How to Make the Perfect Pineapple Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
Thai · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
This vibrant stir fry combines juicy chunks of chicken and sweet fresh pineapple with crunchy cashews in a tangy sweet savory sauce that balances every bite perfectly. It is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings tropical brightness and satisfying crunch to the weeknight table.
Why this recipe works
This Pineapple Cashew Chicken Stir Fry recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 390 calories with 30g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.25 lbs boneless chicken breast cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1.5 cups fresh pineapple cut into chunks
- 0.75 cup roasted cashews
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat the wok over very high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and resist the urge to stir them for the first 2 minutes so they form a golden crust. Toss and continue cooking until no longer pink, about 4 minutes total.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While the chicken cooks mix together the soy sauce, honey, fish sauce, and a teaspoon of cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. The cornstarch will help the sauce cling to the ingredients and create a beautiful glaze.
Step 3: Add Pineapple
Push the cooked chicken to the side of the wok and add the pineapple chunks to the hot center. Let the pineapple sear for about 90 seconds without stirring so it caramelizes slightly on the edges, developing a richer sweeter flavor.
Step 4: Sauce and Cashews
Pour the prepared sauce over everything in the wok and toss to combine thoroughly, cooking for about 2 minutes until the sauce bubbles and thickens into a glossy coating. Remove from heat and stir in the roasted cashews right before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh pineapple → canned pineapple chunks work well though fresh gives a better texture and brighter flavor
- cashews → peanuts or macadamia nuts can be used and each brings its own unique flavor to the dish
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding the cashews at the beginning of cooking causes them to burn and turn bitter in the hot wok rather than staying crunchy
- Using canned pineapple without draining it thoroughly adds excess liquid to the wok which prevents proper caramelization of the fruit
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 390 calories, 30g protein, 28g carbs, 18g fat, 3g fiber.
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