Spicy Lime Thai Cashew Nuts

Ingredients

• 16 oz cashews (whole, halves, or pieces; salted or unsalted; roasted or raw)
• 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2–3 limes)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 egg white
• 1 tbsp minced fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 fresh kaffir lime leaves, thinly chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp minced green onion (green part only)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Thai red chili powder, more or less to taste
• Salt to taste
• 4 kaffir lime leaves, whole
• 2 dried Thai chilies

Steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Preheat and prep

2. 2

   Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. 3

   Step 2: Mix the coating

4. 4

   In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 egg white, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Thai red chili powder, and salt to taste.

5. 5

   Stir in 1 tbsp minced fresh cilantro leaves, 1 tbsp minced green onion, and the chopped portion of the 6 fresh kaffir lime leaves.

6. 6

   Step 3: Coat the cashews

7. 7

   Add 16 oz cashews to the bowl and mix until every single one is coated. You want them glossy and evenly covered. No naked nuts left behind!

8. 8

   Step 4: Roast

9. 9

   Spread the coated cashews in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Tuck the remaining whole kaffir lime leaves among the nuts for extra aroma while baking.

10. 10

    Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and the coating has set and clung to the nuts.

11. 11

    Heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Fry the 4 whole kaffir lime leaves and 2 dried Thai chilies for 20–30 seconds until crisp and fragrant. Remove immediately and drain on paper towels. Once cool, lightly crush or break the lime leaves with your fingers and sprinkle over the cashews. Leave the chilies whole for a pretty presentation.

12. 12

    Thai whole dried chilies are very spicy! They’re mostly for aroma and visual garnish, but if someone loves heat, they can break off small pieces and eat them with the nuts.

13. 13

    Step 5: Cool and crisp

14. 14

    Remove from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. This is when they firm up and get that perfect crunch!

15. 15

    Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 to 2 weeks. For best texture and freshness, enjoy within the first week. But let’s be honest… they rarely last that long!