Basil cashew chicken
Basil Cashew Chicken is a fragrant dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a blend of soy and oyster sauce, enhanced with fresh basil and cashews. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and pairs beautifully with white rice.
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1/2 cup white rice1.50 lb chicken breasts
1/4 cup oyster sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp sesame oil
4 garlic cloves
1 tbsp ginger root
1 serrano peppers
2 oz cashew
4 cups basil
1 mango
Basil Cashew Chicken is a delightful and aromatic dish that combines the earthy flavors of basil and cashews with the savory taste of chicken. The unique blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil adds depth to this Asian-inspired recipe. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with white rice, making it a wholesome and fulfilling meal.
Instructions:
- Rinse 1/2 cup of white rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, add the rice and 1 cup of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
- Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Grate the ginger root or mince it finely.
- Slice the serrano pepper thinly (remove seeds for less heat).
- Peel and dice the mango.
- Roughly chop the fresh basil leaves if they are large.
- Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add the 2 tablespoons of sesame oil.
- Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced chicken to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the 1/4 cup of oyster sauce and 1/4 cup of soy sauce.
- Add the thinly sliced serrano pepper.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring to ensure the chicken is well-coated with the sauces.
- Add the 2 oz of cashews to the pan, stirring to combine.
- Add the 4 cups of fresh basil and fold it into the chicken mixture. Cook until the basil is wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Plate a scoop of cooked rice on each serving plate.
- Spoon the basil cashew chicken mixture over the rice.
- Top each serving with diced mango for a touch of sweetness and garnish.
Basil Cashew Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that impresses with its combination of textures and tastes. The crunch of the cashews, the freshness of the basil, and the tenderness of the chicken create a harmonious blend that will leave you and your guests craving more. Served over a bed of white rice, this recipe is a surefire way to elevate your dinner routine.
Basil cashew chicken FAQ:
Cook the diced chicken in the pan for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it's browned and cooked through.
Yes, you can substitute cashews with other nuts such as peanuts or almonds, but the flavor and texture may vary.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
You can substitute oyster sauce with a combination of soy sauce and hoisin sauce for a similar flavor, although the taste may differ slightly.
The recipe calls for white rice, but you can also use jasmine or basmati rice for added aroma and flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- Preparation: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and measured. Chop the garlic, ginger, and serrano pepper finely to ensure they evenly distribute their flavors in the dish.
- Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a bit of sesame oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- High Heat Cooking: Cook the chicken on high heat to get a good sear. This will help lock in the juices and create a pleasant texture.
- Add Basil Last: Add the basil leaves last, just before finishing the dish. This ensures the basil retains its vibrant flavor and freshness without wilting too much.
- Cashew Handling: Toast the cashews lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the dish for enhanced flavor and crunch.
- Mango Garnish: Slice the mango into thin strips or small chunks and use it as a garnish for a sweet and refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.
- Serving: Serve the Basil Cashew Chicken over a bed of steamed white rice to soak up the delicious sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
4 ServingsCalories 490kcal
Protein 45g
Carbohydrates 36g
Fiber 2.38g
Sugar 8g
Fat 18g
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