Three-Cup Chicken – Classic
This is the traditional, time-tested version of the dish. It stays true to its origins, using well-established techniques and ingredients that define its authentic flavor. A perfect starting point for exploring its evolution.
Three-Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji) is a traditional Taiwanese and Chinese dish renowned for its aromatic and savory allure. This dish gets its name from the equal parts of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine used in its preparation. Often enjoyed at family gatherings and festive occasions, Three-Cup Chicken is celebrated for its rich, caramelized sauce and tender chicken pieces. Its roots trace back to the Jiangxi province in China, but its popularity soared in Taiwan, where it’s now considered a quintessential part of Taiwanese home cooking.
Ingredients
- chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on – 1.5 lbs / 680 g
- sesame oil – 1/3 cup / 80 ml
- soy sauce – 1/3 cup / 80 ml
- Shaoxing rice wine – 1/3 cup / 80 ml
- garlic cloves, sliced – 12 cloves
- ginger, thinly sliced – 3 inches / 7.5 cm
- Thai basil leaves – 1 cup / 15 g
- sugar – 1 tablespoon / 15 g
- scallions, chopped – 3 stalks
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced ginger and garlic; sauté until aromatic but not burnt, about 2 minutes.
- Increase the heat to high, add chicken thighs skin-side down, and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Flip the chicken, add soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, and sugar. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
- Add Thai basil leaves and scallions. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Substitutions
- Shaoxing rice wine -> dry sherry or mirin
- Thai basil -> fresh cilantro or mint
- chicken thighs -> chicken breasts or drumsticks
Enhancements in the Next Evolution
- Marinate the chicken in a portion of the soy sauce and Shaoxing rice wine for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use less sugar or substitute with honey for a healthier option.
- Add red chili peppers for a hint of spice.
Curious to see how this dish evolves? Discover refined flavors and enhanced techniques in the next version.
