Change up your weeknight meal routine with this Asian-inspired cashew chicken stir fry that's better than take-out. This ginger garlic version kicks it up a notch with some added flavors to give you a mouth-watering meal that's ready in less than 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
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When it comes to ideas for weekly meal prep, stir-fries are a really great option. They usually have many components that can be prepped ahead of time and in most cases, the entire dish can be made early in the week and then easily reheated in the microwave. They are also simple to make and ready quickly enough that they are feasible for most weeknights.
Recommended Tools
Carbon Steel Wok - I love using a carbon steel pan or wok for making stir fries and they are lightweight and tend to heat evenly.
Simple steps for making stir-fry
Stir-fries generally follow a few easy steps. They cook up super quickly so the key to success is to have everything ready to go before you start cooking! Be sure not to overcrowd the pan as you want things to cook evenly. Let's get started!
- Make the sauce. I recommend doing this first. Then you have it ready to go when it's time to add to the stir fry. Be sure to check the taste and adjust the seasonings before you add the sauce to the stir fry.
- Cook the chicken. Heat the oil in your wok or pan and then cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes. If the pieces seem too big, once they start to cook you can cut them into small pieces with your spatula.
- Add the veggies: Add the veggies and continue to stir fry for a few more minutes.
- Add the sauce: Pour the sauce into the pan and keep cooking for another minute or two. The sauce should be bubbling.
Finish the stir fry by adding in the cashews and green onions. Want to save them until the end so they don't get soggy or overcooked.
What is Mirin?
Mirin is a Japanese sweet rice wine that's a staple in Japanese kitchens. It gives a slight acidity to a dish and helps to bring out that umami flavor that is found in so many Japanese dishes. You'll often find it paired with soy sauce as you do in this stir fry.
You can find Mirin in most large grocery stores and you can also buy it online. If you are lucky enough to have a Japanese market in your area you'll likely find several different options available. If you don't have any on hand and can't find it you can substitute dry sherry or sweet marsala wine. A dry white wine will do in a pinch, though you'll want to add a bit more brown sugar, about a ¼ teaspoon if you opt for this substitution.
Meal Prep Tips
If you want to start this dish during your weekly meal prep routine you can:
- Make the sauce a day or two before and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- Chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Make the rice the day before. You'll want to heat it up in the microwave before you are ready to serve.
More weeknight recipes
Looking for more easy weeknight recipes for two? Check out these reader favorites:
- Turkey Meatball Banh Mi Bowls. The beloved Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich in grain bowl form! Grain-based bowls are always an excellent option for busy weeknights.
- Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. These easy lettuce wraps combine fresh ingredients and come together in less than 30 minutes, resulting in an excellent weekday meal.
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Garlic Ginger Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the stir fry
- 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- ½ cup thinly sliced red pepper
- 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ cup roasted cashews
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- ¼ cup thinly sliced green onion
Instructions
- Make the sauce. Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, corn starch and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Mix well.
- Cook the chicken. Heat the oil in a large wok or non stick pan over medium-high heat Add the chicken and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Finish the stir fry. Add the red pepper and garlic, stir fry for 1 minute then add the cashews and the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for an additional minute.
- Serve. Divide the rice between two plates or bowls. op each with half the stir fry mixture. Top with green onions and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute udon noodles for the rice if you prefer.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in February 2020. It was updated in February 2025 with some new information and photos. No changes were made to the original recipe.
Paula Montenegro
This is a fantastic chicken dish, we love it here! It's so easy to meal prep for it I'm amazed we don't eat it every other day!
Paige
This is an easy to follow weeknight dinner and I love how quick it was too! Very good!
Amanda
This was such a great dinner! It's full of flavor and so easy to make -- definitely better than take out! This is going on the rotation.
Natalie
I just saved this recipe. It's so easy to make. It's perfect for busy moms, like me, with family to feed. Sauce sounds flavorful and really delicious. Can't wait to make this.
Tara
I get this often when I order takeout and this is just as good if not better than most of it. Excited to add this to my must make meals.
Shannon
Love this simple stir fry dish! The sauce is awesome and I love that I can meal prep this dinner in advance. Even if I don't meal prep it, it still comes together super fast! Such a great dinner for a busy weeknight.
Debbie
This Garlic Ginger Cashew Chicken was such a simple dinner to throw together. My whole family loved it and have begged me to promise to make it again. We usually order cashew chicken for takeout and this is actually better and healthier. Thanks for a great recipe.
Sophie
Loved your photography. This cashew chicken looks so inviting!
Jo
One can't have too many stir fry recipes. I love stir fries on busy day, it makes life so much easy! Looks amazing!
Mary Bostow
Easy and delicious, it doesn't get any better than that.!
Aline
Truly better than take out!! My family loved it and wants me to make it again and again!! Score!!