Look for hoisin sauce and rice vinegar in the Asian foods section of your supermarket. Although ingredients vary, hoisin is generally made with soybeans, chiles, and spices. It’s used as a seasoning at the table and in cooking.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 4

　　1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes

　　1 tablespoon cornstarch

　　Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper

　　2 tablespoons vegetable oil

　　6 garlic cloves, minced

　　8 scallions, white and green parts separated, each cut into 1-inch pieces

　　2 tablespoons rice vinegar

　　3 tablespoons hoisin sauce

　　3/4 cup raw cashews (4 ounces), toasted (see note below)

　　White rice, for serving (optional)

　　

Step 1

In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with the cornstarch until the chicken is coated; season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

　　

Step 2

In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Cook half the chicken, tossing often, until browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

　　

Step 3

Add the remaining oil and chicken to the skillet along with the garlic and the white parts of the scallions. Cook, tossing often, until the chicken is browned, about 3 minutes. Return the first batch of chicken to the pan. Add the vinegar; cook until evaporated, about 30 seconds.

　　

Step 4

Add the hoisin sauce and 1/4 cup water; cook, tossing, until the chicken is cooked through, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Stir in the scallion greens and cashews. Serve immediately over white rice, if desired.

　　

Toasting Cashews

Step 5

Spread the cashews on a baking sheet, and toast in a 350°F oven until golden and fragrant, about 10 minutes.

　　Reprinted with permission from Everyday Food: Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2007 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine's editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.