Cashew Thai Vegetarian Recipe for Easy Healthy Meals

Thai cuisine is renowned worldwide for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and harmonious balance of sweet, savory, sour, and spicy elements. One of the most beloved dishes in Thai cooking is the classic Cashew Stir Fry, which perfectly showcases the crunch of roasted cashews paired with tender vegetables and a delightful sauce.

Today, we’re diving into a Cashew Thai Vegetarian Recipe that not only pleases your palate but is also easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe is a fantastic option to enjoy a taste of Thailand right at home.

This dish bursts with bold flavors from garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of chili, complemented by the natural sweetness of bell peppers and the satisfying texture of cashews. It’s quick to whip up on a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve guests.

Plus, you can easily customize the vegetables to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Get ready to savor a nutritious, colorful, and utterly delicious meal that brings the essence of Thai cooking to your dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cashew Thai Vegetarian Recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to your liking.

The cashews add a wonderful crunch and boost of protein, making it a satisfying meal that keeps you energized.

It’s also quick to prepare, making it ideal for those busy days when you want something healthy without spending hours in the kitchen. The flavors are well-balanced, with a savory-sweet sauce that coats every bite.

Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free if you use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and vegan when you skip any fish sauce or substitute it with a plant-based alternative.

Finally, this dish is a great introduction to Thai cooking if you’re new to it. It combines simple ingredients in a way that brings out complex tastes, and once you try it, you’ll likely find yourself craving it again and again.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
• 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
• Cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles for serving
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large non-stick skillet or wok
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Mixing bowl for sauce
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Serving plates or bowls

Instructions

1. Toast the cashews: Place the cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until they turn golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and vegetable broth. Set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in the skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, stirring constantly until fragrant and slightly softened, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the vegetables: Toss in the bell peppers, carrot, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp but still vibrant and colorful.
5. Combine with sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Add cashews and green onions: Return the toasted cashews to the pan along with the chopped green onions. Stir everything together for 1 minute to combine flavors and heat through.
7. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired for a bright finishing touch.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra protein boost, add tofu cubes or tempeh along with the vegetables.”

Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables such as broccoli florets, zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the chili garlic sauce.

For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of toasted sesame oil at the end.

Want to make it gluten-free? Simply use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Vegans can omit fish sauce or substitute with a vegan fish sauce alternative or extra soy sauce. This recipe also reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.

If you enjoy a saucier stir-fry, increase the vegetable broth to 1/3 cup. For more crunch, toss in some water chestnuts or bamboo shoots.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Cashew Thai Vegetarian dish pairs wonderfully with fragrant jasmine rice or rice noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. For a light meal, serve it alongside a crisp cucumber salad or fresh spring rolls.

You can also complement it with a bowl of Thai coconut soup for a fuller dining experience.

For those who love a bit of heat, offering extra chili flakes or sriracha on the side allows everyone to customize the spice level. A wedge of lime squeezed over the top just before eating adds a fresh zing that brightens the dish beautifully.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food for another hearty vegetarian option, or try the Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for a light, citrusy pasta dish.

Conclusion

This Cashew Thai Vegetarian recipe is a delicious way to bring the vibrant flavors of Thailand into your home kitchen. It’s simple, quick to prepare, and packed full of fresh veggies and crunchy cashews, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal for any day of the week.

The balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes ensures that every bite is a delight.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just exploring meatless meals, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With easy substitutions and versatile ingredients, it’s adaptable to your tastes and dietary needs.

Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite rice or noodles and garnish with fresh herbs for that authentic Thai touch.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love our Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe for a hearty meat-based option, or venture into dessert with our bright and zesty Lemon Straws Recipe. Happy cooking and enjoy your flavorful Thai feast!

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