If you’re craving a vibrant, irresistible meal that bursts with flavor and texture, this Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the fragrant aroma of fresh Thai basil with crunchy cashews, tender ground chicken, and a perfect balance of zesty, sweet, and spicy notes, this dish transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable culinary experience. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to share with friends, making it a personal favorite I’m thrilled to pass along.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these fresh and essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a dish that sings with flavor. Each component plays a vital role, from the fragrant herbs and crunchy nuts to the tangy sauce that ties everything together.
- Ground chicken or pork (500g): Provides a tender, juicy protein base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- Fresh ginger (4cm x 4cm piece, grated): Adds a warm, peppery zest that brightens the dish.
- Garlic cloves (6, grated): Infuses a robust savory aroma that’s essential in Thai cooking.
- Brown onion (1, diced): Offers a subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
- Red bell pepper (1 large, sliced): Brings vibrant color and a mild sweetness.
- Green beans (100g, cut into 2cm pieces): Adds crunch and a fresh, grassy flavor.
- Cashews (100g): Provide a satisfying nutty crunch that complements the tender meat.
- Cooking oil (60ml, avocado oil recommended): Ideal for stir-frying and flavor infusion, with a high smoke point.
- Fresh Thai basil leaves (1 cup, roughly torn): The star herb, delivering a unique sweet and peppery aroma.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring balance and enhance all flavors.
- Hot chili sauce (1 tablespoon) or sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons): Adjust the heat to your preference with either spicy or milder sweetness.
- Gluten-free kecap manis (3 tablespoons): Sweet soy sauce adding depth and caramel notes.
- Gluten-free fish sauce (1 tablespoon): Infuses that unmistakable umami punch characteristic of Thai food.
- Fresh lime juice (60ml): Brings a zesty brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- Gluten-free chicken powdered stock/broth (1 tablespoon): Concentrates savory flavor and enriches the sauce.
How to Make Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Mince
Start by heating your oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken or pork and break it up gently with a wooden spoon as it browns. Cooking it until fully done creates a flavorful base that will soak up the sauce and blend beautifully with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the meat is cooking, whisk together the chili sauce, kecap manis, fish sauce, lime juice, and chicken powdered stock in a small bowl. This mixture balances sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy flavors, which are key components that bring the Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe to life.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Once the mince is cooked, season it lightly with salt and pepper. Then toss in the grated ginger, garlic, and diced onion. Stir-fry for a minute until fragrant – you’ll instantly smell the warming spices that energize the dish. Next, add your sliced red bell pepper, green beans, and cashews. Stir everything together and continue cooking for another three minutes so the vegetables stay crisp but tender and the cashews toast slightly for extra crunch.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Finish Cooking
Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and turn the heat to high. Let it come to a lively boil, stirring constantly. This step thickens the sauce, allowing it to coat each morsel evenly with that rich, mouthwatering glaze that defines this Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe. Stir-frying it for approximately four minutes ensures all flavors meld perfectly.
Step 5: Stir in Thai Basil and Serve
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the freshly torn Thai basil leaves. The residual heat releases their aromatic oils beautifully without overcooking, preserving that fresh, peppery herbal note. Serve your creation immediately, ideally over steamed rice with a crispy fried egg and a splash of lime juice for extra zing.
How to Serve Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like freshly chopped cilantro, sliced red chilies, or a wedge of lime can elevate this dish visually and flavor-wise. The basil leaves and cashews themselves act as natural garnishes, offering bursts of flavor and texture that make every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up all the vibrant sauce. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or a fresh cucumber salad dressed lightly with lime and chili for a cooling contrast to the warm spices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more playful presentation, serve the Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe in lettuce cups or wrap it in warm rice paper for a fun finger food experience. Another idea is to layer it over coconut rice or alongside stir-fried noodles for a complete Thai-inspired feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious. Remember to keep the Thai basil separate if possible and add fresh when reheating to preserve its vibrant flavor.
Freezing
This Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe freezes well. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to two months, making it perfect for busy weeks when you want a quick, tasty meal.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or lime juice to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving at high heat as it can make the chicken tough and wilt the basil. Stir in fresh Thai basil after reheating for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in this Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground chicken or pork works best for their texture and flavor absorption, you can also use ground turkey or even thinly sliced chicken breast if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level depends on your choice of chili sauce. Using hot chili sauce will give a nice kick, while sweet chili sauce offers milder sweetness. You can always add fresh sliced chilies to amp up the spice after cooking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the meat with tofu or tempeh and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce. Just be mindful that the flavor profile will shift slightly, but it will still be delicious and fresh.
What can I substitute for Thai basil if I can’t find it?
If Thai basil isn’t available, sweet basil is a reasonable substitute, though the flavor won’t be quite the same. You could also mix in a little fresh mint and cilantro to mimic some of the herbal brightness.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and add it while the sauce simmers, stirring constantly until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together fresh ingredients and bold flavors in a straightforward way. It’s quick to prepare and packed with textures and tastes that will have you coming back for more. I highly encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your dinner rotation!
Print
Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Thai Basil Cashew Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful stir-fry that combines ground chicken with fresh ginger, garlic, colorful vegetables, crunchy cashews, and fragrant Thai basil. Finished with a tangy and savory sauce made from chili sauce, kecap manis, fish sauce, lime juice, and chicken stock powder, this dish delivers a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and umami notes. Ready in 30 minutes, it is an easy and satisfying meal to enjoy any day of the week.
Ingredients
Protein and Aromatics
- 500g ground chicken or pork
- 4cm x 4cm piece fresh ginger, grated
- 6 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 brown onion, diced
Vegetables and Nuts
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 100g green beans, cut into 2cm pieces
- 100g cashews
Sauce and Seasonings
- 60ml cooking oil (avocado oil recommended)
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, roughly torn
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 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 it while breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the hot chili sauce (or sweet chili sauce for milder flavor), gluten-free kecap manis, fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and chicken powdered stock until well combined.
- 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 about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the sliced red bell pepper, green beans, and cashews, continuing to stir-fry for another 3 minutes.
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the mince and vegetables. Increase the heat to high and bring the sauce to a boil. Stir-fry for 4 minutes or until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients nicely.
- Add Basil and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and gently stir in the torn Thai basil leaves until just wilted. Serve immediately, ideally with steamed rice, and optionally topped with a crispy fried egg and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra brightness.
Notes
- You can substitute ground pork with ground chicken or turkey according to preference.
- For a milder flavor, use sweet chili sauce instead of hot chili sauce.
- Make sure to use gluten-free kecap manis and fish sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice for an authentic Thai experience.
- Adding a fried egg on top is traditional and adds richness to the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
