If you love vibrant flavors packed with exciting textures, then this Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe is going to win your heart and your taste buds. It’s an irresistible dish that combines tender ground chicken or pork with crisp green beans, sweet red peppers, crunchy cashews, and the aromatic punch of fresh Thai basil. Every bite is perfectly balanced with a tangy, savory, and slightly spicy sauce that comes together quickly, making it a delicious weeknight meal that feels special and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one is essential—not just for flavor, but for the texture and color that make the dish vibrant and inviting.
- Ground chicken or pork (500g): Provides a tender, juicy base that absorbs all the delicious sauces perfectly.
- Fresh ginger (4cm x 4cm piece, grated): Adds a zesty warmth and slight spiciness to elevate the aromatics.
- Garlic cloves (6, grated): Builds a rich and savory foundation essential for Thai flavor profiles.
- Brown onion (1, diced): Offers sweetness and texture contrast when cooked.
- Red bell pepper (1 large, sliced): Brings a pop of color and natural sweetness for bright flavor.
- Green beans (100g, cut into 2cm pieces): Adds a satisfying crunch and freshness.
- Cashews (100g): Gives buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with tender meat and crisp veggies.
- Cooking oil (60ml, avocado oil recommended): Neutral oil with a high smoke point for stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
- Fresh Thai basil leaves (1 cup, roughly torn): The signature herb that brings a sweet herbal note and authentic Thai character.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season perfectly and enhance natural flavors without overwhelming.
- Hot chili sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds heat, or for a milder touch use 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce instead.
- Gluten-free kecap manis (3 tablespoons): Sweet soy sauce that infuses the dish with caramelized richness.
- Gluten-free fish sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings umami depth essential in authentic Thai cooking.
- Fresh lime juice (60ml): Lifts the dish with bright acidity and a subtle citrus sparkle.
- Gluten-free chicken powdered stock/broth (1 tablespoon): Enhances and rounds out the savory flavors beautifully.
How to Make Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Mince
Start by heating the oil in a wok or a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken or pork and break it up as it cooks. Stir frequently until the meat is browned and no longer pink inside, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds the savory foundation that makes the dish so comforting.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the meat is cooking, whisk together the hot chili sauce (or sweet chili sauce if you prefer milder), kecap manis, fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and chicken powdered stock in a small bowl. This flavorful sauce blend will coat the ingredients and create that luscious balance of spicy, sweet, salty, and sour – hallmark traits of this Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Season the cooked mince with a pinch of salt and pepper, then toss in the grated ginger, garlic, and diced onion. Stir-fry for about one minute until everything smells fragrant and you can taste the fragrant, spicy aromas awakening your senses. Then add the sliced red bell pepper, green beans, and cashews, stir-frying for an additional three minutes. This combination delivers contrasting textures that make every bite exciting.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour your prepared sauce into the pan and crank the heat up to high. Stir constantly as the sauce bubbles and thickens, coating the meat, vegetables, and nuts in a glossy, irresistible glaze. This should take around four minutes and it’s the moment when all those flavors marry beautifully for the authentic Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe experience.
Step 5: Add Basil and Serve
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves. Their herbaceous aroma instantly brightens the dish and adds a true depth of flavor that is difficult to replicate. Serve your creation immediately, ideally alongside steaming jasmine rice. For an extra touch, add a crispy fried egg on top and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an explosion of taste in every mouthful.
How to Serve Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh Thai basil leaves are a must, of course, but you can also add thinly sliced red chilies for heat, chopped green onions for a mild onion crunch, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra nuttiness. A wedge of lime on the side invites family and friends to customize the tanginess to their liking.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine rice is the classic pairing and absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly. Alternatively, serve this with coconut rice for a hint of sweetness, or pair it with crunchy Asian slaw to add a refreshing, crisp element that balances the warm, spicy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe over lettuce cups for a hands-on appetizer or light meal. You can also pile it over rice noodles tossed lightly with sesame oil and soy sauce to transform it into a noodle bowl with a Thai flair that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It actually tastes great the next day as the flavors have more time to meld, making it a convenient and tasty option for busy weeknights.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to two months, which means you can double the recipe and always have a quick, flavorful meal ready to warm up whenever you want.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of water or extra lime juice to refresh the flavors and keep the sauce nice and saucy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the cashews soft and lose their crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
Absolutely! While cashews are traditional and provide a lovely buttery crunch, you can substitute almonds or peanuts depending on your preference. Just toast them lightly to bring out their flavor before adding to the dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level is adjustable! The recipe calls for hot chili sauce, but if you prefer milder flavors, the sweet chili sauce works beautifully. You can also control spice by the amount of chili sauce you add or by skipping extra fresh chilies when garnishing.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground chicken or pork for firm tofu or a textured vegetable protein alternative. Use vegetarian fish sauce or soy sauce, and your Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe will still be delicious and packed with flavor.
What is kecap manis?
Kecap manis is a sweet Indonesian soy sauce that is thick and syrupy, adding deep sweetness and umami to dishes. If you don’t have it, you can mix soy sauce with a bit of brown sugar or molasses as a substitute.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can grate the ginger, garlic, and chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Even the sauce can be whisked together earlier, which makes the final cooking process much faster.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for a meal that feels both comforting and adventurous. It’s effortless to prepare yet impressively vibrant in flavor, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to something special any day of the week. Give it a go—you’ll be surprised how addictive this wholesome, colorful dish is!
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: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Thai Basil Cashew Chicken recipe is a flavorful and vibrant stir-fry dish featuring ground chicken or pork combined with crunchy cashews, fresh Thai basil, and a tangy, savory sauce made from chili, kecap manis, fish sauce, and lime juice. Ready in just 30 minutes, it is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers an authentic taste of Thailand with a delightful balance of spicy, sweet, and aromatic notes.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 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
Oils and Sauces
- 60ml cooking oil (avocado oil recommended)
- 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
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, roughly torn
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 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 5-6 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the hot chili sauce (or sweet chili sauce), gluten-free kecap manis, gluten-free fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and gluten-free chicken powdered stock to create the flavorful sauce base.
- 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 and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the sliced red bell pepper, cut green beans, and cashews. Stir-fry these ingredients together for an additional 3 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables and toast the cashews.
- 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 about 4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and evenly coats all the ingredients, infusing them with its rich flavor.
- Add Basil and Serve: Remove the wok or pan from the heat and immediately stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves, allowing their aroma and flavor to infuse the dish. Serve the Thai Basil Cashew Chicken hot, accompanied by steamed rice. Optionally, top with a crispy fried egg and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra zest.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, use sweet chili sauce instead of hot chili sauce.
- Use gluten-free soy and fish sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
- Avocado oil is recommended for a higher smoke point and neutral flavor, but any cooking oil can be substituted.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice.
- Add a crispy fried egg on top for additional protein and texture.
- Adjust the chili sauce amount based on preferred spice level.
- Fresh Thai basil is key for authentic flavor; if unavailable, use sweet basil as a substitute.
