Vegan Cashew "Chicken" (with Tofu!) - From My Bowl (2024)

by Caitlin Shoemaker

updated on

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Crispy Tofu gets tossed with nutty cashews and a sweet and savory sauce to make this Vegan Cashew Chicken totally delicious!

Let’s talk about thisVegan Cashew “Chicken”– crispy chunks of baked tofu “chicken” get slathered in a sweet & savory sauce with bits of nutty cashews and fresh green onions…need I say more? Well this is a food blog, so you know I will 😉 But seriously friends,thisis one recipe you don’t want to skip!

This hearty and delicious vegetarian main is a great way to save money on takeout, without sacrificing flavor.

Vegan Cashew "Chicken" (with Tofu!) - From My Bowl (2)

INGREDIENTS + INSPIRATION

This recipe is inspired by the takeout classic Cashew Chicken – which is actually a Chinese-American fusion dish that first gained popularity in the midwest in the 1940s. My version is vegan – obviously – and takes a few ingredient “shortcuts” to help cut down on your prep time.

Vegan Cashew "Chicken" (with Tofu!) - From My Bowl (3)

This recipe could also be namedCashew Tofubecause starts with protein-packed tofu that gets coated in soy sauce, cornstarch, and oil, then baked in the oven until crispy. Vegan or not, this tofu isdeliciousand makes the perfect animal-free chicken substitute!

Like most great recipes, the stir fry sauce brings the dish together. This one has pretty simple ingredients: soy sauce and rice vinegar add salt and tang, while hoisin sauce adds the perfect amount of spice and sweetness and toasted sesame oil adds a burst of umami flavor. Toss this finger-licking sauce with soft and crunchy cashew nuts, your tofu, and some green onion, and you’ve got the ultimate flavor and texture combination!

HOW TO MAKE VEGAN CASHEW CHICKEN

Vegan Cashew "Chicken" (with Tofu!) - From My Bowl (4)

This Cashew “Chicken” really only requires a few minutes of prep time – the oven does most of the work!

  1. Preparethe tofu and toss it in the oven to bake, flipping halfway
  2. Sautéaromatics in a large pan or wok, then add all of the sauce ingredients andsimmeruntil thick.
  3. Add thecrispy tofuto the sauce and mix well, then stir in the green onions and sesame oil.
  4. Serveover rice, then enjoy!

I like to serve this Vegan Cashew Chicken with a side of steamed broccoli for a little extra color! If I have a little extra time I also like to make some stir fried veggies with red bell pepper, snow peas, and mushrooms. Typically I serve this with some fluffy jasmine rice, but you could also serve it over ramen or rice noodles for a fun take!

Vegan Cashew "Chicken" (with Tofu!) - From My Bowl (5)

COOKING TIPS + FAQ:

  • Do I need to use cashews?No, not necessarily! Peanuts would also be delicious here too, or you could simply leave the nuts out if you have an allergy – you could also add 1-2 tablespoons of sesame seeds for a nut-free crunch!
  • Can I pan-fry the tofu instead?I recommend baking the tofu for the best meaty texture and hands-off prep, but you can pan-fry it if you wish. Press the tofu and coat it in the soy sauce and cornstarch, then pan fry in a cast iron or similar pan with a couple tablespoons of oil over medium high heat until crispy on all sides.
  • Can I make this gluten-free?Substitute the soy sauce with liquid aminos or tamari, and get agluten-free hoisin sauceinstead!
  • Storage:this recipe is best served fresh, but will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you plan on having leftovers I recommend keeping the crispy tofu and sauce separate and combining just before serving to keep the tofu crispier.

Vegan Cashew "Chicken" (with Tofu!) - From My Bowl (6)

If you’re like this vegan cashew chicken stir fry, you’ll also love thisCrispy Orange Tofu, thisVegan Kung Pao Tofu, and thisBlack Pepper Tofu!

Finally, if you make this recipe and decide to share it onFacebookorInstagram, don’t forget to tag me@FromMyBowl+ #FromMyBowl! I love seeing your delicious recreations 🙂

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Vegan Cashew “Chicken”

Vegan Cashew "Chicken" (with Tofu!) - From My Bowl (7)

Print Recipe
★★★★★5 from 32 reviews

Crispy Tofu gets tossed with nutty cashews and a sweet and savory sauce to make this Vegan Cashew Chicken totally delicious! An easy way to make takeout, at home.

