Springfield Style Cashew Chicken Recipe is a beloved culinary delight that hails from Springfield, Missouri, boasting a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.
This iconic dish features tender pieces of Chicken, crisply fried to perfection and generously coated in a savory sauce, all crowned with the irresistible crunch of roasted cashews. Its roots are deeply embedded in the heart of American cuisine.
What Is The Springfield Style Cashew Chicken Recipe?
Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken Recipe is a flavorful culinary creation that hails from the heart of Missouri, blending tender Chicken, crunchy cashews, and a savory sauce into a delightful dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Originating from Springfield, this beloved recipe has captured the hearts and taste buds of many with its perfect balance of textures and flavors.
With its crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a rich sauce and topped with toasted cashews, Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken offers a delicious twist on traditional chicken dishes.
How Long Will It Take To Prepare?
The preparation time for Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken can vary depending on factors such as the number of chicken pieces you’re frying at once, your proficiency in the kitchen, and any additional preparation steps. Here’s a rough estimate of the time involved:
- Preparation (chopping Chicken, mixing sauce, dredging): 15-20 minutes
- Cooking (frying Chicken, making sauce, assembling dish): 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 35-45 minutes
- Serving: 2-3 people
How Do You Make Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken Recipe?
Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken is a beloved dish that originated in Springfield, Missouri, and is known for its unique combination of crispy fried chicken pieces, savory sauce, and crunchy cashews. Here’s a simple recipe to guide you through making Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken:
Essential Ingredients For Springfield Style Cashew Chicken Recipe:
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Two eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Two tablespoons of soy sauce
- Two tablespoons of oyster sauce
- Two tablespoons of hoisin sauce
- One tablespoon of rice vinegar
- One tablespoon of brown sugar
- Two cloves garlic, minced
- One teaspoon of fresh ginger, minced
- Two tablespoons cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons water (for thickening)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted cashews
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
Essential Instructions For The Springfield Style Cashew Chicken Recipe:
Step 1
Prepare the Chicken
In a shallow dish, mix the flour with salt and pepper. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then coat them with the flour mixture.
Step 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3
Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
Step 4
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet used to fry the Chicken. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Step 5
Thicken the Sauce
Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the cornstarch mixture. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 6
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the fried chicken pieces to the skillet with the thickened sauce. Stir to coat the Chicken evenly with the sauce.
Step 7
Add Cashews
Gently fold in the unsalted cashews, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Step 8
Serve
Serve the Springfield-style cashew chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions for extra flavor and color.
Step 9
Enjoy your homemade Springfield-style cashew chicken! Adjust seasoning and sauce thickness according to your preference.
Additional Tips For Springfield Style Cashew Chicken Recipe:
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chop the Chicken and prepare the sauce ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
- Marinate the Chicken: For added flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 30 minutes to 1 hour before dredging and frying.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, you can thin it out by adding chicken broth or water.
- Toast Cashews: For extra flavor, toast the cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until lightly golden before adding them to the dish.
- Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle the finished dish with additional sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or sesame seeds for a pop of color and freshness.
Precautions For Springfield Style Cashew Chicken Recipe:
- Hot Oil Safety: Use caution when frying the Chicken to avoid splattering hot oil. Keep children and pets away from the stove, and use a splatter guard if available.
- Handling Cashews: Some individuals may have allergies to nuts, including cashews. If cashews are included in the dish, be sure to inform guests and provide alternative options if necessary.
- Cook Chicken Thoroughly: To prevent foodborne illness, ensure that the Chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Keep raw Chicken separate from other ingredients and utensils to prevent the spread of bacteria. Wash hands, cutting boards, and utensils thoroughly after handling raw Chicken.
- Monitor Sauce Thickness: As the sauce cooks, be mindful of its consistency to prevent it from becoming too thick or too thin. Adjust the amount of cornstarch or liquid as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts Of Springfield Style Cashew Chicken Recipe
Springfield-style cashew chicken per serving, based on the ingredients and quantities provided in the recipe.
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on specific brands and variations in preparation:
Nutrition | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 450 calories |
Protein | 30 grams |
Fat | 25 grams |
Carbohydrates | 30 grams |
Fiber | 3 grams |
Sugar | 8 grams |
Conclusion
Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy fried Chicken, savory sauce, and crunchy cashews for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
With its simple yet sophisticated flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
By following the recipe provided and considering the additional tips and precautions, you can create Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken that is both delicious and safe to enjoy.