Thai Cashew Prawns Stir-Fry for a Quick Flavor Boost

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team

As the sun sets on a busy week, I often find myself gazing at my pantry, searching for the magic to transform a simple evening into something delightful. That s when I stumbled upon the brilliance of a quick Thai Cashew Prawns stir-fry. The moments spent in the kitchen become special when you can whip up a dish that s both robust in flavor and effortless to prepare. Imagine the rich aroma of toasted cashews mingling with succulent prawns and vibrant vegetables, all ready in less than 30 minutes!

This recipe captures the essence of the beloved cashew chicken stir-fry but with a tempting seafood twist that s bound to impress. Whether you re navigating a weeknight meal or seeking a fabulous dish to revive your taste buds, this Cashew Prawns Stir-Fry will quickly become your go-to favorite. Pair it with fluffy rice, and you ll have a harmony of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. Let s dive into this deliciously simple recipe that promises to ignite your culinary passion!

Why will you love Thai Cashew Prawns?

Quick preparation: This stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Savory delight: The rich flavors of toasted cashews, succulent prawns, and fresh vegetables create a dish that s both satisfying and indulgent.
Nutty crunch: The toasted cashews add a delightful crunch, enhancing each bite with a uniquely nutty flavor.
Versatile options: Feel free to swap out prawns for chicken or tofu to suit your preferences.
Family friendly: With its vibrant colors and crowd-pleasing taste, this dish is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters.
Looking for more ideas? Check out my guide on weeknight meal solutions, perfect for busy schedules!

Thai Cashew Prawns Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry
Marion s Kitchen Cashew Chicken Meal Kit This convenient kit includes everything you need for flavorful stir-fry sauce, cashews, and baby corn.
Vegetable Oil Use any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed to keep the dish light and flavorful.
Peeled Prawns (400g) Fresh or fully thawed frozen prawns are best, adding quick protein to your meal.
Snow Peas (1 cup) They offer a delightful crunch and slight sweetness; can easily be substituted with snap peas if needed.
Red Capsicum (1, sliced) Adds a pop of color and sweetness; any bell pepper variety will work well.
Rice (for serving) Serve this vibrant stir-fry over aromatic jasmine or basmati rice for a complete meal.

Each of these ingredients harmonizes beautifully in the Thai Cashew Prawns dish, inviting you to savor a quick and delectable seafood delight. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

How to Make Thai Cashew Prawns

1. Drain the baby corn from the meal kit and set it aside. This will add sweetness to your stir-fry while avoiding excess moisture.

2. Toast the cashews in a small frying pan over medium heat until golden brown, then set them aside. This step enhances their nutty flavor, making every bite irresistibly delicious.

3. Heat a wok on high and add vegetable oil. Swirling the oil until it shimmers will create a perfect base for your lovely stir-fry.

4. Add the sliced capsicum, baby corn, and snow peas; stir-fry for about 1 minute until tender yet crisp. You want those vibrant colors to shine through while keeping a lovely crunch!

5. Incorporate the prawns into the mix and stir-fry until they turn pink and are fully cooked this will take just a couple of minutes at most.

6. Add the stir-fry sauce from the meal kit, stirring everything together to coat well. Let the flavors meld together for a minute, as your kitchen fills with a mouthwatering aroma.

7. Mix in the toasted cashews, remove from heat, and serve immediately over the prepared rice. The cashews give a delightful crunch that completes this amazing dish!

Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Thai Cashew Prawns?

Imagine a vibrant weeknight dinner where every bite invites joy and satisfaction.

• Fluffy Jasmine Rice: Perfectly aromatic, it soaks up the savory stir-fry sauce, balancing flavors beautifully. A classic pairing that never disappoints.

• Crispy Asian Slaw: A refreshing mix of cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds a crunchy texture and satisfying tanginess to your meal.

• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green and nutrient-packed, the slight bitterness complements the sweetness of the prawns and cashews, creating harmony on your plate.

• Spicy Garlic Edamame: These savory bites bring a delightful crunch and a hint of spice, making for a great appetizer that warms up your palate before the main course.

• Coconut Milk Soup: A creamy, rich soup infused with lemongrass and ginger pairs wonderfully with the dish, elevating your dining experience to a tropical getaway.

• Mango Salad: The sweetness and juiciness of fresh mango contrast nicely with the savory flavors of the stir-fry, adding a refreshing twist and vibrant color to your meal.

• Chilled White Wine: A light, crisp white will enhance the dish s flavors and bring a refreshing note, making it a delightful accompaniment to your seafood feast.

