Cashew Shrimp

Ingredients:

Cashew Shrimp:

• 1 ½ lb medium-sized shelled shrimp
• ¼ cup tapioca starch (cornstarch works as a substitute)
• 2 tbsp oil (avocado oil works well)
• ¾ cup toasted cashews (see notes below)
• Sesame seeds and minced cilantro (for garnish)

Cashew Shrimp Sauce:

• 1 tsp tapioca starch
• ¾ cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
• ⅓ cup hoisin sauce (use gluten-free hoisin if needed, or homemade for a refined sugar-free option)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos if you need gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (substitute with white vinegar if needed)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp finely minced ginger

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Instructions:

1. Prep the Shrimp:
   Place the shrimp in a medium-sized bowl and toss with the tapioca starch to coat evenly.

2. Make the Sauce:
   In another bowl or large measuring cup, combine 1 teaspoon of tapioca starch with a small splash of the stock. Mix well to dissolve the starch, then add the remaining sauce ingredients: the stock, hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Stir until fully combined.

3. Cook the Shrimp:
   Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook in batches if needed. Cook for 1 minute, then flip the shrimp and cook for another minute on the other side.

4. Add the Sauce:
   Pour the sauce into the pan with the shrimp and stir until the sauce has thickened (about 1 minute).

5. Finish the Dish:
   Stir in the toasted cashews and give everything a final mix. Serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and minced cilantro for garnish.

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Notes:

• Toasting Cashews: If you have raw cashews, toast them in a 350°F oven for 7-8 minutes, or until golden and fragrant.
• Hoisin Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade hoisin sauce. If you prefer a refined sugar-free version, look for a homemade recipe or substitute with another sauce of your choice.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this dish with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables to complement the flavors.
• You could also add a side of stir-fried greens (like bok choy or spinach) for an extra healthy touch.