Stir-fry is a great weeknight dish because, after just a little prep, dinner is on the table in a jiffy. And although you might not think of them for a dish like this, sweetpotatoes are a natural. They cook up lightly browned yet tender, and are a delicious complement to the creamy coconut milk-laced sauce and silky cashews.
Cashew Chicken and Sweetpotato Stir-Fry
Serves 4
Ingredients:
3/4 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup aji-mirin sweet cooking rice seasoning (Japanese cooking wine) (see note)
1/4 cup soy sauce
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken (light meat, dark meat, or a combination), cut into 1-inch pieces
2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water
2 tablespoons safflower, sunflower, peanut, or other high-heat cooking oil
12 ounces orange- or yellow/white-fleshed sweetpotatoes, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch slices
4 cloves garlic, pressed through a garlic press or minced
One 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
One 8-ounce can sliced water chestnuts, drained
6 scallions, halved lengthwise and cut into 1-inch pieces
3/4 cup roasted, salted cashews
Rice, for serving
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, combine the coconut milk, broth, aji-mirin, soy sauce, salt, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken and set aside for 15 minutes. Drain the chicken, saving the marinade. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the marinade and set aside.
In a large wok or skillet over high heat, warm the oil. Add the sweetpotatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sweetpotatoes are tender, about 3 minutes. Add the marinade mixture and water chestnuts and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce comes to a boil and thickens, about 1 minute. Stir in the scallions and cashews.
Serve with rice.
Note: Look for aji-mirin in the ethnic or Asian section of most major supermarkets.
