Spicy Cashew Shrimp: A Flavorful Stir-Fry for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Vivid flavors and satisfying crunch come together in a tangy sauce for effortless meals.
Spicy Cashew Shrimp: A Delicious, Nutty Stir-Fry
If you’re searching for the perfect intersection of flavor, speed, and family-pleasing satisfaction, spicy cashew shrimp should be next on your dinner table. This vibrant stir-fry features juicy shrimp, crunchy red bell peppers and onions, toasted cashews, and a lively, tangy sauce that walks the line between sweet, spicy, and savory.
Building on fresh, wholesome ingredients, the entire meal comes together in less than 40 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or a special dinner at home. Served over fluffy rice and topped with fresh scallions, each bite delivers colorful crunch and bold taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in 35–40 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Balanced nutrition: Lean shrimp, crisp veggies, and cashews offer protein, vitamins, and healthy fats.
- Customizable spice: Easily adjust the heat level to your preference with red pepper flakes.
- Flexible serving options: Serve over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.
- Prep-ahead friendly: Most steps and ingredients can be prepped in advance to make cooking even faster.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long-grain white rice | 2 cups | For serving |
| Low-sodium soy sauce | 1/4 cup | Forms the base of the sauce |
| Fresh ginger (chopped) | 3 Tbsp | About a 3-inch piece, finely chopped |
| Orange juice | 2 Tbsp | Freshly squeezed preferred |
| Rice vinegar | 2 Tbsp | Adds tanginess |
| Light brown sugar | 1 Tbsp | For sweetness |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/4 tsp | Adjust for desired heat |
| Sesame oil | 1 Tbsp | For sauteing and rich flavor |
| Vegetable oil | 2 Tbsp | For sauteing |
| Large shrimp, peeled & deveined | 1 1/2 lb | Use fresh or thawed from frozen |
| Kosher salt | 1 tsp | Or to taste |
| Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground preferred |
| Red bell peppers (chopped) | 2 | Cut into chunks |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 | Cut into chunks |
| Salted roasted cashews | 1 cup | Whole or halved |
| Scallions (thinly sliced) | As needed | For garnish |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Cook the rice:
Combine 2 cups long-grain white rice with 3 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until water is absorbed (about 15 minutes). Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 more minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside. - Prepare the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 Tbsp ginger, 2 Tbsp orange juice, 2 Tbsp rice vinegar, 1 Tbsp light brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Set aside. - Cook the shrimp:
Heat 1 Tbsp sesame oil and 1 Tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 1/2 lbs shrimp with 1 tsp kosher salt and black pepper. Working in two batches, cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and pink. Transfer shrimp to a plate. - Sauté the vegetables:
Add the remaining 1 Tbsp vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add the bell peppers and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until just softened (about 5 minutes). - Add sauce and finish:
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with veggies. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until slightly thickened (about 3 minutes). Stir the cooked shrimp and 1 cup cashews into the pan, making sure everything is well coated. - Serve:
Spoon the shrimp and vegetable stir-fry over the cooked rice. Sprinkle with scallions for a burst of freshness and color.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
- Use pre-cooked rice: Save even more time by using leftover rice, or opt for microwaveable pre-cooked rice packs.
- Swap the nuts: Allergic to cashews or out of stock? Roasted peanuts or almonds work beautifully as substitutes.
- Adjust the heat: Add more red pepper flakes or a fresh chopped chili for a bigger kick; omit entirely for mild eaters.
- Vegetable flexibility: Try snow peas, snap peas, or carrots in place of (or in addition to) bell peppers.
- Go low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or in butter lettuce cups for a lighter, grain-free version.
Serving Suggestions
This spicy cashew shrimp is so versatile that you can serve it in a variety of creative ways:
- Classic: Ladle it generously over steamed white or brown rice.
- With noodles: Try serving over rice noodles or lo mein for an Asian-inspired twist.
- As lettuce wraps: Scoop into butter lettuce leaves for a fresh, light appetizer or meal.
- With grains: Farro, quinoa, or even couscous make hearty alternatives.
Nutritional Benefits
Shrimp is a lean source of protein, low in calories, and packed with nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. Cashews add healthy monounsaturated fats, a satisfying crunch, and a nutty depth of flavor, while bell peppers supply vitamins C, A, and antioxidants. Combined, they make a vibrant, balanced meal option.
What others are reading
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Leftover Tips
- Batch cooking: Prepare shrimp and vegetables ahead of time and refrigerate. Cook sauce and assemble just before serving.
- Leftover storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- Rice tip: Cold leftover rice is perfect for stir-frying or using in fried rice the next day.
Other Must-Try Shrimp Recipes
- Shrimp and Grits: Creamy, cheesy grits topped with Cajun-spiced shrimp for the ultimate Southern comfort food.
- Linguine with Clam Sauce: A classic seafood pasta loaded with garlic, clams, and fresh parsley.
- Coconut Curry Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp in a rich coconut and curry sauce over fluffy rice.
- Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa: Juicy shrimp wrapped in tortillas, topped with sweet and spicy mango salsa.
- Shrimp Po’Boy: Crunchy fried shrimp served in a mayo-dressed French baguette for a classic New Orleans sandwich.
- Popcorn Shrimp: Bite-sized, breaded shrimp fried until golden and crispy—perfect for parties or snacks.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Shrimp marinated with lemon, garlic, and herbs, then quickly grilled for maximum flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The heat is moderate, thanks to a small amount of red pepper flakes. Adjust up or down to suit your preferred spice level.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw the shrimp thoroughly under cold water or overnight in the refrigerator, then pat dry before cooking for the best texture.
Q: Are there gluten-free alternatives?
A: Absolutely. Swap regular soy sauce for a certified gluten-free variety or tamari.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Substitute bite-size pieces of firm tofu for shrimp and follow the same steps for a delicious vegetarian option.
Q: What sides pair well with spicy cashew shrimp?
A: Steamed broccoli, garlicky green beans, or a crisp cucumber salad are all excellent accompaniments.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or extra sauce to avoid drying out the shrimp.
Expert Tips for Restaurant-Style Results
- High heat cooking: Use high heat for quickly sautéing shrimp to keep them tender and juicy—overcooking makes shrimp rubbery.
- Ginger prep: For finely chopped or grated ginger, use a spoon to scrape off the peel before mincing for best texture.
- Layered flavors: Toast cashews briefly in a dry skillet before adding for even more crunch and depth of flavor.
- Color contrast: Garnish with both the green and white parts of scallions for extra visual appeal.
More Quick and Creative Shrimp Recipes
- Shrimp Dip: Creamy and briny, perfect for parties, best when made with fresh shrimp and herbs.
- Shrimp Pesto Pasta: Fresh pesto and juicy shrimp tossed with pasta and asparagus—a springtime favorite.
- Bacon-Shrimp Skewers: Shrimp wrapped in smoky bacon for an irresistible grilled treat.
- Mediterranean Orzo with Shrimp: A pasta salad bolstered with shrimp, olives, and tangy feta cheese.
Summary
This spicy cashew shrimp is everything a great stir-fry should be: quick, customizable, and popping with fresh ingredients. It brings color, crunch, and bold flavor to your dinner table—no takeout required. Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or a shrimp skeptic, this dish is bound to win over hearts (and appetites) at your table.
References
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