Authentic Taiwanese Three-Cup Chicken
Experience the rich and vibrant flavors of Taiwanese cuisine with this delectable Three-Cup Chicken recipe. This dish is beloved for its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic notes, making it a must-try for any food enthusiast. Originating from the streets of Taiwan, this homemade version captures the essence of this traditional favorite, with tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, fragrant sauce made from sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice wine. The generous use of garlic, ginger, and fresh Thai basil truly elevates the taste, providing an irresistible aroma that will have your guests asking for seconds. Serve this dish with steamed rice for a complete meal that evokes the warmth of a favorite Chinese restaurant in the comfort of your own home. Get ready to impress family and friends with this culinary gem!
4
Servings
450
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sesame oil
1/3 cup (none)
Garlic cloves
20 cloves (minced)
Fresh ginger
10 slices (thinly sliced)
Serrano peppers
2 (thinly sliced with seeds)
Chicken breasts or thighs
2 lbs (cut into bite-size pieces)
Soy sauce
1/3 cup (none)
Rice wine
1/3 cup (none)
Sugar
3 tablespoons (none)
Thai basil
2 cups (none)
Scallion
1 cup (cut into 1-inch sections)
Instructions
1
In a wok or large skillet, heat the sesame oil over high heat until it shimmers.
2
Add minced garlic, sliced ginger, and serrano peppers to the oil. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes or until fragrant.
3
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
5
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to low heat.
6
Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.
7
Raise the heat to high again, and stir in the Thai basil and scallions. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the basil wilts.
8
Serve immediately over steamed rice for a delightful and aromatic meal.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
15g
Carbs
35g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Taiwanese Three-Cup Chicken?
It is a classic Taiwanese dish featuring chicken coated in a rich, fragrant sauce made from sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice wine, accented with ginger, garlic, and Thai basil.
Why is it called Three-Cup Chicken?
The name originates from the traditional ratio of the sauce ingredients: one cup each of sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice wine.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
You can use either chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
How much chicken do I need?
This recipe requires 2 lbs of chicken breasts or thighs.
What are the three main liquids in the sauce?
The sauce is comprised of sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice wine.
How much sesame oil is used?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of sesame oil to provide a rich base and nutty flavor.
How much garlic is required?
This flavorful dish uses a generous 20 cloves of minced garlic.
How is the ginger prepared for this dish?
You should use 10 slices of fresh ginger, thinly sliced.
Are there peppers in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 thinly sliced Serrano peppers with seeds for a bit of heat.
What kind of basil should I use?
Thai basil is essential for this dish to achieve its authentic aromatic profile.
Can I substitute regular basil for Thai basil?
While regular basil can be used in a pinch, Thai basil provides a unique anise-like flavor that is central to the authentic taste.
How do I prepare the scallions?
The scallions should be cut into 1-inch sections before being added at the end of cooking.
What is the total simmering time?
The chicken should simmer uncovered for approximately 30 minutes.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 35 grams of protein in each of the 4 servings.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 30 grams of fat per serving, largely coming from the sesame oil and chicken.
What is the carbohydrate count?
Each serving contains 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, it uses 3 tablespoons of sugar to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
It is best served immediately over a bed of steamed rice.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
When do I add the Thai basil?
The Thai basil is added at the very end, once the heat is raised back to high, just until it wilts.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is heating the sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until it shimmers.
How long do I stir-fry the aromatics?
Stir-fry the garlic, ginger, and peppers for about 2 minutes or until they become fragrant.
Should the skillet be covered while simmering?
The instructions specify to let the chicken simmer uncovered to allow the sauce to thicken.
What type of rice wine is used?
Typically, Taiwanese or Chinese rice wine (Michiu) is used for an authentic flavor.
Can I make this in a regular skillet?
Yes, while a wok is traditional, a large skillet will work perfectly fine.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is no longer pink inside and has simmered in the sauce for about 30 minutes.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The 20 cloves of garlic should be minced.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is a beloved Taiwanese comfort food often enjoyed in homes and restaurants.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 10 primary ingredients, excluding the rice used for serving.