
Taiwanese 3-Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji)
User Reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
10 mins
-
Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4
-
Calories
442 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Appetizer

Taiwanese 3-Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji)
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A burst of umami greatness is the most accurate summary of this classic Taiwanese chicken dish. Simple to prepare and a visual and taste sensation to boot. Learn how to make my homespun version.
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Ingredients
- 3 tbsp sesame oil (dark, premium quality)
- 6 slices ginger (fresh)
- 6 garlic cloves (peeled and left whole)
- 2 dried red chillies (optional)
- 4 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp Shaoxing cooking wine
- pinch white pepper
- 1 bunch Thai basil leaves (removed from stem - stems discarded)
- 2.2 lb Chicken drummettes / wings combined (1kg)
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Instructions
- Over a high temperature, heat the sesame oil in a wok or Chinese clay pot until hot. Add the ginger, garlic and chillies and stir fry for 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken and stir fry for another 2-3 minutes to get the pan nice and hot again. Add ½ cup water, the dark soy, light soy, sugar, Shaoxing and pepper and stir well.
- Reduce the heat to low/medium, pop on a lid and let the chicken simmer gently for 20 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove the lid and turn up the heat to reduce the sauce, so that it’s rich, glossy and sticks to the meat. Then remove from the heat.
- Stir in the basil and let it wilt in the hot sauce before serving. Serve hot!
Notes
- Be prepared - Have all your ingredients at the ready, everything happens fast, so have it all at hand to avoid a frenzied search for anything.
- Be prepared - Have all your ingredients at the ready, everything happens fast, so have it all at hand to avoid a frenzied search for anything.
- Be prepared - Have all your ingredients at the ready, everything happens fast, so have it all at hand to avoid a frenzied search for anything.
- Change the chicken - Substitute chicken wings for thighs or legs. You will need to cook them for longer, so may need to splash in a little extra water. 25-30 minutes should be enough time.
- No Thai Basil? - Instead of Thai basil, use regular basil - you won't get the same fragrant basil experience, but it's pretty damn close.
- Serving
- Serving
- Pair it with plain boiled rice for a satisfying meal. I personally enjoy serving it as a delightful addition to a Chinese or Taiwanese feast. Alternatively, it can be served as a finger-licking snack or appetizer, standing alone. Simply place the bowl in the center of the table, and you'll witness it vanish within minutes.
- If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. They can be enjoyed either cold or gently heated in the microwave. While it is possible to freeze the leftovers, I would recommend consuming them soon after cooking for the best taste, so freezing may not be the ideal option in this case.
- Alternative cooking method.
- Alternative cooking method.
- Be prepared - Have all your ingredients at the ready, everything happens fast, so have it all at hand to avoid a frenzied search for anything.
- Change the chicken - Substitute chicken wings for thighs or legs. You will need to cook them for longer, so may need to splash in a little extra water. 25-30 minutes should be enough time.
- No Thai Basil? - Instead of Thai basil, use regular basil - you won't get the same fragrant basil experience, but it's pretty damn close.
- Pair it with plain boiled rice for a satisfying meal. I personally enjoy serving it as a delightful addition to a Chinese or Taiwanese feast. Alternatively, it can be served as a finger-licking snack or appetizer, standing alone. Simply place the bowl in the center of the table, and you'll witness it vanish within minutes.
- If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. They can be enjoyed either cold or gently heated in the microwave. While it is possible to freeze the leftovers, I would recommend consuming them soon after cooking for the best taste, so freezing may not be the ideal option in this case.
- I have also prepared this recipe using identical ingredients, but instead of cooking it on the stovetop, I opted for the oven method at a temperature of 200ºC/400ºF. To start, I combined all the ingredients, excluding the basil, and poured the mixture onto a baking sheet. I roasted it for approximately 30-40 minutes, turning it a few times throughout, until it achieved a sticky consistency. Finally, I added the basil, mixed it through, and served the dish.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
442kcal
(22%)
Carbohydrates
7g
(2%)
Protein
28g
(56%)
Fat
32g
(49%)
Saturated Fat
8g
(40%)
Cholesterol
104mg
(35%)
Sodium
1358mg
(57%)
Potassium
288mg
(8%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
370IU
(7%)
Vitamin C
3mg
(3%)
Calcium
31mg
(3%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 442 kcal
% Daily Value*
Calories | 442kcal | 22% |
Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
Protein | 28g | 56% |
Fat | 32g | 49% |
Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
Cholesterol | 104mg | 35% |
Sodium | 1358mg | 57% |
Potassium | 288mg | 6% |
Fiber | 1g | 4% |
Sugar | 3g | 6% |
Vitamin A | 370IU | 7% |
Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
Calcium | 31mg | 3% |
Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
6 reviews
Excellent
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