Spicy Cashew Chicken

Ever since I was a kid, my all-time favorite meal was the spicy cashew chicken at Cheesecake Factory. When the pandemic hit, I started making more of my favorite meals at home, and this recipe is seriously spot on. Just like the restaurant's, but for a fraction of the cost! If you love crispy full-of-flavor chicken with crunchy cashews then this is the recipe for you.

Here's how to make it:

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup canola oil

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast , cut into bite size chunks

• Seasoned Rice Flour (see below)

• Rice Flour Batter (see below)

• Spicy Sauce (see below)

• 8 ounces cashews

• 6 green onions, finely sliced

Seasoned Rice Flour

• 3/4 cup rice flour

• 1/4 TSP kosher or sea salt

• 1/8 TSP black pepper

• 1/8 TSP paprika

• 1/8 TSP baking powder

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients together in a medium bowl.

Rice Flour Batter

• 1 1/2 cups rice flour

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 TSP kosher or sea salt

• 1/4 TSP black pepper

• 1 1/2 cups ice water (this is crucial)

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients together, in a bowl over ice to keep it cold.

Spicy Sauce

• 1 cup hoisin sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup cooking sherry

• 2 TBS red wine vinegar

• 1 TBS Sriracha sauce (or 1 TSP if you prefer less spicy)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 ounces fresh garlic, minced

• 1/4 TSP Crushed Red Chili Flakes (omit if you don't want it spicy)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients together and mix well. I use a whisk to ensure it's really mixed.

Putting it All Together

1. Toss the chicken in the seasoned flour until well coated.

2. Put the batter into a large bowl with the chicken and combine until well coated.

3. Heat the canola oil in a large pan or wok (I prefer a wok since there's more space to work with) on medium high.

4. Add the chicken to the pan, and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until browned and crispy.

5. Break apart any pieces that are stuck together.

6. Add the sauce and cashews into the pan, then add the green onions.

7. Toss all the ingredients together until well coated.

8. Let it cook for about a minute for the sauce to thicken.

9. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onion. Serve it over white or brown rice and enjoy!

Did you make it? Share pics in the comments!