In the heart of the Midwest, Springfield, Missouri, a city renowned for its rich culinary heritage, has given birth to a delectable dish that has captivated taste buds far and wide: Springfield-style Cashew Chicken. This dish, a symphony of flavors and textures, seamlessly blends the East and the West, creating a unique dining experience that leaves you craving more.
This comprehensive guide delves into the secrets of Springfield-style Cashew Chicken, providing you with three distinct recipes that cater to a range of preferences and skill levels. From the classic recipe that stays true to the Springfield tradition to a healthier version that doesn't compromise on taste and a vegetarian alternative that showcases the versatility of this dish, we have something for every palate and dietary restriction.
Whether you're a seasoned home cook looking to expand your culinary repertoire or a novice seeking an easy-to-follow recipe, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to create this iconic dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, prepare to embark on a culinary journey to Springfield, Missouri, and discover the secrets behind the Springfield-style Cashew Chicken that has won hearts and stomachs across the globe.
SPRINGFIELD CASHEW CHICKEN
Springfield, Missouri is the home of Cashew Chicken. This is supposed to be Leong's original recipe. Leong and his brother Gee developed this famous dish, creating a fried chicken with an Asian flair in the 1960s. This is the closest recipe I have ever found to tasting like the original. And since it is supposed to be the original, maybe that is why? There are numerous variations of this famous dish, so it is how you remember it! Make your favorite fried rice or order from your favorite restaurant to go along with the chicken. Enjoy!
Provided by Perri Pender
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian
Time 55m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).
- Beat egg and 2 tablespoons water in a bowl.
- Measure flour into a separate bowl.
- Dip chicken cubes in egg mixture; remove. Roll chicken in flour until completely coated.
- Carefully place small batches of coated chicken into hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry until chicken is golden brown and center is no longer pink, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Arrange cooked chicken on a baking sheet and place in preheated oven to keep warm while continuing to fry remaining chicken.
- Whisk 3 cups water, cornstarch, chicken bouillon cubes, oyster sauce, and white pepper together in a saucepan; simmer over medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour sauce over cooked chicken to serve. Sprinkle cashews and green onions over each serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 507.2 calories, Carbohydrate 30.1 g, Cholesterol 122.6 mg, Fat 22 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 46 g, SaturatedFat 3.8 g, Sodium 1126.1 mg, Sugar 1.3 g
SPRINGFIELD STYLE CASHEW CHICKEN I
This is Cashew Chicken in the style first served in Springfield, Missouri in the 1960's. It involves deep frying the chicken pieces in peanut oil. 'Show Me' state Cashew Chicken!
Provided by Teresa Dennis
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Chicken Chicken Breast Recipes Pan-Fried
Time 35m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cut the chicken breasts into 1 inch pieces. In a shallow dish or bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda and 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch. In another dish or bowl beat the eggs. Dip chicken pieces into flour mixture, then eggs, then flour mixture again. Heat peanut oil in a large skillet and deep fry coated chicken in hot oil for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Meanwhile (while frying chicken), heat broth to boiling in a medium saucepan. Add oyster sauce, sugar, soy sauce and white pepper. Mix remaining 4 tablespoons cornstarch with a small amount of cold water in a cup. Stir cornstarch mixture slowly into broth mixture to thicken, then cook for another 5 minutes over medium-low heat.
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C). Heat cashew nuts and chopped green onions in preheated oven for about 5 minutes. Pour sauce over fried chicken and top with cashews and green onion. Serve with soy sauce to taste over a bed of fried rice, if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 651.7 calories, Carbohydrate 56.3 g, Cholesterol 141 mg, Fat 33.9 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 32.5 g, SaturatedFat 6.9 g, Sodium 1127.3 mg, Sugar 4.8 g
[GLUTEN-FREE!!!] SPRINGFIELD STYLE CASHEW CHICKEN
For anyone who misses the fun of Springfield, Mo Style Cashew Chicken. If you're gluten-free like me, use the following method to fry: Mix 1 part Rice flour, 1 part Tapioca starch, 1 part Cornstarch with whatever spices you like. Split this mixture in to two bowls. In a third bowl, beat 2 eggs and add between 1/4 and a 1/2 cup of milk, until it just forms an emulsion. Set up the bowls like so: Flour, Eggs, Flour. Now, take your cut up chicken bits, drop in the first flour bowl and coat lightly, but completely. Move to egg mixture, I let it soak for about 10 seconds. Last, drop in the last flour bowl and cover well. Drop in a hot pan with 1/4 inch or so of oil and cook for 3 minutes on each side, or until brown.
