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When I visited China about five years ago, every element of the trip fascinated me. I loved the open-fronted shops and snack stalls, the smiling children who played in the streets and followed us around, and looking at the curious packages of snacks on sale such as black bean popsicles and boiled chicken feet (note I didn’t say ‘eating’ there!)
The highlight, though, probably not surprisingly, was the meals. As I was travelling with a group, our Chinese guide knew exactly where to take us for what I can only describe as feasts with all sorts of different dishes to share from one of those tables that you can push around. All for a grand total of about 1 or 2 dollars a head. To be honest there wasn’t too much all that surprising or totally different to what I’d had in Chinese restaurants at home, but I remember that it was always good. Fresh, plentiful and varied with flavoursome sauces.
Most of the time on this trip we even had our very own little dining room. Even, if you can believe this, at a highway café stop on our way up to the foothills of the Himalayas. We were enjoying it so much that the public bus we were travelling on nearly left without us. It beat the floppy sandwiches and greasy, expensive stodge sold at the British equivalents of these road stop eating places so many times over that it even made the fact that my friend and I were sitting behind a broken, smelly toilet on the bus for ten hours on that journey seem totally worth it. Well, almost, anyway.
Apart from the chicken head that emerged from a sort of chicken stew we were later served in the mountains (sorry, vegetarians), and the disgusting intensely buttery yak milk drink we also had (sorry, yak-milk lovers), I can say that I didn’t have a bad meal on that trip.
Now, unfortunately I’m not going to get the chance to return to China any time soon and the last Chinese takeaway Mr. Scrummy and I ordered left us underwhelmed, to say the least (think gloopy, tasteless, more sauce than meat & veggies = not good), so what are we to do? Find some delicious ‘cheat’s’ versions of Chinese dishes, that’s what. Starting with this simple and classic (with a few minor twists) chicken with peppers & cashew nuts.
I started with a basic cashew chicken recipe from Bee at Rasa Malaysia (great go-to site for Asian food!) All I did to make my version was ‘marinate’ chopped chicken breast in corn starch and rice wine vinegar while I made a sauce from oyster sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, water aaaand … now here, I think, is my ‘magic’ ingredient that lifts the dish up to ‘delicious’ status … a teaspoon of Chinese five-spice, which combines the lovely flavours of cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fennel and pepper. I then stir-fried chicken, red and green peppers, ginger and garlic slices and onion before pouring in the sauce. The sauce thickens a little (not too much) and right at the end you throw in your cashew nuts, give it all a final few stirs … and you’re done!
Warning: once you add the sauce your kitchen will smell rather a lot like a Chinese takeaway! I’ll leave you to decide whether that’s a good thing or not, but believe me when I tell you that you definitely won’t be worrying about that when you’re enjoying this wonderful dish. The extra bonus is that you can have it on the table within about 30 minutes.
So tell me, do you have any go-to recipes for Chinese takeaway-style dishes, and do you think they are better than what you can get from your local takeaway?
‘Better-than-a-takeaway’ chicken with peppers & cashew nuts
Ingredients
For the stir-fry
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into smallish pieces
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon rice wine or rice wine vinegar
- 2 peppers preferably one green & one red, chopped into rough pieces
- 2 garlic cloves
- 5 cm-long piece of fresh ginger peeled and sliced into small pieces
- 1 large onion chopped into chunky pieces
- 4 spring onions/scallions finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup of roasted unsalted cashew nuts
For the sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice wine or rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 6 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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‘Marinate’ the chicken in a bowl with the cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of rice wine/rice wine vinegar while you prepare the other ingredients.
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Prepare the sauce by whisking together all of the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl, then set aside.
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Heat up a wok or heavy-based wide pan with about a tablespoon of vegetable oil, then stir fry the chicken pieces for a few minutes until they have turned white and are mostly cooked. Take the chicken out of the pan, put it onto a plate and set aside.
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Add a little more oil to the pan and stir fry the peppers, garlic, ginger and onion together for a few minutes on a high heat.
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Add the chicken back into the pan along with the sauce and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is cooked through.
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At the last minute, add in the cashew nuts and scallions/spring onions and give everything a final quick stir. Serve immediately with rice or noodles.
Recipe Notes
Basic recipe adapted from Rasa Malaysia.
I’d recommend only making as much of this as you need for one meal because the cashew nuts go a little soft when re-heated. Another option is to sprinkle the cashew nuts over each dish as you serve it so that if you have any leftovers your nuts will be safe!
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Joanne says
I would love to go to China and try totally authentic cuisine…although it’s good to know the stuff we’re getting here is not SO different! Love this stir fry!
