Cashew Shrimp Stir-Fry

This Cashew Shrimp Stir-Fry is a beautiful harmony of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements. The plump shrimp, tender vegetables, and crispy cashews are coated in a perfectly balanced sauce that is both tangy and rich.

The dish is so easy to prepare and can be made in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal. It pairs perfectly with a bowl of steamed rice, absorbing the flavorful sauce and bringing everything together for a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, the cashews add a delightful crunch, making each bite a little bit of heaven.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1/2 onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup unsalted cashews

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons water

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

• Cooked rice for serving

Directions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the wok and set aside.

3. In the same wok, add bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

4. Add cashews to the wok and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing them to lightly brown.

5. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Pour this sauce mixture into the wok, stirring to combine.

6. Return the cooked shrimp to the wok and toss everything together until well-coated and heated through, about 2 minutes.

7. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve over rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Preparing the Shrimp: A Critical Step

The preparation of the shrimp is crucial for achieving the ideal texture in this stir-fry. While it may seem like a small detail, washing the shrimp in a mixture of sugar and baking soda is a technique that is often overlooked. This step is key to removing any impurities and achieving the perfect, plump, and translucent texture that makes this dish stand out. The method involves mixing sugar, baking soda, and water with the shrimp, allowing it to sit for a couple of minutes, followed by a thorough rinse. This process is repeated and then marinated to further enhance the flavor of the shrimp.

Another secret to this dish’s success is to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp cooks very quickly, and it’s essential to remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink to ensure they remain tender and juicy. This dish is all about achieving the right balance between cooked shrimp, crisp vegetables, and the crunchy cashews, with every bite offering a variety of textures and flavors.

The Cashews: A Crunchy Essential

While many stir-fries feature nuts, cashews bring a distinct flavor and texture to this dish that is hard to replicate with other nuts. Their rich, slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the savory shrimp, while their crunch adds an interesting contrast to the tender shrimp and vegetables. When using raw cashews, it’s important to roast them in the wok first, as they can burn quickly. The technique involves starting with a cold wok and medium-low heat, gently toasting the cashews for about 10 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. This roasting step deepens their flavor and ensures that they will add that perfect crunch to your stir-fry.

The Vegetables: Adding Freshness and Color

Celery and red bell peppers are used in this recipe not only for their flavors but also for their color and texture. The celery provides a refreshing, crisp bite, while the bell peppers bring both sweetness and a pop of color to the dish. To preserve the freshness and vibrant color of these vegetables, they are briefly blanched before being added to the stir-fry. Blanching helps soften them slightly while retaining their crunch and bright color. After blanching, the vegetables are quickly shocked in ice water to stop the cooking process, ensuring they stay crisp and fresh.

These vegetables balance out the richness of the shrimp and cashews, creating a dish that is both satisfying and light. The flavors meld together beautifully with a delicate seasoning of oyster sauce and a hint of sesame oil, bringing everything together in a savory sauce that coats the shrimp, vegetables, and cashews.

The Sauce: Sweet and Savory Balance

A well-balanced sauce is a key element of any stir-fry, and the sauce in this recipe is no exception. The combination of oyster sauce, a touch of sugar, and sesame oil creates a sauce that is savory, slightly sweet, and full of umami flavor. The addition of a pinch of white pepper provides just enough heat to balance the sweetness and bring the whole dish together.

One of the reasons this dish is so beloved is because of how the sauce enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp and vegetables. It’s not overly salty or heavy, allowing the freshness of the vegetables and the tender shrimp to shine through. The sauce is thickened slightly with cornstarch, giving it the perfect consistency to cling to each ingredient without being too gloopy or overpowering.

Why This Dish Works: A Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures

What makes Cashew Shrimp Stir-Fry so special is the combination of delicate and bold flavors working in harmony. The shrimp provides a rich, protein-packed base, while the vegetables offer freshness and a satisfying crunch. The cashews add a layer of sweetness and texture, making every bite feel indulgent without being overly rich.

The quick stir-frying technique allows the shrimp to stay tender while cooking the vegetables just enough to maintain their crispness. The balance of sweet and savory flavors ensures that the dish is never overwhelming, making it an ideal option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Serving Suggestions: Best Enjoyed with Rice

Cashew Shrimp Stir-Fry pairs perfectly with steamed white rice or jasmine rice, allowing you to savor the flavorful sauce that coats the shrimp and vegetables. The rice absorbs the sauce, making every bite a delightful mix of textures and flavors. If you’re looking to add a little more variety, you can serve the stir-fry with a side of sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach, which will complement the dish with a mild, earthy flavor.

If you’re hosting a dinner party or a family gathering, this dish makes a wonderful addition to a spread of other Chinese-inspired dishes. It works well alongside fried rice, dumplings, or even a simple soup, providing a refreshing and flavorful contrast to heavier, richer dishes.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Cashew Shrimp Stir-Fry is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a well-loved dish in many households. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is relatively easy to prepare and will impress your guests with its deliciousness. The technique of preparing the shrimp ensures they are always tender and juicy, while the vegetables and cashews add an interesting contrast in both texture and flavor. With its mild yet satisfying flavor profile, this dish is perfect for those who want a delicious meal without it being too heavy or complicated.

This recipe is a great choice for weeknight dinners, as it comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor. It’s also a healthier alternative to takeout, providing the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. Give this Cashew Shrimp Stir-Fry a try, and you’ll have a flavorful and impressive dish that will become a regular feature in your meal rotation.

Conclusion

Cashew Shrimp Stir-Fry is a delightful dish that offers a refreshing balance of textures and flavors. The method of preparing shrimp ensures the perfect texture, while the vegetables and cashews bring additional layers of crunch and sweetness. With a flavorful sauce that ties everything together, this dish is a perfect choice for any occasion. Easy to prepare, yet impressive enough for guests, it’s a dish that anyone can enjoy. Try it out today and savor the delicate yet satisfying flavors of this classic Cantonese stir-fry.