Provided by Kristi Waterworth
Categories Chicken
Time 1h15m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine all sauce ingredients, simmer and stir until thickened.
- Serve on a bed of rice with cashews and green onions on top.
- Delish.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 352, Fat 21.6, SaturatedFat 6.2, Cholesterol 105.3, Sodium 806, Carbohydrate 9.8, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 3.1, Protein 27.7
SPRINGFIELD, MO CASHEW CHICKEN
My grandparents lived in Joplin, MO (just down the road from Springfield) and this has always been one of my favorite comfort foods. This is very different from the cashew chicken found in Asian restaurants in the rest of the country. It has been westernized almost to the point of not being Asian at all, but has become a regional favorite. This recipe has been adapted from a recipe found on Grouprecipes.com which is said to be the original recipe from Leong's Tea House in Springfield. I'm not sure if that's true, but it's pretty close to what I grew up with. Prep time includes the resting time for the chicken. The original recipe called for 9 tsp bouillon granules, but we thought it was a bit overpowering so we decreased it slightly. It's also possible to substitute the bouillon with 3 cups of reduced sodium chicken broth.
Provided by Mark and Stacy
Categories Chicken
Time 1h30m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Chicken:.
- Sprinkle chicken pieces with salt and then dredge in flour. Set aside and let stand for 15 minutes.
- Mix eggs, milk, remaining salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Place floured chicken into egg mixture and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and roll the pieces in flour again.
- Deep fry 350 degrees for 4-5 minutes until chicken is cooked and golden brown. (Other oil may be substituted, but the peanut oil will give the best color and texture.).
- Sauce:.
- Bring water to a boil and then dissolve bouillon granules.
- Remove 1/4 cup of the bouillon and cool in the fridge. Add cornstarch to cooled liquid and mix until smooth.
- Add sugar, salt, and oyster sauce to the boiling liquid.
- Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the hot liquid and cook at a low boil, allowing to thicken.
- Serve chicken over steamed white (or fried) rice. Pour sauce on top and garnish with cashews and green onions.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 928.2, Fat 35.9, SaturatedFat 10.8, Cholesterol 296.2, Sodium 3514.2, Carbohydrate 94.9, Fiber 4.1, Sugar 4.7, Protein 54.7
SPRINGFIELD CASHEW CHICKEN
Make and share this Springfield Cashew Chicken recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Dienia B.
Categories Chicken
Time 45m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
- In another bowl place the beaten eggs.
- Dip chicken pieces in the flour mixture, the egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture.
- Deep fry in hot peanut oil; drain on paper towels.
- In another pan, mix the chicken broth, oyster sauce, sugar, soy sauce, pepper and 4 tablespoons cornstarch. Blend and cook until thick.
- Place chicken over rice.
- Pour sauce over chicken.
- Top with cashews and chopped green onion.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of your cashew chicken. Look for plump, juicy chicken breasts, crisp vegetables, and flavorful cashews.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, be sure to not overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly and will make it more likely to stick to the pan.
- Cook the chicken until it is cooked through: Be sure to cook the chicken until it is cooked through. This will help to prevent foodborne illness and will also make the chicken more tender and juicy.
- Use a variety of vegetables: Feel free to use a variety of vegetables in your cashew chicken. Some good options include broccoli, carrots, celery, and water chestnuts.
- Adjust the sauce to your liking: The sauce for cashew chicken can be adjusted to your liking. If you want a sweeter sauce, add more sugar or honey. If you want a spicier sauce, add more chili sauce or Sriracha.
Conclusion:
Cashew chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken. With a few simple tips, you can make cashew chicken that is sure to impress your family and friends.
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