Helen says
I think I probably only just scratched the surface, Joanne … but of course that’s just a great excuse to go back there again! Glad you like the stir fry! 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Your experience in China sounds amazing, Helen! I’m sure you learned so much about the culture. And the food sounds delicious, too. I bet this chicken stir-fry rivals what you’ve eaten in China! The sauce sounds amazing. I’ve only made a few stir-fries before, so this is going on my list to try out!
Helen says
Oh, please do try it out, Gayle. It’s so so easy and tasty and makes a huge big pan, too. Let me know if you do try it … 🙂
Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
I just love all the peppers in this stir-fry Helen, oh, the color is popping!! And cashews in stir-frys are absolutely necessary. But you nailed it, they get so soggy the next day so get sprinkled on top. I can actually make a pretty mean stir-fry although I don’t overall love cooking. And the name, better than takeaway, love it. China sounds amazing, is there anywhere you haven’t been! Stop by and see us in Niagara Falls sometime, we’ll give you the grand tour!!!
Helen says
Ooh, what an offer, Laura! Thank you and I might just take you up on it some day!
So happy that you like the stir-way. My husband is usually stir fry king, but I think I managed to impress even him with this one! 🙂
Karla says
Helen I love when you write about places you´ve been before. Traveling is such an incredible thing!
This dish is so colorful and seems delicious. I need to go to my asia shop and get some of these lovely chinese sauces =D
Helen says
Thank you so much, Karla! You’re so right about travelling … I wish I could travel all the time … just not so sure about the flying part! 😉
So happy you like the dish. Fortunately, there aren’t too many odd ingredients in there so I hope you manage to find them all!
lori @ TheHealthMinded.com says
There is nothing like a pan of colorful peppers in a black skillet! The contrast in your photo is so lovely. This is a great recipe to showcase all the fresh peppers at the farmers’ markets around with summer here in the US.
I bet the 5 spice is a great addition. WIll try it this week! Thanks!
Helen says
So happy that you’re going to try this, Lori … that is my very favourite thing to read! I really hope you like it. I just love that’s it’s so easy but also healthy and tasty, too. Win win, really! (plus .. cashews … mmmm)
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
Oh, I just love this easy, healthy version of a takeaway classic! And I so enjoyed the story of your trip to China! My brother and his wife lived in Hong Kong for a couple of years, and my husband and I traveled with them to Beijing about 15 years ago, back before it had been somewhat de-smogged and glamourized for the Olympics. We had some incredible eating adventures through back alleys and very-non-modernized little neighborhoods – so many delicious experiments! So glad to have this recipe to try … and reminisce about the flavors of China! Can’t wait to pin! 😀
Helen says
Thanks so much, Shelley! So happy that you like this and that it took you back to your own travels … I read a wonderful book way back about the seedy back-alleys of Hong Kong many many years ago (I think it’s all been cleaned up now) but I bet there was some wonderful food to be found there among all the awfulness. 🙂
Consuelo - Honey & Figs says
Oh wow Helen – this does look better than takeaway indeed! I love the sound of that gorgeous sauce, and the cashews are a brilliant healthy addition. What a perfect dinner!
Helen says
Thanks so much, Consuelo (blush). I loved that it was healthy, quick and tasty! 🙂
Davida @ The Healthy Maven says
This looks fabulous and far better than any take-out I could get around here!
Helen says
Thanks so much for saying so, Davida! (and for popping by!) 🙂
marcie says
I’d much rather eat homemade take-out…does that even make sense? 🙂 I know I would like this meal better than most Chinese takeout — it’s probably by least favorite thing to get because most of the time it’s like you said…underwhelming. This meal looks delicious and full of flavor, Helen! Can I place an order? 🙂
Helen says
Haha … one dish of number 34 coming up … in about a handy two weeks!! Luckily it’s super easy to make for yourself, Marcie! 🙂
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I always love reading about your travels Helen! You’ve been to so many places. You inspire me to travel the world more. Just as soon as I win the lottery, *wink*.
This cashew chicken sounds so yummy! Love all the bright and pretty colors.
Helen says
Sending you over a lottery ticket, Natalie! Wouldn’t that be wonderful – to travel the world on someone else’s money1!
So glad you like the dish … it was very yummy indeed (making it again tonight!)
Shashi @ runninsrilankan says
I would so love my kitchen to smell like a Chinese takeaway – Helen, this sounds wonderful! That sauce sounds incredible – I don’t have any go to Chinese recipes – but maybe if I adopt yours that might change?!! 🙂
Helen says
Ooh, well I really hope you do like this enough for it to become your go-to Chinese meal, Shashi! The sauce was indeed lovely … not too heavy and very tasty!
