Cashew Chicken Stir Fry (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 egg white
03 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
04 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
05 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

→ For the Stir Fry

06 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
07 - Salt and pepper to taste
08 - 2 medium red bell peppers, julienned
09 - ½ cup broccoli florets
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
12 - 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
13 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
14 - ½ cup roasted cashews

→ For Garnish

15 - Green onions
16 - Sesame seeds

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - In a bowl, whisk together egg white, cornstarch, soy sauce, and vegetable oil. Add chicken pieces, stirring to coat. Allow to marinate for 10 minutes.
02 - Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir-fry until the chicken is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
03 - Add the bell peppers and broccoli. Continue to stir-fry until vegetables are just tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
04 - Mix in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil, combining everything thoroughly for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in the roasted cashews.
05 - Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - The egg white and cornstarch marinade (velveting) keeps the chicken silky and tender, just like restaurant-quality takeout.
02 - Use high heat for the best stir fry results - cooking should be quick and hot for optimal flavor and texture.
03 - Cook vegetables just until tender-crisp to maintain texture and nutritional value.
04 - Add cashews at the end to preserve their crunch. For enhanced flavor, toast them briefly in a dry pan beforehand.
05 - For a variation, substitute cashews with almonds, peanuts, or sunflower seeds. For extra sauce, add a splash of chicken broth.
06 - Leftovers keep well and can be reheated on the stovetop with a small amount of water to refresh the sauce.