Sesame Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry

1. Marinate Chicken

Start by combining the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, cornstarch, dry sherry, and toasted sesame oil in a bowl. This mixture not only flavors the chicken but also helps to tenderize it and give it a nice coating.

2. Prepare Stir-Fry Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, water, balsamic vinegar, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of soy sauce. This will be your stir-fry sauce, bringing a wonderful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors to the dish.

3. Toast Cashews

Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the raw cashews and cook them for about 4-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown. This toasting step enhances their natural flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your stir-fry. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cashews to a plate, leaving the oil in the skillet.

4. Cook Chicken

With the skillet still hot, add the chicken to the skillet and cook it for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently. The high heat will sear the chicken, giving it a beautiful golden brown color while ensuring it's no longer translucent.

5. Add Vegetables and Aromatics

Add the celery, scallion whites, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the vegetables are just beginning to soften and the aromatics are fragrant.

6. Add Sauce and Cook

Pour in the hoisin sauce mixture and bring it to a boil. Let it cook for another 1-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.

7. Finish and Serve

Finally, stir in the scallion greens and the toasted cashews. Remove the skillet from the heat and give everything a good toss to combine. Serve your Sesame Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry hot, perhaps with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures in each bite!