As we know, edible cashew nuts are made from raw cashew seeds after several stages of processing. Among the many cashew snacks, garlic chili roasted cashews are a favorite treat for many Vietnamese people—and they’re now also exported to markets around the world. Today, we’ll show you how to easily make this delicious snack at home.

What Are Garlic Chili Cashew Nuts?

Garlic is a staple in every Vietnamese kitchen and is often combined with other ingredients to create unique dishes. Garlic chili cashew nuts are a perfect blend of the spicy heat from chili, the strong aroma of garlic, and the creamy richness of cashews. The flavors come together in a way that excites the senses—and balances out the richness of cashews to prevent that heavy feeling.

How to Make Garlic Chili Cashews

Ingredients:

300g peeled cashew kernels
Sugar, salt, fish sauce, butter
1 garlic bulb
4 red chili peppers

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Roast the Cashews

Heat a wide pan and add the cashews. Stir continuously on medium heat to prevent burning, as peeled cashews are fragile. Roast until golden brown. Alternatively, use an air fryer at 180°C for 10 minutes, shake the cashews, and continue roasting for another 5 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-roasted cashews.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Chili Sauce

Melt about 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden, then set the garlic aside. Using the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of water, then season with fish sauce, sugar, salt, and finely chopped chili. Adjust the amounts to taste. Cook the sauce until it thickens slightly, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce with Cashews

Let the roasted cashews cool, then pour the sauce over them and mix well until evenly coated. Add the golden-fried garlic and toss again.

Step 4: Roast Again

Place the coated cashews into an air fryer. Roast at 150°C for 5 minutes, shake, then roast again for 3 more minutes. This step helps the sauce dry and stick firmly to the cashews.

And that’s it! In just a few simple steps, you’ve got a batch of flavorful garlic chili cashews to enjoy with friends and family. Don’t want to make them yourself? You can always buy ready-made ones from reputable brands.

Tips for Choosing the Best Cashews

The quality of the cashews is the key to making delicious garlic chili cashew nuts. Here’s how to choose the best:

For raw cashews: Choose round, naturally off-white cashews with minimal breakage. Avoid ones that are soft, moldy, discolored, or have black spots.
For pre-roasted cashews: Buy from reputable brands like Kimmy Farm or Vinanuts. Taste a few kernels before committing to a large batch.

How to Store Garlic Chili Cashews

Garlic chili cashews are easy to find, but proper storage is crucial to maintain their texture and flavor.

Because the seasoning mix contains moisture and oil, these cashews tend to soften quickly. Whether homemade or store-bought, always store in vacuum-sealed bags or airtight glass jars. Keep in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and sunlight, which can significantly reduce quality. For best results, only buy or make small amounts at a time and consume them quickly while they’re still fresh and crunchy.

Kimmy Farm VN

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