Archives

Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe

Leave a comment

This Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe is my go to recipe for whenever I’m craving a good Cashew Chicken dinner.

Looking for another similar Chinese recipe? Try my Kung Pao Chicken with Brussel Sprouts.

It tastes just like those in the restaurants, however it can be really tweaked to your personal liking.

So if you like more cashews add those, more broccoli vs carrots add those and so on. 

I have experimented with a few Cashew Chicken recipes over the years and promise you your going to love this one.

I’m the type of lady that has to try every Cashew Chicken dish whenever we go out to eat. I do this to compare really. And this recipe really rises above the rest!

So go ahead and Skip the takeout tonight and learn to make this iconic dish in the comfort of your own home. Impress yourself, I know you can do it!

Cashew Chicken is one of my favorite Thai dishes, I will order it everytime I go to a Thai restaurant. Some prepare it so well and others not. Sometimes you will find it to sweet and others will not have enough cashews or will just crush them making it hard to notice. 

So when I find a restaurant that does it well, I definitely will leave them a good review on tripadvisor. 

I love making this dish at home though, and that is because I can really tweak it to my liking. 

My dish is made with fresh chicken breasts, crispy broccoli, sliced carrots, fresh garlic and ginger and sauteed in an amazing asian sauce that you’re sure to love. 

All the ingredients found in this dish can be located at pretty much any large grocery. 

Once you learn to make this simple Cashew Chicken at home, you will be making it more often Guaranteed!

WHERE WAS CASHEW CHICKEN INVENTED

This is somewhat of a complicated question, today it is known to come from Thailand and is a very popular street food expectaill in Bangkok. However, most Thai people will say it was brought over by the chinese. 

IS CASHEW CHICKEN GLUTEN FREE

No, Cashew Chicken is not Gluten free. Because of the Oyster sauce and other asian ingredients listed.

IS CASHEW CHICKEN HEALTHY

Yes, just look at all those vegetables and lean chicken meat in this dish. Also it is a great meal option for those on a Keto Diet. Because it is made with Skinless Chicken breasts and an array of vegetables. 

The hardest part about making homemade Cashew Chicken is “chopping those vegetables”. Once you have that part done, the rest comes together in a snap.

This whole meal can be pulled together in less than 30 minutes.

HOW TO MAKE CASHEW CHICKEN STIR FRY

You can use a wok or skillet, I used a wok because that is what I had available. 

  • First you will want to start by rinsing and slicing the chicken then again into medium bite size pieces.
  • Then add the chicken to the bowl and marinade with cornstarch, salt and shaoxing wine.
  • For a minimum of 30 minutes in the fridge. 
  • Meanwhile, wash and prepare the vegetables. By dicing the broccoli florets along with the carrots. 
  • Then bring a wok/pan of water to a bowl, turn down the heat and add the broccoli florets in flipping over and over for 30 seconds.
  • Remove with a strainer and set aside.
  • Do the same with the carrots.
  • Once the vegetables have been simmered, keep the water in the wok/pan.
  • Then add in the chicken, be careful not to stir too much as you don’t want to marinade to all come off.
  • Simmer in the water for roughly 5 minutes till the chicken has poached
  • Remove the chicken, strain and set up top of the vegetables. 
  • Dump the water, then and the sauce to the same wok/pan.
  • Add back in the chicken and saute for 2 minutes before adding back in the vegetables. 
  • Saute all together adding in the cornstarch/water mixture and saute till thick for another 2 minutes
  • Serve and enjoy!

HOW TO MAKE CASHEW CHICKEN SAUCE

Some people use Hoisin sauce in there sauce, I prefer Oyster which makes it less sweet.

  • Oyster Sauce – feel free to use Hoisin
  • Soy sauce
  • Cornstarch
  • Sesame oil
  • Shaoxing wine
  • Chicken stock or Vegetable
  • Sugar
  • White pepper

IS CASHEW CHICKEN SWEET

Cashew chicken should not be only sweet, however there are some places that make it sweet. Traditional Cashew Chicken should have a balance of flavors. Which make it sweet, spicy and savory!

WHAT TO SERVE WITH CASHEW CHICKEN

Basmati rice goes really well alongside this dish.

If you liked this recipe? Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes below!

Notes: This recipe can also be made with just about any meat such as chinese pork, beef or shrimp.  Plus, if you like a little more heat to your dish then feel free to add some red pepper chili flakes or some fresh chili paste. 

