Three Cup Chicken

Three Cup Chicken Recipe from Taiwan with Basil and Ginger

Region / culture: Taiwan | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Three Cup Chicken is a traditional Taiwanese dish that gets its name from the three key ingredients used in the recipe: soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil. This flavorful and aromatic dish is a popular choice for family dinners and special occasions.

History

Three Cup Chicken has its origins in the Jiangxi province of China, where it was traditionally cooked in clay pots. The dish made its way to Taiwan during the Ming Dynasty and has since become a staple in Taiwanese cuisine. Over the years, different variations of the recipe have emerged, but the basic concept of using three key ingredients remains the same.

Ingredients

1 chicken breast
fresh basil leaves
ginger
6 cloves of garlic
0.25 cup of rice wine / rice vinegar
0.25 cup of soy sauce
0.25 cup of sesame oil
2 tbsp of sugar
a wok if available, or else use a frying pan.

How to prepare

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
Remove the basil leaves from the stem.
Slice the ginger root into approximately 12 slices, each about 0.17 inches thick.
Heat the wok.
Add sesame oil and ginger, and stir.
Allow the ginger slices to absorb most of the oil.
Add garlic and stir briefly.
Add the chicken, rice wine, and soy sauce. Stir until the chicken is cooked.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the wok, and occasionally stir to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Wait until the wok is almost dry, approximately 20 minutes.
Add the basil and stir for a quick moment. 5–10 seconds will suffice.
The dish is now ready to be served.

Variations

Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version of the dish.
Add chili peppers for a spicy kick.
Use different herbs like cilantro or mint for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Use fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor in the dish.

- Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent the chicken from sticking to the wok.

- Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference for sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Three Cup Chicken with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the chicken in a wok helps to lock in the flavors and create a delicious sauce.

- Covering the wok while cooking helps to retain the moisture in the chicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Replace sesame oil with olive oil for a lighter version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Three Cup Chicken can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Three Cup Chicken with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of pickled vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a wok or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 10g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin B6, niacin, and selenium.

Alergens

Contains soy and sesame oil. May contain traces of gluten.

Summary

Three Cup Chicken is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Three Cup Chicken is a delicious and aromatic dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With the right balance of ingredients and cooking techniques, you can enjoy this traditional Taiwanese dish in the comfort of your own home.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. Three Cup Chicken, a traditional Taiwanese dish that my friend Mei Lin had brought back from her travels. I had always been curious about Asian cuisine and this recipe seemed like the perfect way to explore new flavors and techniques.

Mei Lin had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. She described it as a simple yet flavorful dish, made with just three key ingredients - soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine. The combination of these ingredients created a rich and savory sauce that coated the tender pieces of chicken, making it a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.

I asked Mei Lin if she could teach me how to make Three Cup Chicken and she eagerly agreed. We spent an afternoon in my kitchen, chopping vegetables, marinating the chicken, and simmering the sauce until it had thickened and infused the meat with its delicious flavors. As we cooked, Mei Lin shared stories of her grandmother and the traditional dishes she had taught her to make.

I watched Mei Lin as she moved gracefully around the kitchen, her hands deftly chopping and stirring, her eyes focused on the pot simmering on the stove. I could see the love and care she put into each step of the cooking process, and I knew that this was a recipe that had been passed down with great reverence and respect.

When the dish was finally ready, we sat down to eat, savoring each bite and sharing our thoughts on the flavors and textures. The chicken was tender and juicy, the sauce rich and savory, and the vegetables added a fresh and crisp contrast. I could taste the history and tradition in each bite, and I felt a deep connection to the generations of women who had cooked this dish before me.

After that day, Three Cup Chicken became a regular staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home. Each time I made it, I would think of Mei Lin and her grandmother, and I would feel grateful for the gift of this recipe that had been passed down to me.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe slightly, adding my own personal touches and adaptations. I have experimented with different cuts of chicken, varying the proportions of the three key ingredients, and even adding my own favorite spices and seasonings. But no matter how much I change the recipe, the essence of Three Cup Chicken remains the same - a simple, comforting, and delicious dish that connects me to the rich culinary traditions of Taiwan.

I often wonder about the origins of this recipe, about the women who first created it and the stories behind its creation. I imagine them cooking in small kitchens, using simple ingredients to create dishes that brought joy and comfort to their families. I feel honored to be a part of this tradition, to continue the legacy of these women through my own cooking.

As I grow older, I realize the importance of preserving these recipes and passing them down to future generations. I have taught my own children how to make Three Cup Chicken, and I hope that they will continue to cook it for their own families one day. In this way, the recipe will live on, a symbol of the love, care, and tradition that has been passed down through the ages.

So, the next time you see a new recipe that piques your interest, don't hesitate to give it a try. You never know what culinary journey it might take you on, what stories it might reveal, and what connections it might help you forge. Cooking is not just about nourishing the body, but also about nourishing the soul, and there is no better way to do that than by sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. And for me, Three Cup Chicken will always be a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, our present, and our future.