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Amazing 20 Minute Cashew Chicken Noodles. food shot

20 Minute Cashew Chicken Noodles.

A quick, savory stir-fry of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and noodles tossed in a tangy-hoisin sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste (such as gochujang)
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • black pepper and chili flakes to taste
  • 3 tablespoons sesame oil (or olive oil)
  • 10-12 ounces ramen noodles or rice noodles, cooked
  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken (thighs, breasts, or tenders), cubed
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • black pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup cashews
  • 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
  • green onions, chopped for serving

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Pot
  • mixing bowl or jar
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or tongs

Method
 

  1. Make the sauce: in a jar or bowl combine 1/3 cup hoisin, 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1 tablespoon chili paste, 4 chopped garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, a pinch of black pepper and chili flakes, and 1/3 cup water; stir or shake until smooth.
  2. Cook the noodles according to package directions until just tender (about 2–3 minutes for fresh-style ramen); drain and set aside.
  3. Season the chicken: in a large bowl toss the cubed chicken with 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, a pinch of black pepper, 3 tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce until evenly coated.
  4. Heat 3 tablespoons sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
  5. Add the cashews to the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes more until they are golden and toasted.
  6. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and cashews and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken, about 1–2 minutes.
  7. Add the drained noodles to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat with the sauce. Remove from heat.
  8. Serve immediately topped with chopped green onions and additional black pepper or chili flakes if desired.

Notes

  • Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
  • Gochujang can be substituted with another chili paste.
  • Cook noodles just until tender to avoid mushiness.
  • Arrowroot or cornstarch both work to thicken the sauce.