How to Make Authentic Thai Cashew Chicken at Home

Thai cashew chicken is one of the most delicious dishes Thai cuisine is famous for. This dish, while less saucy compared to its Chinese counterpart, makes up for it with a bold and distinctive flavor. Crispy chicken pieces and golden cashews harmonize with the delectable marinade sauce composed of authentic Thai ingredients, providing a unique and daring taste.

Read also: Thai-Style Pumpkin Soup: Coconut Twist on Classic Flavors

 See also.: Buffalo sauce

Cashew Chicken: The Difference Between Thai and Chinese Versions

Although Chinese cashew chicken contains a larger amount of sauce, the Thai version prefers a dry style, focusing on intensifying flavors rather than drenching the rice in sauce. This concentrated flavor covers the ingredients and gives the rice an extra taste when mixed with the dish.

Essential Ingredients for Thai Cashew Chicken

Here is a list of essential ingredients to prepare this outstanding dish:

• Cashews: The star of the dish, adding a rich flavor and crunchy texture. It’s best to use raw cashews for roasting in the pan to achieve the best flavor. If using pre-roasted cashews, roast them briefly.
• Chicken: Chicken thighs are preferred as they’re juicier and more flavorful. Chicken breasts can also be used, but tenderizing them using the Chinese method is recommended for a softer texture.
• Onion and Garlic: The foundation of stir-fried dishes, providing a deeply aromatic flavor.
• Green Onion: Adds freshness and color.
• Chili Peppers: Adds a bit of heat (optional).

Sauce Ingredients

The sauce relies on a blend of ingredients that give it an authentic Thai flavor:

• Oyster Sauce: Provides strong umami flavor and acts as a thickener for the sauce.
• Dark Soy Sauce: Adds a concentrated flavor and an attractive dark color to the dish.
• Fish Sauce: Used as a main substitute for soy sauce in Thai cuisine, adding depth to the flavor.
• White Sugar: Balances the flavors.
• Water: To dilute the sauce.

How to Prepare Thai Cashew Chicken

As with most stir-fry recipes, you"ll need to prepare all ingredients in advance, including the sauce and rice. Once you begin cooking, everything moves quickly!

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Sauce: Mix all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Roast the Cashews: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the cashews and cook for 3 minutes until golden and crunchy. If using pre-roasted cashews, roast for only 1.5 minutes.
3. Cook Garlic and Onion: Increase the heat to high and add garlic and onion. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the Chicken: Add the chicken to the pan and cook for one minute until its color changes.
5. Add Green Onion and Chili: Add the white part of the green onions and chili peppers, cooking for an additional minute.
6. Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce in and continue cooking for a minute until it thickens and coats the ingredients.
7. Add Cashews and Green Onion: Add the green parts of the green onion and the cashews. Cook for only 30 seconds.

How to Serve Thai Cashew Chicken

This dish is typically served with Thai jasmine rice, known for its aromatic fragrance. It can also be served with other types of rice such as white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for those who prefer low-carb alternatives.

To add more vegetables, you can prepare a side salad like Asian Vegetable Salad or smashed cucumbers. A classic Asian sesame dressing can accompany grilled, boiled, or even fresh vegetables.

Enjoy preparing this distinctive Thai dish that combines wonderful flavors with cooking speed!