Thai Fried Cashews
Any nut lovers out there?
I’ve got a killer recipe for you today, if you’re a fan of cashews, Thai food, and lots and lots of flavor.
This recipe is inspired by an appetizer I had at Chiang Mai Thai in Uptown, Minneapolis. Sadly, the restaurant closed. But I’ve managed to come up with a suitable copycat recipe for their fried cashews.
About The Recipe
I’m going to warn you now: These cashews are addicting. And they’re super easy to make:
- First, they’re fried in coconut oil until toasted golden brown.
- Then they’re flavored Thai-style (with lime juice, hot pepper, and fish sauce (don’t skip it!))
I recommend eating them warm, right out of the skillet. But you could certainly eat them the next day (or the day after that). However, these won’t last forever, since they’re cooked with some liquids.
But in all likelihood, they won’t last that long.
Money-Saving Tip
Some grocery stores sell cashew pieces in addition to whole cashews. These are usually cheaper, since the nuts aren’t in tact. If you’re not into perfection, buy the cashew pieces. I bought mine at Trader Joe’s.
More Recipes For Nibblers (You Know Who You Are!)
- Roasted kidney bean and chickpea trail mix
- Indian spiced bar mix
- Honey-roasted garbanzo beans
- Pecan, grape, and blue cheese bites
- Roasted edamame
Like what you see? Follow along on Instagram for recipe sneak peeks and other good stuff.

Thai Fried Cashews
These nuts are paleo-friendly, gluten free, grain free, and sugar free. Indulge and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cashew pieces
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- Juice from 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons togarashi spice (or other hot pepper powder)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine lime juice, fish sauce, and togarashi spice.
- Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add cashews and stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes, until cashews are golden brown. Turn heat off.
- Pour lime mixture into hot skillet and stir to evenly distribute. Remove cashews from skillet and place on a baking sheet to cool slightly. Eat warm from the skillet (preferred) or once they have cooled.
I am not a big fan of fish sauce, but I am thinking I could substitute another type….I love cashews, so would like to try some kind of variation on this! Great idea!
I would recommend subbing soy sauce. It won’t taste the same, but it will still be good!
My hubby loves cashews so I have to try this. My only problem is that he’s allergic to seafood. Do you know of anything I could try instead of the fish sauce?
My husband loves cashews as well and really likes anything spicy. Pinning to make this for him. Thanks for the recipe.
Super! I hope he likes them 🙂
I love cashews but usually just eat them plain! Your way sounds delicious…I’ll have to give it a try!
These look scrumptious!Â
cashews are addicting! Love them! Great idea and love this recipe. I need to try this.
Let me know if you do!
Yum! We are always looking for Paleo snacks to make at home. Thanks for the recipe!
These look so good. And so easy! I really can’t wait to try them. Thai inspired foods are my fav!
I am frantically searching for the Thai name for the cashews fried with Kaffir lime chilli and sugar…does anyone know the name…I have forgotten it.?
My wife and I were reminiscing about this appetizer at Chang Mai Thai yesterday! Â Thanks to google, I can try to replicate it at home- thanks for posting!
Ahhh, awesome! I hope you like it. I miss Chang Mai Thai too!
Hello. My husband and I recently returned from SE Asia and miss the cashew nuts we ate at numerous restaurants and bars. For your recipe, do you use refined or unrefined coconut oil?Â
Thank you for helping us bring a bit of Chiang Mai to Portland Oregon.
I used refined coconut oil – just the kind you buy at ALDI for this recipe. Hope that helps!