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

If you make this recipe, I would love to hear about it! You can leave a 5 star review in the comments below! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Chicken, Dinner ideas, Easy Ramen Recipes, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Spicy Chicken Ramen Recipe

Leave a comment

This Spicy Chicken Ramen Noodle recipe is also known as the popular takeout dish Chicken Chow Mein.

It is made with crispy broccoli, carrots along with melt in your mouth cabbage that you’re sure to love. 

It’s so satisfying, you’ll be craving this the day you try it! 

You probably would not know it, but making this dish is simple as can be.

It’s also fresh and can be all pulled together in less than 20 minutes! 

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN RAMEN NOODLES

  • Start by cooking the noodles, to do that add them to a large pot of boiling water. Cook according to package instructions, with dry noodles it’s typically 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile add all your sauce ingredients to a medium sized bowl and whisk to combine.
  • On a large chopping board, chop the broccoli into bite size pieces along with the cabbage.
  • On another cutting board dice the chicken breasts.
  • Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and marinade in the fridge for 15 minutes!
  • Once the noodles have cooked remove them from the water, strain and set aside.
  • Now is the time to make those noodles a bit crispy. Simply add 2 tbsp of sesame oil in a large frying pan along with the olive or cooking oil and saute those cooked noodles on each side till slightly crispy and browned to your liking.
  • Remove and plate.
  • In the same pan/pot/wok add the marinated chicken and stir fry till cooked, pour in the remaining marinade along with chopped ginger and garlic.
  • Saute for 2 minutes before adding in all the chopped vegetables, simmer on medium heat for roughly 5 minutes, tossing often until the vegetables are crispy yet tender.
  • Serve over the noodles hot and enjoy!

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN RAMEN SPICY

You can make this dish as spicy as you like by simply adding in more or less of the “red pepper chili paste”. Chili paste can be found in almost every ethnic isle in your local grocery.

It last a long time and is well worth picking up.

I have made this recipe medium spicy, so even the kids can enjoy this dish with you.  

Sure you can head out to your favorite Chinese restaurant for something similar or you can learn to make it at home for a fraction of the cost. 

Plus when you make this at home, you can ensure there is no msg added or any other ingredient that your not sure of. 

Once you learn to make this simple chow mein dish, you will be making it more often Guaranteed!

It’s my go to Chicken Ramen /Chow mein dish, very very tasty!

I’m the type of lady that has to try every chow mein dish whenever we go to the chinese restaurants. I do this to compare really, just kidding.

Well kinda, I mean some restaurants do it right and others so wrong. Right? It’s not always easy to find a good chow mein these days. 

But with my recipe it’s foolproof, if you follow it to a tea you will be in Chow Mein Heaven!

So please skip the takeout tonight and learn to make this iconic dish in the comfort of your own home.

Impress yourself, I know you can do it!

The brand I like to use can be seen below, it is very low in sodium!

The chicken and veggies are tossed together in the most delicious asian inspired sauce.

And the chow mein noodles are fried just a bit to give it the perfect amount of cripsyness. 

I use a combination of olive oil and sesame oil to fry my noodles, however you can use regular cooking oil if desired.

That is what most restaurants use anyway, then a dash of sesame oil just for flavor. 

The hardest part about making homemade chow mein is “chopping those vegetables”. Once you have that part done, the rest comes together in a snap.

Actually being that this is a Vegetarian dish, it can be pulled together in less than 30 minutes.

I have experimented with a few chow mein recipes over the years and promise you your going to love this one.

Chow Mein is one of my favorite asian dishes, I will order it everytime I go to my favorite asian restaurant and I will also order it when I try new asian restaurants.

Some restaurants make their chow mein better than others, typically it has allot to do with the type of ingredients that are added to the noodles.

If you liked this dish, then stay tuned to this blog as I will be sharing my all time favorite recipe for seafood chow mein very soon, which contains fresh calamari and shrimp.

If you liked this recipe? Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes below!

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

If you make this recipe, I would love to hear about it! You can leave a 5 star review in the comments below! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Notes: This recipe can also be made with just about any meat such as chinese pork, beef or shrimp.  Plus, if you like a little more heat to your dish then feel free to add more red pepper chili flakes or some fresh chili paste. You know make it your own 🙂 

 

Skip the takeout

Vegetable Chow Mein Noodles

Leave a comment

These Vegetable Chow Mein Noodles are ready in less than 25 minutes, I kid you not!

