Stir-fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts (Gai Pad Med Mamuang) is a beloved Thai classic featuring tender marinated chicken, crunchy roasted cashews, and vibrant vegetables. Wok-fried with garlic, onions, and bell peppers, the dish is coated in a glossy savory-sweet sauce made from carefully balanced sauces and a gentle touch of sweetness. Fragrant, comforting, and full of texture, it is best enjoyed with steamed jasmine rice.
Ingredients(Serves 2) For the Chicken Marinade: 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces. 1 tbsp Soy Sauce 1 tbsp cornstarch 1 tsp of cooking wine, or mirin. For the Sauce: 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce 1 tbsp Soy Sauce 1 tsp sugar 1/2 tsp of sesame oil. 1/4 cup of chicken stock, or water. For the Stir-Fry: ½ cup raw cashew nuts 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2-3 cloves garlic, minced. ½ onion, sliced. 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped. Optional: dried chilies. Optional: spring onions.Instructions: Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and cooking wine. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and chicken stock. Set aside. Cook the Cashews: In a dry pan, lightly toast the cashew nuts over medium heat until golden brown. Remove and set aside. Stir-Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove and set aside. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the wok and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the bell pepper and optional dried chilies, and stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine. Add the toasted cashew nuts and stir-fry for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly. Serve: Garnish with optional spring onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice. Tips and Variations: For extra flavor, you can add other vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or broccoli. Adjust the amount of chilies to your desired level of spiciness. If you like thicker sauce, you can add cornstarch slurry. (1tsp cornstarch mixed with 2tsp water) Chicken thighs will produce a more tender result. Enjoy your homemade Stir-fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts!
