Cashew Basil Stir Fry Vegetarian Recipe Easy and Delicious

Looking for a vibrant, flavorful vegetarian dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients? This Cashew Basil Stir Fry is an absolute must-try!

Combining crunchy cashews, aromatic fresh basil, and a colorful mix of vegetables, this stir fry delivers a satisfying texture and a medley of tastes that dance on your palate. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, it’s a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just exploring meatless meals, this recipe promises an easy yet impressive dish. The fresh basil adds a fragrant herbal note that complements the savory sauce, while the cashews provide a delightful crunch and a boost of healthy fats and protein.

Plus, it’s completely customizable to suit your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand!

Ready to whip up a colorful, savory, and healthy stir fry? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cashew Basil Stir Fry is a fantastic blend of textures and flavors. The combination of crunchy cashews, tender vegetables, and fragrant basil creates a harmonious dish that’s both comforting and fresh.

It’s easy to make, requiring minimal prep time, and uses simple pantry staples that are often on hand.

Besides being vegetarian, this dish is also vegan and gluten-free if you use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. It’s perfect for meal prep, reheats beautifully, and can be served over rice, noodles, or enjoyed on its own.

Plus, it’s a nutrient-packed meal with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a wholesome choice for lunch or dinner.

If you love exploring new vegetarian dishes, you might also enjoy our Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners and Recipes with Spinach Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Ideas for more inspiration.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1/2 cup cashews, raw or roasted
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for spice

Equipment

• Large wok or deep skillet
• Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Grater or microplane (for ginger)

Instructions

1. Prepare your vegetables and aromatics: Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and slice the bell pepper, carrot, and snap peas. Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
2. Heat the wok or skillet: Add the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the vegetables: Toss in the broccoli, carrot, bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 4-6 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
4. Toast the cashews: Push the vegetables to the side of the wok and add the cashews to the center. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until they are golden and fragrant.
5. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, maple syrup or brown sugar, sesame oil, and water or vegetable broth. Pour this over the vegetables and cashews, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
6. Finish with basil: Remove from heat and gently fold in the fresh basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil perfectly without losing its bright flavor.
7. Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, or enjoy as is.

Tips & Variations

For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality basil. Thai basil works wonderfully if you want a more authentic Southeast Asian flair.

Feel free to swap or add vegetables according to your preference or seasonality. Mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, or bok choy all make excellent additions.

For extra protein, consider adding firm tofu cubes or tempeh.

To make it nut-free, replace cashews with roasted chickpeas or pumpkin seeds. You can also adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by adding more maple syrup or soy sauce to suit your taste.

Want to explore more plant-based dishes? Check out our Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore and Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals for delicious options.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or brown rice, making it a wholesome and filling meal. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles.

It also makes a fantastic topping for rice paper rolls or lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld meal. Garnish with extra toasted cashews or a squeeze of lime for added brightness.

A side of simple miso soup or a light cucumber salad complements the flavors nicely.

If you enjoy creamy sauces, try pairing this stir fry with our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for a unique fusion twist.

Conclusion

Our Cashew Basil Stir Fry is a vibrant, flavorful, and nutritious vegetarian dish that’s easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want a quick meal without sacrificing taste or quality.

The fresh basil and crunchy cashews add character and texture, making this stir fry stand out from typical vegetable dishes.

This recipe is a wonderful introduction to plant-based cooking, offering a balance of savory, sweet, and herbal notes in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it’s sure to impress.

Don’t forget to experiment with different vegetables and proteins to keep the dish exciting and tailored to your preferences.

For more inspiring vegetarian and vegan recipes, browse our collection including Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves. Happy cooking!

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