Kai Pad Med Ma Muang, or Thai Cashew Chicken, is a classic Thai stir-fry dish that is loved for its balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delightful dish at home.
Ingredients
For The Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 300g (10 oz) chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), cut into bite-sized
pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 cup roasted cashew nuts
- 2-3 dried red chilies (optional)
- 2-3 spring onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
For The Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
1. Prepare The Ingredients
Start by prepping all your ingredients. Slice the chicken, vegetables, and
spring onions, and measure out the cashews. Mix the sauce ingredients in a
small bowl and set aside.
2. Heat the Oil
Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once
the oil is hot, add the dried red chilies (if using) and stir-fry for about 30
seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook The Chicken
Add the chicken slices to the wok. Stir-fry until they are cooked through and
lightly golden, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add The Vegetables
Toss in the garlic, onion, carrot (if using), and bell pepper. Stir-fry for
another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
5. Stir In the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Mix well to ensure
everything is evenly coated. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors
to meld together.
6. Add The Cashews And Spring Onions
Finally, add the roasted cashews and spring onions. Stir-fry for another minute,
then remove from heat.
7. Serve
Serve the Kai Pad Med Ma Muang hot with steamed jasmine rice for a complete and
satisfying meal.
Tips For Success
- Choose fresh ingredients to ensure the best flavor.
- Roast your own cashews if you prefer a richer nutty flavor.
- Adjust the heat level
by adding more or fewer dried chilies.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu
or mushrooms and skip the fish sauce.
Enjoy the wonderful blend of textures and flavors that make Kai Pad Med Ma Muang a favorite in Thai cuisine!

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