Made with crispy broccoli and melt in your mouth cabbage, your gonna to love it!

Trust me, you won’t miss the meat with this one. It’s so satisfying, you’ll be craving the crispy broccoli and cabbage more than anything else. 

Once you learn to make this simple chow mein dish, you will be making it more often Guaranteed!

It’s my go to vegetarian dish, I just love this Broccoli CHOW MEIN!

I’m the type of lady that has to try every chow mein dish whenever we go to the chinese restaurants. I do this to compare really, just kidding.

Well kinda, I mean some restaurants do it right and others so wrong. Right? It’s not always easy to find a good chow mein these days. 

But with my recipe it’s foolproof, if you follow it to a tea you will be in Chow Mein Heaven!

So please skip the takeout tonight and learn to make this iconic dish in the comfort of your own home. Impress yourself, I know you can do it!

The brand I like to use can be seen below, it is very low in sodium!

The broccoli is tossed together in the most delicious asian inspired sauce. And the chow mein noodles are fried just a bit to give it the perfect amount of cripsyness. 

I use a combination of olive oil and sesame oil to fry my noodles, however you can use regular cooking oil if desired. That is what most restaurants use anyway, then a dash of sesame oil just for flavor. 

The hardest part about making homemade chow mein is “chopping those vegetables”. Once you have that part done, the rest comes together in a snap.

Actually being that this is a Vegetarian dish, it can be pulled together in less than 20 minutes.

I have experimented with a few chow mein recipes over the years and promise you your going to love this one.

Chow Mein is one of my favorite asian dishes, I will order it everytime I go to my favorite asian restaurant and I will also order it when I try new asian restaurants.

Some restaurants make their chow mein better than others, typically it has allot to do with the type of ingredients that are added to the noodles.

If you liked this dish, then stay tuned to this blog as I will be sharing my all time favorite recipe for seafood chow mein very soon, which contains fresh calamari and shrimp.

If you liked this recipe? Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes below!

Notes: This recipe can also be made with just about any meat such as chinese pork, beef or shrimp.  Plus, if you like a little more heat to your dish then feel free to add more red pepper chili flakes or some fresh chili paste. You know make it your own 🙂 

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

If you make this recipe, I would love to hear about it! You can leave a 5 star review in the comments below! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Date Night, Dinner ideas, Meal Prep, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Black Pepper Beef Broccoli Stir Fry

Gallery Leave a comment

Does your family like authentic chinese food as much we do? Well then you’re definitely going to want to add this Black Pepper Beef Broccoli Stir Fry to your recipe collection!

I’m now happy to share with you my family’s favorite way to make black pepper beef stir fry. 

This recipe is not only super delicious, it’s also quick and healthy for you, win win!

Also this dish can be made for a fraction of the cost of what you would pay for takeout.

So if your trying to get your family to eat healthier, try this recipe tonight.  

Sauteed in the most delicious sauce your family won’t believe this didn’t come from delivery.

If you tried my Black Pepper Chicken stir fry and liked it then your sure to like this one too.

There are a few different techniques to making it with beef, which I will teach you below.

First off the beef needs to be first tenderized first and foremost. 

I learned to do this recipe through much trial and error and found the type of beef that works best is “flank steak” however you could use tenderloin or new york strip as well.

Then you will want to thinly slice the beef against the grain and allow it to marinade in baking soda for a minimum of 20 minutes to tenderizes it.

You can throw in practically any type of vegetable, I sometimes will use just peppers, other times I will use snow peas.

I hope you give it a try and if you do I would love to know what you think, just let me know in the comments below.  

I like to serve this Black Pepper Beef with some cooked jasmine rice on the side, and will use a mini rice cooker to cook the rice.

Just set it and it will be ready when the dish is completed. I hope you give it a try there really isn’t much too it!

Meal Prep Idea: Make enough to create a few meal prep bowls for the week ahead, this recipe will feed two for dinner and create two meal preps.

 

If you liked this recipe? Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes below!

Notes:  You may use any other vegetables you have on hand such as snow peas, green peppers etc.  Also feel free to use anywhere from 1 tsp to 3 tsp of black pepper depending on your households preference. 

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear how it turned out! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Chicken, Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Black Pepper Chicken

Leave a comment

This Black Pepper Chicken stir fry is just like the kind of recipe you would order from in your favorite restaurant.

