San Bei Ji

San Bei Ji Recipe - Hong Kong Chicken Dish with Sesame Oil and Soy Sauce

Region / culture: Hong Kong | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

San Bei Ji, also known as Three Cup Chicken, is a popular Taiwanese dish that is loved for its flavorful and aromatic taste. The name "San Bei Ji" refers to the three key ingredients used in the dish - sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice wine. This dish is simple to make yet packed with bold flavors that will surely satisfy your taste buds.

History

San Bei Ji has its origins in Taiwan and is believed to have been created by the Hakka people, an ethnic group with a rich culinary tradition. The dish has since become a staple in Taiwanese cuisine and is enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients

1 piece (approximately 300 g) chicken
10 slices ginger
some minced red pepper
1 stalk of chopped spring onion
10 slices of sliced garlic

Sauce

1 cup black sesame oil
1 cup light soy sauce
1 cup rice wine
2 tbsp sugar

How to prepare

Wash the chicken and remove all internal organs, then cut it into small pieces.
Heat the wok and pour in the black sesame oil. Boil it over high heat.
Add ginger, garlic, spring onion, and red pepper to the heated oil.
Pour in the chicken and stir fry it well. Add light soy sauce and continue stir frying.
Add rice wine and sugar, stir fry well, then cover the lid.
Cook over medium heat until the liquid is almost dry. Dish up and serve.

Variations

Substitute chicken with pork or tofu for a different twist.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the chicken into small pieces to ensure that it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.

- Stir fry the chicken over high heat to seal in the juices and create a nice caramelization on the outside.

- Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become tough and dry.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper according to your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve San Bei Ji hot with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir frying, braising

Ingredient Substitutions

Canola oil or vegetable oil can be used instead of sesame oil.

- Tamari or coconut aminos can be used in place of soy sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

San Bei Ji can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh cilantro or sesame seeds for a pop of color and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair San Bei Ji with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed bok choy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 10g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

San Bei Ji is a good source of iron, vitamin B6, and niacin.

Alergens

Contains soy and sesame oil.

Summary

San Bei Ji is a balanced dish that provides a good amount of protein and healthy fats. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a nutritious choice for a satisfying meal.

Summary

San Bei Ji is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its rich flavors and tender chicken, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for San Bei Ji. It was a warm summer day in my small village in Taiwan, and I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. She had been preparing a special meal for a family gathering, and I remember peeking over her shoulder as she carefully measured out the ingredients for this flavorful dish.

As I watched her work, I couldn't help but be amazed by her skill and precision in the kitchen. She moved with such grace and confidence, effortlessly blending the fragrant spices and seasonings together to create a dish that was both delicious and comforting. I knew then and there that I wanted to learn everything I could from her, to soak up every bit of knowledge and wisdom she had to offer.

My mother smiled warmly at me as she noticed my fascination with her cooking, and she beckoned me closer to her side. "Come, my child," she said, "I will teach you the secrets of San Bei Ji. It is a dish that has been passed down through generations in our family, and now it is time for you to learn the recipe."

And so, my mother began to teach me the art of making San Bei Ji. She explained that the name of the dish translates to "three cup chicken" in English, referring to the three key ingredients used in the recipe - soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine. These three ingredients, she told me, were the foundation of the dish, giving it its distinctive flavor and aroma.

As she guided me through each step of the recipe, I listened intently, soaking up every detail and technique she shared with me. I watched as she marinated the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine, allowing the flavors to meld together and infuse the meat with richness and depth.

Next, she showed me how to stir-fry the marinated chicken in a hot wok, adding fresh ginger, garlic, and green onions to create a fragrant base for the dish. The sizzle of the ingredients as they hit the hot pan filled the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that made my stomach growl with anticipation.

As the chicken cooked, my mother explained the importance of patience and attention to detail in cooking. She showed me how to adjust the heat of the wok, how to toss the ingredients with precision, and how to taste and season the dish to perfection. With each passing moment, I felt my confidence in the kitchen grow, my hands moving with a newfound sense of skill and purpose.

Finally, as the dish came together, my mother plated the San Bei Ji with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of extra sesame oil for added flavor. The sight of the dish before me filled me with pride and joy, knowing that I had helped create something so delicious and beautiful.

As we sat down to enjoy the meal together, my mother smiled at me with a twinkle in her eye. "You have done well, my child," she said. "You have learned the recipe for San Bei Ji, a dish that has been cherished in our family for generations. Remember these lessons, and pass them on to future generations so that our family's culinary traditions may live on."

And so, from that moment on, San Bei Ji became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I made the dish for family gatherings, shared it with friends, and taught the recipe to my own children and grandchildren. Each time I prepare San Bei Ji, I am reminded of the lessons my mother taught me, the love and care she poured into every dish she made, and the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with those you hold dear.

In this way, the recipe for San Bei Ji has become more than just a dish to me - it is a symbol of family, tradition, and the enduring power of food to bring us together. And as I continue to cook and share this beloved recipe, I know that the spirit of my mother and all those who came before her live on in every bite.