Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken
Three cup chicken (三杯鸡) is one of the most classic Taiwanese recipes, one that I never miss out whenever I eat out at Taiwanese restaurants.
I love Taiwanese food — unpretentious, humble, and homey dishes that score high on yum-o-meter.
Taiwanese food is basically Chinese food with local influences, slightly different cooking methods, local adaptations and variations.
Many Taiwanese dishes remind me of Chinese-Malaysian food, not due to proximity but the origin of such dishes from Fujian province where many early immigrants settled in Taiwan and Malaysia/Singapore.
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Why is it called Three Cup Chicken?
The name “three cup chicken” (三杯鸡) comes from the three key ingredients: sesame oil, Chinese rice wine, and soy sauce. “Cups” refer to the equal ratio instead of literal measurement.
A true and authentic Taiwanese three cup chicken calls for basil leaves, the soul of the dish that lends an exotic aroma and minty nuance to the taste.
Taiwanese also love their “three cup” recipe, for example three cup squid (三杯小卷). Both are equally delectable.
Here is my three cup chicken recipe, adapted to my personal liking. I especially love the sauce with steamed white rice. It’s wonderful!
What Dishes to Serve with this Recipe?
This meal is best served as an entree.
For a wholesome meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes.
How Many Calories Per Serving?
This recipe is only 308 calories per serving.
Pairs well with:
Three Cup Chicken Recipe (三杯鸡)
Taiwanese 3-cup chicken - delicious comfort food made with ginger, garlic, chicken and soy sauce, with basil leaves.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon baking soda to tenderize the chicken, (optional)
- 2 tablespoons dark sesame oil or toasted sesame oil
- 2- inch piece old ginger, peeled and cut into thin pieces
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dark sweet soy sauce, kecap manis
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
- 1 bunch Thai basil leaves
Directions
- 1
Cut the chicken into pieces and rub them with the baking soda. Set aside for 10 minutes before rinsing the chicken off with water. Make sure the baking soda is completely rinsed off. Pat dry the chicken pieces and set aside.
- 2
Heat up a claypot on high heat and add the dark sesame oil. Add the ginger, garlic, and stir-fry until aromatic. Add in the chicken and do a few quick stirs. Add the soy sauce, dark sweet soy sauce, Shaoxing wine and continue to stir-fry the chicken. Cover the chicken and lower the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Add the basil leaves and stir well with the chicken, dish out and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
This recipe calls for dark sesame oil or toasted sesame oil, which is different from regular sesame oil. Dark sesame oil is a lot more expensive but the flavor is more intense and with a stronger toasted sesame fragrance. You can skip the first step of tenderizing the chicken with baking soda. I personally like it because it makes the chicken so tender. If you don't have a claypot, you can use a regular wok or pan to make this dish.
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Charis
I like the simple and easy to understand instructions ?
Rasa Malaysia
Awesome!
Soh hui
Can I use chinese dark soya sauce instead of kecap mains?
Rasa Malaysia
Yes you can but you can add a little bit for color, and add just a wee bit sugar as Chinese dark soy sauce is very salty.
Cheok
Thank you for the recipe. Do I have to add some water or stock at all? Or is this a dish without gravy?
Rasa Malaysia
You don’t have to add water but you can add a little bit if you like.