If you’re craving a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that bursts with flavor and texture, the Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe combines tender, juicy ground chicken with crunchy cashews, fresh Thai basil, and a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce that makes every bite unforgettable. It’s a beautiful harmony of colors and tastes that’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Once you try this Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe, it will definitely earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the star here, each playing a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish shine. From the fragrant Thai basil to the crunchy cashews and vibrant vegetables, every component brings something special to the table.
- 500g ground chicken or pork: Choose ground chicken for a lighter, leaner dish or pork for a richer flavor.
- 4cm x 4cm piece fresh ginger, grated: Adds warm, zesty notes and freshness that cut through the richness.
- 6 garlic cloves, grated: Essential for that unmistakable aromatic foundation.
- 1 brown onion, diced: Provides sweetness and texture balance.
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced: Adds a pop of color and a mild sweetness.
- 100g green beans, cut into 2cm pieces: Brings crunch and vibrant green to the dish.
- 100g cashews: Adds buttery crunch and richness that perfectly complements the chicken.
- 60ml cooking oil (avocado oil recommended): Ideal for high-heat cooking and subtle flavor.
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, roughly torn: The star herb that infuses the dish with signature sweet, peppery aroma.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Basic seasoning to enhance all flavors.
- 1 tablespoon hot chili sauce (or 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce for milder flavor): Provides just the right kick or gentle warmth if you prefer less heat.
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free kecap manis (sweet soy sauce): Brings deep, caramelized sweetness that balances spice and lime.
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free fish sauce: Adds umami depth and authentic Thai flavor.
- 60ml fresh lime juice: Brightens the dish with refreshing tang.
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free chicken powdered stock/broth: Boosts savory notes without extra liquid.
How to Make Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Mince
Start by heating your chosen oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken or pork and break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You’ll want to keep stirring until the meat is well browned and cooked through, which typically takes about 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds the savory base for your dish, so getting a nice caramelization on the mince is key.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the meat cooks, whisk together your chili sauce (or sweet chili if you prefer something milder), kecap manis, fish sauce, lime juice, and chicken powder in a small bowl. This tangy, sweet, and spicy blend is what will coat the ingredients with that unforgettable Thai-style flavor, so aim for a smooth balance.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Season your cooked mince with black pepper and a pinch of sea salt. Then, toss in the grated ginger, garlic, and diced onion. Stir-fry these for about 1 minute until they release their enticing aroma. Next, add the sliced red bell pepper, cut green beans, and crunchy cashews. Continue stir-frying for another 3 minutes to blend the textures and soften the veggies slightly while keeping their color and bite intact.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Thicken
Pour your prepared sauce over the pan’s contents, then crank up the heat to high. Stir-fry everything vigorously for about 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to come to a boil and thicken until it clings beautifully to each ingredient. This step intensifies the flavors and gives the dish its signature glossy appearance.
Step 5: Add Basil and Serve
Finally, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves. Their sweet and slightly peppery fragrance will infuse the dish instantly, adding that last dimension of flavor. Serve your Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe immediately with steamed rice, and for a true restaurant-style finish, top with a crispy fried egg and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
How to Serve Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your dish in no time. I love sprinkling additional toasted cashews on top for extra crunch and a handful of fresh Thai basil leaves to brighten every bite. A wedge of lime on the side invites a fresh squeeze that livens up the whole plate, complementing the savory, sweet, and spicy notes perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fragrant coconut rice. You might also enjoy a simple cucumber salad on the side to add a cooling contrast. For something heartier, sticky rice or even freshly made flatbreads are a great way to scoop up every bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like impressing your guests? Serve this dish in small individual cast iron skillets or mini wok-style bowls to keep things hot and sizzling. You can also stuff the Thai Basil Cashew Chicken mixture into lettuce cups for a fresh appetizer-style presentation that’s perfect for sharing. Another fun idea is to serve it over a bed of noodles or spiralized vegetables for a low-carb spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from the Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before sealing.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, this dish freezes nicely for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your Thai Basil Cashew Chicken gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to keep things moist and stir frequently to warm evenly. Avoid overcooking the basil during reheating—if possible, save some fresh basil to sprinkle on top after warming.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of ground chicken or pork?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or beef can be good substitutes, though the flavor profile will shift slightly. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled firm tofu or chopped mushrooms and increase the cashews for extra texture.
What if I can’t find Thai basil?
Thai basil is unique with its sweet, anise-like flavor, but if you can’t find it locally, regular sweet basil is an okay substitute. Just know the dish will taste a little different but still delicious.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust it?
The recipe is adaptable. Use hot chili sauce for a good kick or swap it for sweet chili sauce for a milder, sweeter flavor. You can also add fresh sliced chilies if you crave more heat or reduce the chili altogether for a gentler taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, provided you use gluten-free kecap manis and fish sauce, this Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free and perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can this dish be made ahead for a party?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare most of the ingredients in advance and quickly stir-fry everything together right before serving. This way, your Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe still shines at your gathering without last-minute stress.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how the Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe comes together so quickly yet delivers an explosion of flavors and textures that feels anything but ordinary. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try – your dinner table will thank you!
Print
Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Thai Basil Cashew Chicken recipe that combines ground chicken or pork with aromatic ginger, garlic, fresh vegetables, and crunchy cashews, all stir-fried in a savory sweet and spicy sauce made with kecap manis, fish sauce, and fresh lime juice. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal served with steamed rice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500g ground chicken or pork
- 4cm x 4cm piece fresh ginger, grated
- 6 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 brown onion, diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 100g green beans, cut into 2cm pieces
- 100g cashews
- 60ml cooking oil (avocado oil recommended)
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, roughly torn
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon hot chili sauce (or 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce for milder flavor)
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free fish sauce
- 60ml fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free chicken powdered stock/broth
Instructions
- Cook Mince: Heat the cooking oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken or pork and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chili sauce (or sweet chili sauce), gluten-free kecap manis, gluten-free fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and gluten-free chicken powdered stock to make the flavorful sauce.
- Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Season the cooked mince with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of sea salt. Add the grated ginger, grated garlic, and diced onion to the pan. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the sliced red bell pepper, cut green beans, and cashews. Continue stir-frying for another 3 minutes to soften the vegetables slightly.
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the stir-fried mince and vegetables. Increase the heat to high and bring the sauce to a boil. Stir continuously and cook for 4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and evenly coats all the ingredients.
- Add Basil and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves until just wilted. Serve immediately with steamed rice, optionally topping with a crispy fried egg and an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice for added brightness.
Notes
- For a milder taste, use sweet chili sauce instead of hot chili sauce.
- Make sure to use gluten-free condiments if you require a gluten-free dish.
- Add a crispy fried egg on top for extra richness and texture.
- This dish can be easily adapted by substituting pork with chicken or even turkey mince.
- Use avocado oil or any neutral oil with a high smoke point for best stir-frying results.
