Welcome to an exceptional culinary journey, where we celebrate not just a delightful dish but also the profound influence of a true legend in American Chinese cooking: Chef Martin Yan. This particular recipe for Thai Basil Chicken with Cashews comes directly from his repertoire, a testament to his philosophy that “If Yan Can Cook, So Can You!” It’s a dish that embodies speed, simplicity, and incredible flavor, perfect for anyone looking to bring authentic Asian tastes into their home kitchen.
My connection with Chef Martin Yan runs deeper than just admiring his televised prowess. Back in 2008, I had the incredible fortune of meeting him for the very first time. It was a moment etched in my memory, a whirlwind of excitement for a culinary enthusiast like myself. I recall being so utterly star-struck that I breathlessly declared him my “culinary superhero.” It’s not every day you get to tell your hero how much they inspire you, especially one who has shaped the way countless people approach Asian cuisine.
You might think such an enthusiastic declaration would scream “freaky-fan-stalker!” But my admiration didn’t stop there. I might have gotten a little too close with my camcorder, attempting to capture Chef Yan carving a chicken in a mesmerizing 18 seconds, nearly getting my bangs clipped by his lightning-fast cleaver! Yet, instead of being alarmed, that same evening, when I mentioned I was writing my very own cookbook, he surprised me with an offer that felt like a dream. He genuinely said, “Send me a copy to review, I’ll write a quote for the back of the book.”
In the weeks and months that followed, as I poured my heart and soul into completing “The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook,” a tiny seed of doubt often crept in. Chef Yan is a globally recognized celebrity chef, constantly meeting hundreds of people. Would he truly remember a fleeting conversation with an overly eager fan? Would he really take the time to review my work? Two months after I finished my manuscript, I took a leap of faith, praying that his kind offer was genuine. I carefully packaged a galley copy of my book along with a heartfelt note and sent it off into the culinary universe.
He remembered. And not just remembered, but graciously delivered. Martin Yan, my culinary hero, penned an endorsement that instantly brought tears to my eyes: “Jaden delivers beautiful, simple and delicious food that will bring family and friends to your table. She is the real deal who learned from the best, her mom. – Martin Yan.”
To see those powerful words from such a revered figure, prominently featured on the back cover of my published book, was an overwhelmingly joyful moment. My publisher wasted no time in slapping that endorsement on, and when I first saw it, I nearly fainted with sheer delight and disbelief. It was a validation of years of hard work, made all the more special by the genuine support of someone I admired so deeply.
The Martin Yan Philosophy: If Yan Can… So Can You!
Chef Yan’s mantra, “If Yan Can Cook, So Can You!” isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a philosophy that has empowered countless home cooks worldwide. It speaks to the idea that cooking, especially Asian cuisine which can sometimes seem intimidating, is accessible to everyone. His approachable teaching style and incredible knife skills, like the famous 18-second chicken carving, demonstrate that with practice and the right techniques, anyone can achieve culinary success.
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing his incredible chicken carving twice now, and each time, it’s nothing short of amazing. The precision, the speed, the effortless grace – it’s a masterclass in culinary artistry. In the video below, you can hear the rapid-fire camera clicks; that’s me, attempting to multi-task, holding my camcorder in one hand and a heavy camera in the other, all while reminding myself to keep a safe distance from that flying cleaver! It’s an inspiring display that truly drives home the “Yan Can Cook” message.
Why You’ll Love This Thai Basil Chicken with Cashew Recipe
This Thai Basil Chicken with Cashew recipe, shared by Chef Martin Yan himself, is a perfect embodiment of his culinary philosophy. What makes this dish truly special is its incredible balance of speed, simplicity, and vibrant flavors. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying and exotic but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The active cooking time is minimal, allowing you to enjoy a homemade, restaurant-quality meal without the fuss. The most time-consuming part, as the chef often says, is simply preparing the ingredients – chopping the chicken and vegetables. Once everything is prepped, it’s a matter of minutes before a delicious aroma fills your home.
The dish features tender chicken, aromatic Thai basil, crunchy cashews, and crisp vegetables, all coated in a savory sauce that strikes the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe isn’t just about cooking; it’s about experiencing the joy of creating something truly delicious with ease. It’s a powerful reminder that anyone, regardless of their culinary skill level, can whip up an impressive meal. Just as Yan Can Cook, you can too!
