Golden Cashew Shrimp Delight Recipe: A Zesty Asian-Inspired Feast

Succulent shrimp dance with creamy cashew shrimp delight in a symphony of flavors that instantly transport you to coastal culinary bliss.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of tender seafood and rich, nutty undertones.

The recipe blends Asian-inspired ingredients with a home-style cooking approach that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Crisp vegetables add vibrant color and crunch to this delectable dish.

Golden-brown shrimp nestled among crunchy cashews create an irresistible texture contrast that will make your taste buds sing.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings deserve this stunning plate that comes together faster than you might expect.

Grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 518 kcal

Servings: 5

Cashew Shrimp: Ingredient Essentials

• Hoisin Sauce: Brings sweet and tangy depth, choose a high-quality brand for authentic taste.
• Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and caramelization, select pure maple syrup for best flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami and saltiness, opt for low-sodium version to control salt levels.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides bright acidity, look for clear, mild varieties.
• Ginger: Offers warm, spicy undertones, select fresh root with smooth, tight skin.
• Garlic: Contributes robust aromatics, choose firm bulbs without soft spots.

• Shrimp: Creates main protein base, pick fresh or frozen wild-caught shrimp for best quality.
• Cashews: Delivers crunch and nutty richness, select roasted unsalted nuts for optimal flavor control.

• Olive Oil: Enables smooth cooking process, choose extra virgin for better taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning, use sea salt for cleaner mineral profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground provides more vibrant flavor.

Must-Have Tools for Making Cashew Shrimp

• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Large Skillet: Essential for stir-frying shrimp and creating sauce.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure sauce components.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients evenly.
• Cutting Board: Useful for chopping ginger and garlic.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for mincing garlic and ginger precisely.

Cooking Cashew Shrimp Like a Restaurant Pro

• Sauce Preparation

Create a flavor-packed mixture by blending sweet and savory ingredients like hoisin, maple syrup, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Toss in fresh ginger and garlic for an extra burst of taste. Let the sauce rest and develop its rich flavors while you prep other components.

• Shrimp Sizzle

Heat a skillet with a splash of olive oil, bringing it to a high temperature. Carefully add seasoned shrimp, letting them dance and turn a beautiful pink color. Cook until they’re perfectly tender and just done, then remove from the pan.

• Sauce Magic

Pour the prepared sauce into the same skillet, watching it bubble and transform. Allow it to simmer and thicken, creating a glossy, mouth-watering coating that will cling to every morsel.

• Final Fusion

Reunite the succulent shrimp with crunchy roasted cashews in the skillet. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece is lovingly coated in the luxurious sauce. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that’ll make taste buds dance with joy.

Tips to Balance Crunch, Sweet, and Heat

• Roast cashews in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding to enhance their nutty taste and create a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture for those who enjoy a spicier kick, adjusting the amount to personal heat preferences.
• Replace shrimp with chicken, tofu, or scallops for a versatile dish that works with different protein choices while maintaining the delicious sauce and cashew combination.
• Marinate shrimp in the sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking to infuse deeper flavors and ensure more tender, flavorful seafood throughout the dish.
• Prepare the sauce and chop ingredients in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to create a super-fast weeknight meal that comes together in minutes.

Plating Cashew Shrimp with Style and Simplicity

• Serve Over Steamed Rice: Spoon the saucy cashew shrimp atop fluffy white or brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped green onions or cilantro on top to add a bright, fresh burst of color and a subtle herbal note that complements the rich sauce.
• Create a Veggie Side: Pair the dish with quick-sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to add extra nutrition and a crisp texture contrast to the tender shrimp.
• Elevate with Sesame Seeds: Scatter toasted sesame seeds over the final dish for a nutty crunch and an authentic Asian-inspired presentation that adds visual appeal and extra texture.

Best Way to Store Cashew Shrimp Without Sogginess

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover Cashew Shrimp Delight in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm the dish gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain the sauce's original texture and flavor.
• Separate Ingredients: Keep cashews stored separately from the shrimp mixture to maintain their crunch and prevent sogginess when storing leftovers.
• Freeze for Later: Seal the shrimp mixture in a freezer-safe container, where it can stay good for up to 1 month, ensuring you always have a delicious meal ready when needed.

Crispy Cashew Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent cashew shrimp delight brings together tender prawns and crunchy cashews in a harmonious Asian-inspired dish. Ginger, garlic, and soy sauce create a perfect balance of flavors that will transport diners to street markets of Southeast Asia.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, large
• 1 cup (150 g) cashew nuts, roasted
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) maple syrup
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (5 ml) ginger, fresh, minced

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk hoisin sauce, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl until seamlessly blended, creating a complex flavor profile.
2. Skillet Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, establishing an ideal cooking environment for the shrimp.
3. Shrimp Seasoning and Cooking: Generously season shrimp with salt and pepper, then sauté for 6-7 minutes, stirring dynamically until the shrimp turn a vibrant pink and reach complete culinary doneness.
4. Sauce Transformation: Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate, then pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring consistently to develop a rich, glossy consistency.
5. Final Fusion: Return shrimp and cashews to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure complete sauce coverage and harmonious flavor integration. Remove from heat and serve immediately, presenting a luxurious culinary masterpiece that tantalizes the palate with its intricate balance of textures and tastes.

Notes

• Sauce Precision: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to eliminate lumps and create a smooth, well-blended sauce that coats the shrimp evenly.
• Shrimp Cooking Tip: Watch for the pink color change as a foolproof indicator of perfectly cooked seafood, avoiding overcooking that can make shrimp tough and rubbery.
• Heat Control Hack: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve a beautiful sear on shrimp while preventing burning and preserving delicate flavors.
• Cashew Coating Technique: Gently toss shrimp and cashews in sauce to ensure each piece gets a glossy, flavor-packed finish without breaking the delicate seafood.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 518
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg