This is one of my all-time favourite stir frys. I just love how the chicken, broccoli and cashews come together to make a super tasty meal in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts finely sliced
- 2 heads broccoli chopped
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce or 2T soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 cup cashew nuts 150g / 5oz
Instructions
- Heat a large frying pan or wok on a very high heat.
- Add a few tablespoons oil to the pan and add sliced chicken immediately.
- Stir fry for a few minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink. Remove chicken from the pan.
- Add chopped broccoli and cook stirring occasionally until the broccoli is tender and hot. If it starts to burn add a splash of water.
- Return the chicken to the pan with the oyster or soy sauce, lime juice & nuts. Stir until hot. Taste, season and serve.
Variations
carnivore – feel free to try different types of meat such as beef or pork. Tender cuts are the best. Minced chicken (ground) would also be lovely.
fish free – oyster sauce should actually contain some oysters (who knew?) replace the oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or soy sauce.
gluten free – some oyster sauce brands contain gluten thickeners. Replace with gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) or find an oyster sauce that is gluten-free.
vegetarian / vegan – replace the chicken with tofu and cashews. A can of drained beans/chickpeas or tempeh and replace oyster sauce with soy will also be good.
nut-free – replace cashews sunflower seeds or with 1/2 can drained white or black beans.
carb lovers / more substantial – serve with steamed rice.
more substantial (low carb) – serve with cauliflower rice. Add some chilli oil or avocado.
more veg – add red peppers, green beans, carrot or zucchini or any cooked veg you have in the house.
herby – lovely with fresh basil, coriander / cilantro or mint.
Waste Avoidance Strategy
chicken, broccoli – freeze.
oyster sauce – keeps in the fridge for months.
limes – keep in the fridge for months in a plastic bag.
cashew nuts – keep them in the pantry.
Problem Solving Guide
too bland – season with salt & pepper, soy sauce / oyster or extra lime juice. My Irishman adds a generous splash of Tabasco.
too dry – add a little more oyster or soy sauce.
chicken too dry or tough – next time cut the chicken into finer slices so it cooks more quickly and remains moist and tender. Also it’s better to be sure you don’t overcook the chicken so remove it from the pan as soon as it’s done, cook the broccoli and return the chicken at the end (don’t follow my method in the video of leaving the chicken in the pan with the broccoli).
can’t find limes? – lemon juice or even a little rice wine or other wine vinegar will be a lovely replacement.
still can’t find oyster sauce? – replace with soy sauce or hoisin or other stir fry sauce.
broccoli too crunchy – next time cook for longer. Adding a little water if it starts to burn before it is tender.
Serving Suggestions
Great on its own. If you’re having cravings for rice, serve with breakfast lentils on the side.
Prepare Ahead?
Stir frys are best made at the last minute. But you can reheat if that’s more convenient.