Love this recipe? Then you may want to try my Black Pepper Shrimp Recipe too!

With just two chicken breasts you can feed a family of four easily.

So what are you waiting for?

By the time you dial up your local restaurant, you can have this delicious and authentic stir fry on the table.

This Black Pepper Chicken recipe is 100% keto and is something the whole family can enjoy!

This whole dish sauteed in a simple delicious sauce that is sure to curb your take-out craving for tonight!

Leaving everyone in your household asking for seconds or maybe even thirds. 

WHAT IS IN BLACK PEPPER CHICKEN

  • Oyster sauce
  • Soya sauce
  • Ginger
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Cornstarch

What makes this stir fry one of my favorites is that it is packed with plenty of fibrous vegetables.

Such as broccoli, peppers, onions and celery.

WHAT ELSE CAN GO INTO BLACK PEPPER CHICKEN STIR FRY

Protein; Chicken, Beef, Pork, Shrimp, Calamari

Vegetables; snap peas, snow peas, bok choy, eggplant, cauliflower you name it.

Me and my partner used to go out every week for Chinese food, we enjoy it that much.

However now a days, I like to make these type of dishes at home.

It not only saves us a ton of money it is also much healthier. Since you can add more vegetables and different kinds to suit your individual taste.

This combination is my favorite, however I do sometimes like to add bok choy and snap peas too. 

HOW TO MAKE BLACK PEPPER CHICKEN

  • You will want to start by making the rice “I like to use my rice cooker”
  • Then make the sauce, then set aside
  • Then you will want to chop all your vegetables then set aside
  • Same with the chicken
  • In a frying pan/work add 1 cup of water then all the vegetables, broccoli first and stir fry over medium heat for roughly 3 minutes till the vegetables are tender yet crisp. Remove the veggies strain and set aside!
  • Then in the same frying pan/work add 1 tbsp of sesame oil and cook the diced chicken over medium heat till no longer pink. Then add in the sliced onion and saute one more minute before adding in the sauce. 
  • Mix everything together then add in the steamed veggies, 1/4 cup of water and season with salt and pepper to taste.  
  • Serve alongside rice if desired, enjoy!  

Chinese food is typically healthier for you than most foods and this dish definitely is one of those healthy dishes.

So do not be ashamed if you eat the whole plate yourself. 

I mean it is really packed full of lean protein = chicken breasts.

And lots and lots of vegetables!

IS BLACK PEPPER CHICKEN HEALTHY

Yes, it sure is however does have a fair amount of sodium.

So if your on a sodium diet, please use just the Oyster sauce and omit the soya. 

This stir fry is so darn delicious that i’m confident it will be one of those recipes that you will want to keep in your recipe book.

And truthfully this is the best homemade Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry that we have tried ever!

How can I make claims like that?

Well first off this is one of my favorite Asian dishes and so I have tried many different recipes throughout the years.

Not to mention I have ordered this dish at many of the Asian restaurants over the years and this one is defiantly up there in taste. 

The only difference between my dish and those in the restaurants, is that they tend to bring it on sizzling hot plate.

And well, I have yet to do that myself. 

That is not to say you can’t, for the wow factor. 

I like to serve this with jasmine rice on the side, and will use a mini rice cooker to cook the rice. Just set it and it will be ready when the dish is completed. 

This recipe does have a bit of a sauce, so serving this dish alongside some Jasmine rice is always good.

However if you are wanting to serve this as is feel free to add 1 tbsp of cornstarch to the sauce vs 1 tsp.

This will help to thicken it up even more leaving very little sauce.

Looking for more Chinese style recipes? See the video below for some ideas and or search the blog’s “Skip The Takeout” section for some more inspiration. 

Meal Prep Idea: Make enough to create a few meal prep bowls for the week ahead

Notes: Make it with shrimp, beef or tofu too. You may use any other vegetables you have on hand such as snow peas, red onions etc will work well too.

Also you can replace the black pepper with white pepper if desired. And add more water to create more of a sauce if putting this over rice. 

Liked this recipe then you will want to try my Black Pepper Shrimp recipes as well. 

If you liked this recipe? Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes below!

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

If you make this recipe, I would love to hear about it! You can leave a 5 star review in the comments below! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Recipe: April 16, 2018

Recipe updated: January  8, 2019