Eva says
J’aime beaucoup cette recette Helen, avec mon mari on adore aller au restaurants chinois. Tu as de la chance d’avoir découverte cette culture du prés 😉
Helen says
Merci, Eva! J’aimerais bien retourner au Chine un jour! 🙂
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
This looks like my kind of meal- fresh, packed with veggies, and CASHEWS! Yum! And yak-milk? Ew…bet it tasted as good as it sounds!
Helen says
Glad you like it, Denise! It’s my current favourite meal! And yes, don’t ever try that yak milk, unless you like drinking melted butter!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
China sounds amazing. I would love to visit one day.
I always think that homemade chinese food tastes better than the stuff that we can order from round here. Loving the sound of this dish too.
Helen says
Oh, do visit China some day! I’d love to go back and have a little more time to explore. So glad you like the dish! 🙂
cheri says
Hi Helen, once again a great story, you should write a book. Anyway love Chinese five spice, there is no other ingredient like this one. Great recipe today I often check out Bee’s site as her recipes are wonderful. Happy Monday!
Helen says
What a compliment! I think I’ll still to blogging for the moment, though. 😉
Bee’s site is great, isn’t it? I always pop over there when I’m in the mood for an Asian meal.
Pam says
It sounds like China was fun to visit. This dish looks WAY better than takeout. YUM.
Helen says
Thank you so much, Pam … it really was a lot better. Cooking it again tonight! Mmmm …
Mariana @The Candid Kitchen says
This dish takes me back to childhood memories, it was my dad’s favourite dish, he used to cook it for us all the time, with loads of dark soy sauce!!!
Helen says
Ooh, really?! That’s wonderful … so happy to have transported you back to happy memories. 🙂
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
This sounds like one perfect dinner to me! Need to try this asap!
Helen says
Thanks, Pamela! I’m sure you have plenty of lovely peppers hanging out in your garden to make this with!
Julie @ This Gal Cooks says
It sounds like you’ve had many great experiences in different parts of the world, especially when it comes to food! This dish looks great – fresh and probably a lot healthier than take out. Pinned. Thanks for sharing, Helen. Hope you have a great week!
Helen says
I absolutely love travelling, Julie. I’ve only done trips here and there, though – I’d love to do a proper round-the-world thing, but not sure I’ll get that chance any time soon! So glad you like the dish. I actually made this again tonight and it was just as good – it’s so tasty for relatively little effort. Hope you have a great week, too!
[email protected] Olives & Garlic says
I would love to visit China some day. As much as I love Chinese food, I rarely eat it out. I do however cook it a lot at home. This looks delicious Helen. Pinned!
Helen says
I love to cook Asian dishes, but I always go for ‘safe and easy’ dishes like this one. I was amazed how tasty this was though for something so simple. So glad you like it (and yes, you must visit China some day!)
Archana @ The Perfect Zest says
that looks so good and fresh – I could easily swap chicken for tofu in it! I love Chinese food.
Helen says
You’re right, you totally could put tofu in this! Prawns would be good, too, I think. 🙂
Meggan Hill says
This sounds so delicious, Helen! I make a pretty good Chicken Teriyaki that is better than take-out. Crab Rangoon is my go-to takeout dish to make at home if only so I can have 7x as many rangoons to devour. 🙂 I love how colorful and flavorful your dish is! Can’t wait to share it all over the place.
Helen says
Hi, Meggan! Ooh, is your teriyaki on your blog? I think I’ll hope on over there and check it out if so because that sounds delicious. I’ve never tried crab rangoon (or even heard of it, to be honest, so there’s some homework for me today!) but I love crab so I bet I’d be a fan. Thanks so much for sharing … you’re such a sweetheart!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
That looks good! And it’s so easy and much better for you than getting takeaway too 🙂
Helen says
Yes, once you’ve got all the different bottles of sauces and oils it takes no time at all to throw together. Glad you like it, Lorraine!
Connie @ Sprig and Flours says
I once visited China too! I can’t believe it has almost been 9 years since I was there. I loved the food there so much! After visiting China, I spent some time in Thailand and oh my god, the food there is amazing as well. I’d go back just for a meal! I’ll have to make this delicious dish to tide me over until my next visit (:
Helen says
Hello, Connie! Thanks so much for passing by! 🙂
I absolutely adore Thailand and the wonderful food there, especially the street food. I would go back there tomorrow if I could just to have dinner! So glad you like this dish … I hope you do get around to making it some time. It’s my new favourite!
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says
Wow, Helen that sounds like a fantastic experience. I was in Japan for a couple of weeks and made it my mission to try as much food as possible.
