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Substitutes for Cashew Nut

Common substitutes for cashew nut are Almond, Cashew Butter, and Coconut Milk, with ratios below.

FatTextureThickener

Substitutes (11)

  • Almond

    Good fit

    1:1

    BakingSauteingFryingSlow CookGrillingSteamingRaw ColdDrinks

  • Cashew Butter

    Good fit

    1:1

    BakingSauteingSlow CookSteamingRaw ColdDrinks

  • Coconut Milk

    Good fit

    1:1

    BakingSauteingFryingSlow CookRaw ColdDrinks

  • Cream Cheese

    Good fit

    1 1/3:1

    BakingSauteingFryingSlow CookRaw ColdDrinks

  • Carrot

    Good fit

    1 1/3:1

    BakingSauteingFryingSlow CookRaw ColdDrinks

  • Bread Crumbs

    Okay with tweaks

    1 1/2:1

    BakingFryingSauteingSlow Cook

  • Tofu

    Okay with tweaks

    2:1

    BakingSauteingFryingSlow CookRaw ColdDrinks

  • Cheddar Cheese

    Okay with tweaks

    1 1/3:1

    BakingRaw ColdSauteingSlow Cook

  • Tahini

    Okay with tweaks

    3/4:1

    BakingSauteingSlow CookRaw ColdDrinks

  • Oat

    Stretch swap

    1:1

    BakingSauteingSlow CookSteaming

  • Olive Oil

    Stretch swap

    1/2:1

    BakingSauteingFryingSlow CookGrillingRaw Cold

FAQ

What else is Cashew Nut known as?

Cashew Nut is known as cashews, cashew, kaju, caju, cashew kernel, and cashew pieces.

What does Cashew Nut taste like?

Cashew Nut is strong on fat richness, light on sweetness, light on bitterness, and light on umami.

What is the texture like raw?
  • Firm, dense, slightly waxy bite with a mild sweet flavor.
  • Smooth curved shape, not as hard as almonds.
What is the texture like cooked?

Toasting turns it crisp and light golden with a deeper, sweeter, buttery flavor and crunch.

How is Cashew Nut used in recipes?

Cashew Nut is use whole or chopped in stir-fries, curries, granola, and baked goods. Toast them briefly; they go from sweet and crunchy to burnt fast. Soaked and blended, they turn creamy for sauces and dairy-free bases. Store sealed in the fridge or freezer so they don't go stale.

Does water content matter?

Cashew Nut has low water content. Doesn't add much moisture; batters may need liquid elsewhere.

Does Cashew Nut brown or caramelize?

Yes. Cashew Nut sweetens and browns when heated.

What is the smoke point of Cashew Nut?

Cashew Nut starts smoking around 200°C, which is useful for frying.

Cooking methods

Works well

  • Baking

    Toasts well in cookies, granola, and cakes. Browns fast past 180C, so watch closely near the end.

  • Sauteing

    Toast in a dry pan or with a little oil over medium heat, stirring often to avoid scorching.

  • Frying

    Fries up crisp and golden fast. Watch closely, it goes from toasted to burnt in seconds.

  • Slow Cook

    Holds shape and softens slightly. Add near the end so it doesn't turn mushy or lose crunch.

  • Grilling

    Not typical on the grill directly, but works skewered or in foil packets with vegetables.

  • Steaming

    Rarely steamed. Softens without browning, loses the toasted flavor that makes cashews worth using.

  • Raw Cold

    Crunchy and mild raw. Good in salads, trail mixes, or blended into no-cook sauces.

  • Drinks

    Blends smooth into plant milks and creamy cocktail bases once soaked and pureed.