Thai Basil Chicken with Cashew Recipe
Recipe from Martin Yan
Pin Recipe
10 minutes
8 minutes
4
290 kcal
Ingredients
FOR THE CHICKEN MARINADE:
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper or white pepper
- 12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken cut into 1/2-inch cubes
FOR THE SAUCE:
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
FOR THE STIR-FRY
- 2 tablespoons neutral flavored cooking oil like avocado or vegetable oil (not olive oil)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 ounces asparagus trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 fresh chili pepper of your choice thinly sliced into rings (optional)
- 1/4 cup lightly packed Thai basil or sweet basil leaves
- 1/2 cup roasted cashews
Instructions
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the chicken and stir to coat. Let stand for 15 minutes.
- Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Place a wok or wide saute pan over high heat until hot. Add the oil, swirling to coat the sides. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Add the chicken, asparagus, bell pepper and cook, stirring constantly until the chicken is no longer pink, about 2 minutes. Add the sauce, stir and bring to a simmer. Cook until sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Remove pan from heat and stir in chili, basil leaves and cashews.
Notes
Nutrition
Essential Tips for the Perfect Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry
Achieving a restaurant-quality stir-fry at home is easier than you think, especially with this straightforward Thai Basil Chicken recipe. Here are some key tips to ensure your dish is packed with flavor and perfectly cooked every time:
- Mise en Place is Key: This French culinary term, meaning “everything in its place,” is paramount for stir-fries. Because cooking happens so quickly over high heat, you won’t have time to chop or measure once you start. Have all your chicken marinated, sauces mixed, and vegetables prepped and ready next to your wok or pan.
- High Heat, Quick Cook: A wok is ideal for stir-frying due to its shape, which allows for even heat distribution and quick cooking. If you don’t have a wok, a large, heavy-bottomed skillet will also work. Ensure your pan is screaming hot before adding the oil and ingredients. This creates that desirable “wok hei” – the smoky, complex flavor characteristic of authentic stir-fries.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This is a common mistake that leads to steamed, rather than stir-fried, ingredients. If you add too much at once, the temperature of your pan will drop rapidly, and the chicken and vegetables will release their moisture, preventing them from browning properly. If necessary, cook the chicken and vegetables in batches to maintain high heat.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: The recipe calls for 1/2-inch chicken cubes, which cook very fast. Stir constantly to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. You want the chicken to be just cooked through and no longer pink, keeping it tender and juicy. Overcooked chicken can become tough.
- Fresh Basil Makes a Difference: While sweet basil can be a substitute, Thai basil (also known as holy basil) offers a distinctive peppery and slightly anise-like flavor that is crucial for the authentic taste of this dish. Add it at the very end, just after removing the pan from the heat, to preserve its vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Crispy Cashews: Roasting the cashews beforehand enhances their flavor and crunch. Add them at the very last step to prevent them from becoming soggy in the sauce. They provide a wonderful textural contrast to the tender chicken and crisp vegetables.
Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
This Thai Basil Chicken with Cashews is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. For a classic meal, serve it immediately over steamed jasmine rice, allowing the flavorful sauce to soak into the fluffy grains. For a lighter option, consider brown rice or even cauliflower rice. You can also pair it with rice noodles for a different texture.
Feel free to customize this dish to your preference. Here are some ideas:
- Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and color by adding other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas, broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or baby corn. Add them alongside the asparagus and bell pepper.
- Protein Swap: While chicken is traditional, this recipe works beautifully with other proteins. Try thinly sliced beef, pork, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you enjoy more heat, increase the amount of fresh chili pepper or add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a milder version, omit the chili entirely.
- Extra Crunch: Besides cashews, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts can add another layer of texture and flavor.
- Herb Variations: If Thai basil is hard to find, regular sweet basil works well, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. For an adventurous twist, a touch of mint can provide a refreshing note.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this Thai Basil Chicken with Cashews recipe is designed to be a flexible, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that brings the magic of Asian cuisine to your dinner table with surprising ease. It’s a wonderful dish that truly lives up to the promise of accessible gourmet cooking.
Embrace the philosophy of our culinary hero, Martin Yan, and dive into the delightful world of stir-frying. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to explore new flavors, build confidence in your kitchen, and perhaps, inspire your own culinary adventures. Happy cooking!