I love your recipe and 5 spice is so delicious! I can’t wait to try this 😀
Helen says
Ohhh, Japan is definitely on my travel bucket list! I’m not sure most Japanese food is so easy to ‘throw together’ at home, so maybe it’s best to go there to experience the real deal! 🙂
Judit @ Glamorous Bite says
What a fabulous experience you have had Helen (with chicken heads and all)! We do not have a very good Chinese restaurants near by here in Santa Barbara. This is one of my favorite Chinese dish and now I can make it anytime. Just love your delicious recipe 🙂
Cheers,
J
Helen says
Hi, Judit! So glad you like this dish! I think it’s going to become one of my favourite go-tos when I’m lacking inspiration for our evening meal. It was always one of my favourites to pick from a takeaway menu, too, so I was excited to find an easy recipe for it that works.
Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes says
I love trips that show me the best food locations in new places haha! This is definitely better than takeaway and looks delicious!! Love the time and effort you put into it :).
Helen says
Thank you so much, Jessica! It was delicious, indeed!
Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
I shall remember to stay away from yak milk – thank you! I am not big on Chinese take away’s but I am going to make a version of this tonight as something different is always good and I have chicken waiting for some inspiration 🙂
Helen says
Oh, how exciting that you’re going to make this! 🙂 I really hope you enjoy your meal, Tandy! 🙂
Allison says
Wait, you’ve been to China as well! I want your life! You must have get so much inspiration from all of your meals around the world. I think travellers are the best cooks 🙂
I love that you made you own Chinese takeaway. I don’t necessarily like how actual Chinese takeaway makes me feel, so I’m always looking to recreate those flavours at home. Something about that sticky sauce is so addictive! Sometimes I actually crave sesame oil! It’s weird, but so good. Great recipe and photos, Helen, as always!!!
Helen says
Yes, isn’t sesame oil just the best? I really love the strong nutty flavour it has. I do love travelling, and have been to quite a few places, but there are still plenty more places I’d like to visit in the future. I think it’s going to be a while now, though, before I can do that …
Thanks for the lovely compliements, Allison (again!) 🙂
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
I love everything about this, Helen! Usually I feel a bit like Goldilocks with take-out meals, either too much sauce, too salty, a little too gloopy, etc. Making it at home would solve those problems! I also love Chinese five spice powder. I’m definitely making this one soon!
Helen says
Ooh, I really hope you do make it, Alyssa … and let me know what you think! I love your ‘Goldilocks’ comment! I totally get what you mean … I can’t think of many Chinese takeaway dishes I’ve had that have been perfect.
Annie @Maebells says
How fantastic! I love all of the colors! This makes for such a beautiful dish! And I love that you added the cashews for a nice crunch! I can’t wait to try this!
Helen says
Thank you, Annie! It is a pretty one, isn’t it? So glad you like it!
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry says
This def looks better than a take away. Lucky you having spent some time in China. One day I might go there.
Helen says
I hope you do get the chance to go to China some day, Bintu. I found it SO interesting! 🙂
[email protected] says
Oh I love that it is so much healthier than the take out version which I eat often without guilt!! Now I got no excuse of eating that since I got this recipe!! Thanks!
Helen says
Oh, you’re welcome, Ami! I hope you have a go at this and enjoy it. 🙂
Isadora says
It can be so hard to find good Chinese food sometimes! There is a new Chinese place just just opened up near us that has gluten free options which is really exciting, but it is also so nice to be able to make your own! Honestly, I don’t have a ton of experience cooking Chinese food even though it is one of my favorites. Your sauce sounds amazing and I think I could drink it by itself!
Helen says
No, I don’t have a lot of experience cooking Chinese either … which is why I was so excited about this. The sauce was pretty amazing … really simple, too …
Scooby says
I just love this recipe! So easy, quick and above all it’s downright tasty! I make it for my veggie friends easily too, replacing the chicken with sliced quorn fillets and the oyster sauce with hoisin sauce with shredded seaweed for that fishy salty twang 😛
Have had a look at your other recipes and have a whole list of em ready to try!
Helen says
Hi Scooby! Thank you so much for bothering to pop here and leave your feedback. This is one of my favourite quick recipes too, and it’s great to know that you’ve successfully customized it for your veggie friends! Please do let me know how you go with the other recipes you have ready to try. I love it so much when people enjoy my recipes! 🙂
Rick says
Really great recipe. Tasted amazing -thanks!!!
Helen says
Oh, that’s great news, Rick! This is one of my older recipes, so good to hear it’s still as delicious as ever! Thanks for leaving such a great review and I hope you try another of my recipes soon.