Easy 20-minute Broccoli Cashew Stir-Fry Recipe

This one skillet Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry is the easiest meal to make and packed with amazing flavor! You’ll love this easy and adaptable weeknight dinner idea!

There are nights when I crave something fast, flavorful, and veggie-forward—but I don’t want to sacrifice bold flavor or that satisfying takeout-style sauce. That’s exactly where this Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry comes in. It’s one of those recipes that feels effortless yet intentional, and honestly, it’s become a regular in my weeknight rotation.

With crisp-tender broccoli, buttery cashews, and a glossy sweet-savory sauce, this dish proves that simple ingredients can still deliver big payoff. Plus, it’s a great way to clean out the produce drawer while still putting something vibrant and colorful on the table—always a win in my kitchen.

Why We Love this Broccoli Stir Fry

There are so many reasons this broccoli cashew stir fry has earned a permanent spot in our dinner rotation.

Ready in minutes – A true weeknight winner that comes together fast with minimal prep.

Better than takeout – Savory, slightly sweet, and glossy without feeling heavy.

Perfect texture – Crisp-tender broccoli paired with buttery, crunchy cashews.

One-pan recipe – Less cleanup, more time to enjoy dinner.

Veggie-forward but satisfying – Hearty enough to stand alone, yet light and fresh.

Easy to customize – Add tofu, chicken, or shrimp, or serve over rice or noodles.

Meal-prep friendly – Great leftovers and simple components you can prep ahead.

Key Ingredients you need to make this stir fry

Make sure you have all these ingredients for the broccoli cashew stir-fry meal!

• Brown sugar
   This adds warmth and subtle molasses notes, balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce and the acidity in the dish.
• Water
   A small amount helps loosen the sauce so it coats the broccoli evenly without becoming too thick or sticky.
• Soy sauce
   The backbone of the sauce—salty, umami-rich, and deeply savory.
• Sweet chili sauce
   This brings gentle heat and sweetness, giving the stir fry that irresistible restaurant-style finish.
• Rice vinegar
   A splash of acidity brightens everything and keeps the sauce from tasting flat or overly sweet.

Olive oil
 Used for sautéing, it helps achieve that quick sear while carrying flavor through the dish.

Fresh Broccoli florets
 Crisp, green, and hearty—broccoli stands up beautifully to high heat and soaks up sauce like a sponge.

Raw cashews, halved
 Cashews add richness and crunch, making this dish feel satisfying even without meat.

Fresh chives
 These add a mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish.

Fresh basil
 Basil adds a fresh, aromatic note that keeps the stir fry tasting light and vibrant.

Fresh ginger 
 Ginger brings warmth and zing, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.

Fresh garlic cloves, minced
 Garlic is essential—it anchors the sauce and gives the stir fry that classic savory aroma.

Sesame seeds, for serving
 A simple finishing touch that adds nuttiness and visual appeal.

How to make broccoli stir fry

Make the sauce.
 In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, water, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and rice wine vinegar. Set aside—having the sauce ready makes everything move quickly once the pan is hot.

Sauté the broccoli.
 Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re bright green and just starting to soften.

Add aromatics and cashews.
 Stir in the cashews, chives, basil, ginger, and garlic. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Finish with the sauce.
 Pour the sauce into the pan and toss everything together. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the broccoli evenly.

Serve and garnish.
 Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately while everything is glossy and hot.

Serving Ideas

This stir fry is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
• Rice noodles or soba noodles
• A simple protein like tofu, shrimp, or grilled chicken

Tips for making the best broccoli stir fry

Slice the florets in half. This will give you more browned edges, and ensure even, faster cooking.

Don’t overcook the broccoli. The cook time for sauteed broccoli florets will vary a bit depending on the size, but I like to cook mine for about 6-9 minutes total. The broccoli should be lightly browned and crispy, but still tender and crisp.

Storage Tips for Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry

Meal Prep Friendly:
If prepping ahead, you can chop the broccoli and whisk together the sauce up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Cook everything fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Refrigerator:
You can store store leftovers of this broccoli cashew stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers just as delicious the next day.

Reheating:
For best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water to loosen the sauce and revive the broccoli. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.

Texture Tip:
The cashews will soften slightly after refrigeration. If you prefer extra crunch, sprinkle a few fresh cashews or sesame seeds on top just before serving.

Freezing:
Freezing is not recommended for this dish. Broccoli can become watery and mushy once thawed, and the sauce may separate.

What should I serve with stir fry

Add some protein with Asian Turkey Meatballs with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Serving a crowd? Serve alongside Spicy Cashew Chicken

Need some extra veggies? Try my Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Asian Sprouts

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