Gai Pad Med Mamuang


 Cuisine: Thai  Type: Entree  AKA: Cashew Chicken

Gai Pad Med Mamuang | Cashew Chicken : Entree in Thai cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Chicken Breast
2 pieces (400)
Cashew Nuts
1 cup (120)
Red Bell Pepper
1 piece (150)
Onion
1 piece (100)
Garlic Cloves
2 cloves (10)
Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons (30)
Oyster Sauce
2 tablespoons (30)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (4)
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (30)
Water
2 tablespoons (30)
Cornstarch
1 teaspoon (4)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
 Totals
32 oz (918 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Chicken Breast
165
Cashew Nuts
157
Onion
44
Bell Pepper
24
Garlic
4
Ginger
9
Soy Sauce
8
Oyster Sauce
20
Fish Sauce
3
Sugar
16
Vegetable Oil
120
Cornstarch
30
Water
0
Salt
0
Black Pepper
6
 Totals
606 kcal

 Steps 


Step 1: Marinate the chicken
- Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch.
- Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and water.
- Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Cook the chicken
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it turns golden brown and is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-fry the vegetables
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed.
- Add minced garlic and chopped onions, and stir-fry until fragrant and onions become translucent.
- Add sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for a couple of minutes until slightly softened.

Step 5: Add cashew nuts
- Add cashew nuts to the pan and stir-fry for another minute until they are lightly toasted.

Step 6: Combine everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables and cashews.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients.
- Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.

Step 7: Serve
- Remove from heat and transfer the Gai Pad Med Mamuang to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro, if desired.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Enjoy your homemade Gai Pad Med Mamuang, also known as Cashew Chicken!

 Substitutions 


Substitutions/Alterations for Gai Pad Med Mamuang (Cashew Chicken):

1. Chicken: Substitute with tofu or shrimp. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. Cashews: Substitute with almonds or peanuts. Use the same quantity as cashews.
3. Garlic: Substitute with garlic powder. Use 1/2 teaspoon for every clove of garlic.
4. Red chili peppers: Substitute with dried chili flakes or cayenne pepper. Use 1/4 teaspoon for every chili pepper.
5. Oyster sauce: Substitute with soy sauce mixed with a small amount of sugar. Use the same quantity as oyster sauce.
6. Soy sauce: Substitute with tamari sauce or liquid aminos. Use the same quantity as soy sauce.
7. Fish sauce: Substitute with soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Use the same quantity as fish sauce.
8. Sugar: Substitute with honey or maple syrup. Use the same quantity as sugar.
9. Vegetable oil: Substitute with any neutral-flavored oil like canola or sunflower oil. Use the same quantity as vegetable oil.
10. Onion: Substitute with shallots or leeks. Use the same quantity as onion.
11. Bell peppers: Substitute with any other colored bell pepper or mild chili pepper. Use the same quantity as bell peppers.
12. Spring onions: Substitute with regular onions or chives. Use the same quantity as spring onions.

Note: Adjust the cooking time and heat level according to your preference and the substitute ingredients used.

 Pairings 


- Jasmine rice
- Thai iced tea
- Tom yum soup
- Pad Thai
- Green papaya salad
- Mango sticky rice
- Thai coconut curry
- Crispy spring rolls
- Thai pineapple fried rice
- Thai iced coffee

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color.
- Serve the dish in a hollowed-out pineapple or coconut shell for a tropical presentation.
- Arrange the cashews and vegetables in an artistic pattern on top of the chicken.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a more flavorful and tender meat.
- Add a splash of lime juice or tamarind paste to the sauce for a tangy twist.
- Toss in some julienned bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch and freshness.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Replace regular chicken with tender pieces of free-range or organic chicken breast.
- Use premium cashews, such as roasted or honey-roasted cashews, for a richer and more indulgent flavor.
- Upgrade the sauce by incorporating a dash of fish sauce or oyster sauce for a more complex umami taste.

Remember, these are just suggestions to enhance your Gai Pad Med Mamuang. Feel free to experiment and tailor the dish to your personal taste preferences. Enjoy your next-level dining experience!

 Diet Restrictions 


- Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce to make it soy-free.
- Reduce the amount of oil used for a lower-fat version.
- Increase the amount of vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas, for added fiber and nutrients.
- Use low-sodium or homemade chicken broth to reduce sodium content.
- Add more spices and herbs like ginger, garlic, or chili flakes to enhance flavor without relying on salt.
- Serve with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a higher-fiber and more nutritious option.
- If avoiding added sugars, opt for a sugar-free or reduced-sugar stir-fry sauce.
- For those with nut allergies, replace cashews with toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.

 Healthy Choices 


- Use skinless chicken breast instead of dark meat or skin-on chicken to reduce saturated fat content.
- Stir-fry the chicken with minimal oil or use a non-stick pan to reduce added fats.
- Increase the amount of vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas, for added fiber and nutrients.
- Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce sodium intake.
- Use reduced-sodium chicken broth or make your own broth to control the amount of salt.
- Limit the amount of added sugar or substitute with a small amount of honey or natural sweeteners.
- Consider adding other herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, or chili flakes for added flavor without extra calories.
- Serve with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for more fiber and nutrients.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to enhance taste and add antioxidants.
- Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating and maintain a balanced meal.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use pre-cut chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs to save time on cutting and deboning.
2. Opt for frozen or pre-roasted cashews instead of roasting them from scratch.
3. Substitute fresh garlic and ginger with pre-minced or powdered versions for convenience.
4. Use store-bought Thai stir-fry sauce instead of making it from scratch.
5. Replace fresh vegetables with frozen stir-fry vegetable mix to skip the chopping and preparation.
6. Cook the chicken and vegetables together in one pan to save time on cleaning and reduce cooking steps.
7. Consider using vegetable oil instead of more expensive oils like sesame or peanut oil.
8. Reduce the amount of soy sauce or oyster sauce to cut down on cost without compromising flavor.
9. Serve the dish with steamed rice or noodles instead of jasmine rice for a more affordable option.
10. Double the recipe and store leftovers for future meals to make the most of your time and ingredients.