Authentic Thai Cashew Chicken (Gai Pad Med Mamuang) Recipe – From Thailand to Your Kitchen

ByKimmo Hours

I discovered Gai Pad Med Mamuang, better known as Thai Cashew Chicken, during my travels in Thailand, and it quickly became one of my absolute favorites. Luckily, this dish is easy to prepare at home with ingredients you can mostly find in regular grocery stores. However, I recommend sourcing chili paste in oil and oyster sauce from specialty Asian grocery stores or online.

Ingredients:

  • Chicken breast strips
  • Bell peppers (assorted colors)
  • Carrots
  • Onion
  • Cashew nuts
  • A few dried chilies (optional, for color and extra flavor)
  • Chili paste in oil
  • Oyster sauce or soy sauce
  • Sugar
  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Fry the cashew nuts in plenty of oil until golden brown, then set aside.
  2. Toast dried chilies lightly in oil and set aside.
  3. Lightly season chicken strips with salt, dust them lightly with flour, and fry until golden and crispy. Set aside.
  4. Dilute the chili paste with about 1 dl (½ cup) of warm water and a little sugar, mixing until it forms a sauce-like consistency.
  5. Stir-fry peppers, carrots, and onions lightly in the chili sauce.
  6. Add oyster or soy sauce to the vegetables.
  7. Return the chicken, cashews, and chilies to the pan and stir-fry briefly to combine.
  8. Taste and add more oyster or soy sauce if needed.

Serve your delicious Thai Cashew Chicken hot with rice and enjoy!

For drinks, I recommend fresh fruit juice, water, or a low-tannin red wine. For the most authentic Thai experience, pair this dish with a light lager, such as Chang beer.