Cashew Shrimp Stir-Fry
Juicy shrimp and crunchy cashews tossed in a savory garlic-ginger sauce with crisp bell peppers and broccoli. A classic Chinese-American takeout favorite made at home in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 12 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Shrimp (15 minutes)
- b.Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is key for a good sear.
- c.In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, and white pepper.
- d.Toss well to coat evenly. Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce (2 minutes)
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tbsp soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sugar, the remaining 1 tsp cornstarch, and the chicken broth.
- c.Whisk until the cornstarch and sugar are fully dissolved. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Toast the Cashews (2-3 minutes)
- b.Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil.
- c.Add the raw cashews and toast, stirring constantly, until they are fragrant and light golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- d.Quickly remove the cashews from the wok with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate. Be careful as they can burn quickly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir-Fry Aromatics and Vegetables (4-5 minutes)
- b.Return the wok to high heat and add the remaining 2 tbsp of oil.
- c.Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add the bell pepper pieces and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook the Shrimp (2-3 minutes)
- b.Push the vegetables to the sides of the wok, creating a clear space in the center.
- c.Add the marinated shrimp to the center in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 60-90 seconds per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
- d.Once cooked, toss the shrimp with the vegetables.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Combine and Serve (1-2 minutes)
- b.Give the prepared sauce a final whisk and pour it into the wok over the shrimp and vegetables.
- c.Stir everything together continuously. The sauce will thicken quickly, in about 1-2 minutes.
- d.Turn off the heat. Stir in the toasted cashews and chopped scallions.
- e.Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Mise en Place is Key: Stir-frying is a very fast cooking process. Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you turn on the heat.
- 2Don't Crowd the Pan: If your wok or skillet isn't large enough, cook the shrimp and vegetables in separate batches to ensure they stir-fry properly rather than steam.
- 3High Heat is Essential: A very hot wok is crucial for achieving the characteristic 'wok hei' flavor and keeping vegetables crisp.
- 4Dry Your Shrimp: Patting the shrimp completely dry before marinating helps them sear beautifully instead of steaming in the wok.
- 5Control Broccoli Tenderness: If you prefer softer broccoli, you can briefly blanch it for 1-2 minutes in boiling water before adding it to the stir-fry.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the shrimp with 1 lb of thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh, or 1 block (14 oz) of pressed, cubed firm tofu.
Vegetable Add insVegetable Add-ins
Incorporate other classic stir-fry vegetables like snow peas, sliced water chestnuts, baby corn, or sliced mushrooms. Add them along with the bell peppers.
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
For a bit of heat, add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce (like Sambal Oelek) or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stir-fry sauce.
Nut Free OptionNut-Free Option
Simply omit the cashews for a nut-free dish. The stir-fry will still be delicious.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Powerhouse
Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, all while being low in calories.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Cashews provide beneficial monounsaturated fats, which are known to help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and support overall cardiovascular health.
Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
Broccoli and bell peppers are loaded with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system. Ginger and garlic contribute anti-inflammatory properties.
Supports Metabolism
The combination of protein from shrimp and fiber from the vegetables helps promote satiety and supports a healthy metabolism, making it a satisfying and balanced meal.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Cashew Shrimp Stir-Fry contains approximately 480-520 calories, excluding any rice or noodles it's served with.