.1 lb boneless chicken thigh or breast.
Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Toss with 1 teaspoon soy sauce, cornstarch, and a splash of water until lightly coated. Let it sit while you cut bell pepper, onion, green onion, garlic, and ginger.
In a small bowl, stir remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce if using, rice vinegar, sugar, and 3 tablespoons water. Keep cashews separate until the end so they stay crunchy and do not soften in the sauce.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in one layer and cook until the outside is lightly browned and the inside is almost cooked through. Move it to a plate if the pan feels crowded.
Add bell pepper, onion, garlic, ginger, and green onion whites to the skillet. Stir for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and smell sweet. They should still have some crunch.
Put the chicken back in the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir while it bubbles and coats the chicken and vegetables. Check that the chicken is fully cooked before moving to the final step.
Turn off the heat and fold in the cashews and green onion tops if using. Serve right away. Adding cashews last keeps them warm and coated but still crisp, which is the main texture of the dish.
Roasted unsalted cashews are easiest because the soy sauce already adds salt.
Use red, yellow, or green bell pepper depending on what is cheapest.
Oyster sauce is useful but not mandatory; hoisin plus soy sauce is a practical fallback.
Use peanuts or almonds instead of cashews if needed.
Use mushrooms, broccoli, or snow peas instead of bell pepper.
Use firm tofu instead of chicken for a meat-free version.
Cashews: Roasted cashews, Peanuts, Almonds. Use unsalted nuts if possible because soy sauce and oyster sauce already add salt.
Chicken: Chicken thigh, Chicken breast, Firm tofu. A short cornstarch marinade keeps thin chicken pieces tender.
Bell pepper and onion: Broccoli, Snow peas, Mushrooms. Keep vegetables crisp-tender so the cashews remain the main texture contrast.
Can I make cashew chicken without oyster sauce?
Yes. Use hoisin plus soy sauce, vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce, or extra soy sauce with a pinch of sugar.
Peanuts, almonds, or extra vegetables can replace cashews, though the flavor will change.
This version is not spicy by default. Chili crisp or chili flakes can be served on the side.