  • Author: Caitlin Shoemaker
  • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 Minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 3 to 6 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Oven, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

For the Tofu:

  • 2 blocks extra firm tofu, pressed
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon lite soy sauce or tamari
  • 1/3 cup (43 g) cornstarch

For the Sauce:

  • 1 teaspoon avocado oil
  • 8 green onions, white and green parts separated and cut into 1” pieces
  • 35 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) hoisin sauce*
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lite soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 3/4 cup (107 g) roasted & salted cashews
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • Rice and/or vegetables, for serving (Optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 425F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Tear the tofu into bite-sized chunks for a more meat-like shape and texture, or cut into small cubes.
  2. Tofu: Add the tofu to a medium bowl and add in the oil and tamari. Toss with a spatula until evenly coated, then sprinkle the cornstarch on top and toss again. Transfer to a baking sheet and spread out the tofu pieces so they aren’t touching. Bake on the top rack of the oven for 30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through.
  3. Sauce: Whisk the hoisin sauce, water, vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch together in a small bowl. Set aside.
  4. Stir-Fry: Warm the oil in a large sauté pan, large skillet, or wok over medium heat, then fry the white parts of the green onion and the garlic for 1 minute, then add in the cooked tofu. Pour the hoisin sauce mixture over the tofu and stir well; bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the sauce is thick and glossy. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cashews, reserved green onions, and the sesame oil.
  5. Serve: Serve over rice and vegetables, or as desired. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Hoisin Sauce:some hoisin sauce is made with wheat, so if you are gluten-free make sure to purchase a gluten-free version! You can also make your own, though I prefer the ease of store-bought.

Keywords: vegan cashew chicken, vegan cashew tofu, vegan tofu recipes, vegetarian cashew chicken

Vegan Cashew "Chicken" (with Tofu!) - From My Bowl (2024)

FAQs

What is cashew chicken sauce made of? ›

Here's how I make Cashew Chicken! First make the yummy sauce, which will eventually cook in the pan with all the ingredients. Mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. A grand, sweet, sour combo!

Is vegan chicken made of tofu? ›

Vegan chicken is more sustainable, and healthier, and it's made primarily from plant-based products. These include vital wheat gluten, soy protein, pea protein, tofu, and jackfruit, which are rich in protein, calcium, fiber, and sodium—making the substitutes a perfect supplement for real meat.

Can I use tofu instead of chicken? ›

This delicious crispy vegan tofu chicken is made by freezing, thawing and pressing a block of extra firm tofu until it becomes dense and pulls apart into meaty chunks. A delicious substitute for fried chicken.

Are cashews vegan? ›

Cashews are very popular with those who live a vegan lifestyle as their creaminess makes them a great dairy substitute and welcome addition to vegan cooking. They are one of our favorite ingredients at Forager Project.

Why do vegans soak cashews? ›

Soaking softens the cashews for easier blending. They swell in size as they absorb water so it can impact the consistency of a recipe if it calls for soaked and you use unsoaked. Some also say it impacts the nutrients and digestibility of the cashews.

What ethnicity is cashew chicken? ›

Cashew chicken (Chinese: 腰果雞丁) is a Chinese-American dish that combines chicken (usually stir-fried but occasionally deep-fried, depending on the variation), with cashew nuts and either a light brown garlic sauce or a thick sauce made from chicken stock, soy sauce and oyster sauce.

Is vegan chicken healthier than real chicken? ›

Plant-based chicken products like Alpha's Chik'n Nuggets will commonly contain fewer calories, less sodium, less saturated fat, and less total fat than meat-based equivalents.

Why do vegans eat tofu? ›

Tofu's an especially good choice for people who eat vegan to ensure they meet their recommended daily protein intake. “Unlike animal sources of protein like beef, tofu is cholesterol-free,” says Romito. And while a serving of tofu has 5 grams of fat, it's mostly polyunsaturated fats.

What's the difference between tofu and vegan tofu? ›

Is All Tofu Vegan? Although tofu in general is completely vegan friendly, we always recommend checking the ingredients list on the tofu you have. Sometimes, the odd brand of tofu may use a different method to create their tofu, some of which include animal byproducts in their process.

Is tofu healthier for you than chicken? ›

Tofu nutrition. This meatless option is a staple for vegetarians, and rightfully so. It boasts more fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and folate than chicken and contains fewer calories.

What are good seasonings for tofu? ›

Combine brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garam masala, oregano, garlic powder and salt. Dredge tofu in spice blend, covering all surfaces.

Is tofu healthier then meat? ›

The high level of protein makes tofu a good alternative to animal-derived meat. Federal dietary guidelines include tofu as part of a healthy vegetarian dietary pattern, and a 2021 American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes choosing plant-based proteins for heart health.

Which nut is not vegan? ›

Nuts. Nuts are a nutritious food that many vegans eat. However, some varieties, such as Planters Dry Roasted Peanuts, contain gelatin. Gelatin is a protein that comes from collagen, a material that makes up bone, cartilage, and skin.

Why do some vegans not eat almonds? ›

For a long time, a staple like almonds have been a reliable source of nutrition for anyone on a plant-based diet. However, with recent surges in global popularity and demand for almonds for products like almond milk have seen the introduction of farmed bees in order to pollinate almond farms.

Are bananas vegan? ›

Bananas have always been a quick and healthy go-to snack for those on a vegan diet. Enjoyed on their own, and in desserts, they are considered as one of the most versatile fruits.

What does cashew chicken taste like? ›

Cashew chicken is simply a stir fry of chicken and cashews with a sauce that's got a salty-sweet flavour profile.

What is cashew cream made of? ›

Cashew cream is a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream and coconut milk. It's made by soaking then blending raw cashews with water until smooth. It can be used to add creaminess to pastas and soups, make ganache for desserts, or as a thick and creamy base for salad dressings or overnight oats.

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