Three Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji - 三杯鸡) 🐔
Traditional and iconic, Three Cup Chicken is a dish that carries the warmth of Taiwanese home cooking straight to your table. The name comes from the trio of flavors that define it: sesame oil, soy sauce, and Shaoxing rice wine — slowly simmered until they turn into a rich, glossy glaze. With fragrant ginger, garlic, and chili balancing the sweetness, and fresh basil added at the end, this comforting dish has been a family favorite for generations. Pair it with rice, and you’ll understand why it’s such a timeless classic!
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Cooking time: 20-30 minutes
Serves: 2-3 people
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 ginger (matchsticks shape)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 fresh red chili pepper
- 500g chicken thighs (in small blocks)
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1.5 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 cup Shaoxing rice wine
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Fresh Thai basil (optional, but highly recommended)
Instructions:
- Heat heaps of sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add in the ginger, garlic cloves, and chili, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the chicken thigh pieces and sear until golden brown on all sides.
- Pour in 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 1,5 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 cup Shaoxing wine, and 2 tbsp of sugar.
- Stir to combine.
- Lower the heat and simmer covered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces into a glossy coating.
- Optional: toss in a handful of Thai basil leaves at the end for extra aroma.
- Plate up, garnish with sesame seeds and our Crispy Chilli Oil, and serve hot with rice!