• Sesame Ginger Cookies: For a sweet ending, these cookies introduce a warm, nutty finish that complements the richness of the cashew prawns perfectly.

Storage Tips for Thai Cashew Prawns

• Room Temperature: It s best to consume your Thai Cashew Prawns immediately to enjoy the crispness of the vegetables and prawns. Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours.

• Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Gently reheat them in a pan over low heat to maintain the prawns tenderness.

• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the stir-fry without the rice in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw completely and reheat carefully before serving.

• Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water to the pan to steam the vegetables gently, helping to retain their crunchiness while preventing the prawns from overcooking.

Make Ahead Options

These Thai Cashew Prawns are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy weeknights! You can chop and refrigerate the vegetables (capsicum, baby corn, and snow peas) up to 3 days in advance, ensuring they stay crisp. Additionally, you can toast the cashews ahead of time and store them in an airtight container to maintain their delightful crunch. When you re ready to prepare the meal, simply add the prawns (which should be prepped fresh or thawed if frozen), and stir-fry everything together according to the recipe. Finishing off with the stir-fry sauce just before serving will give you that fresh, restaurant-quality taste without the wait!

Thai Cashew Prawns Variations

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect dish while delighting your taste buds!

• Protein Switch: Substitute prawns with diced chicken or tofu for a different take on this dish. Both options absorb the flavors beautifully and offer lovely texture variants.

• Veggie Medley: Add in mixed vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers for more color and nutrients. The combination not only elevates the dish visually but also boosts the savory depth!

• Spicy Kick: For those who crave heat, incorporate sliced chili or a dash of sriracha sauce during cooking. A little spice can transform the flavor profile and add excitement!

• Nut-Free: Replace cashews with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version, offering a lovely crunch while keeping the flavor dynamic and safe for those with allergies.

• Coconut Twist: Drizzle some coconut milk into the stir-fry for a creamy, tropical flavor boost. It adds an exotic richness that pairs wonderfully with the cashews and prawns.

• Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like basil or cilantro at the end for a burst of freshness. These bright notes will elevate the dish and make it even more aromatic.

• Citrus Zest: Brighten up the stir-fry with a squeeze of lime or lemon juice just before serving. The zing from the citrus will enhance the overall flavors and add a refreshing contrast.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free stir-fry sauce for those with dietary restrictions. This easy swap allows everyone to enjoy the dish without compromise!

Expert Tips for Thai Cashew Prawns

• Toasting Cashews: Don t skip this step! Toasting brings out nutty flavors that elevate the dish beyond ordinary.

• Watch the Prawns: Be careful not to overcook the prawns. They should only take a couple of minutes to turn pink and tender.

• Crisp Vegetables: Stir-fry the veggies quickly to keep them crisp for the perfect texture. Overcooked vegetables lose their vibrant color and crunch.

• Use Quality Oil: Choose a neutral oil like canola or grapeseed to enhance flavors without overpowering the dish.

• Serve Fresh: Enjoy your Thai Cashew Prawns immediately for the best flavor and texture. Leftovers may lose their crunch, but they ll still be tasty!

Thai Cashew Prawns Recipe FAQs

What are the best prawns to use for this stir-fry?
Absolutely! Using fresh prawns is always a great choice, as they offer the best texture and flavor. If fresh prawns aren t available, frozen prawns will work perfectly too just be sure they are fully thawed before cooking. Look for prawns that are firm and have a slight sheen; avoid those with dark spots or an off smell.

How should I store leftovers from my Thai Cashew Prawns?
It s best to use your leftover Thai Cashew Prawns within 2 days for optimal taste. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and when reheating, do so on low heat to maintain the prawns tenderness. If you find yourself with extra stir-fry, consider adding a splash of water while reheating to keep everything moist.

Can I freeze the Thai Cashew Prawns?
Yes, you can! For freezing, I d recommend dividing the stir-fry from the rice. Place the stir-fry in an airtight container and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you re ready to enjoy, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to help steam the vegetables while preventing the prawns from overcooking.

What should I do if my vegetables get too soggy while cooking?
Great question! The key to keeping your vegetables crisp lies in the cooking time and high heat. Always stir-fry vegetables quickly just enough to become tender yet still crisp. If you notice them starting to get soggy, reduce the cooking time next round, or consider adding them in stages; firmer veggies like capsicum can go in first, followed by quicker-cooking ones like snow peas.

Is there a way to make this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?
Very! If you re looking to accommodate certain dietary needs, you can easily substitute the prawns with tofu for a vegetarian option or chicken if you prefer that protein. For allergies, be mindful of the cashews omit them if nut allergies are a concern, and feel free to experiment with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead for a similar crunch!