Are you ready to elevate your culinary skills with a dish that is tender, saucy, and unbelievably good? Look no further than 3 Cup Chicken! This traditional Taiwanese dish is packed with flavor and will leave your taste buds craving more. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect 3 Cup Chicken.

What is 3 Cup Chicken?

3 Cup Chicken, also known as San Bei Ji, is a classic Taiwanese dish that gets its name from the key ingredients used in the recipe – soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine. The combination of these three essential sauces creates a rich and savory flavor profile that is sure to delight your palate.
This dish is typically made with bone-in chicken pieces, fresh ginger, garlic, and a handful of fresh basil leaves to add a touch of freshness to the dish. The chicken is simmered in the flavorful sauce until it becomes tender and juicy, creating a mouthwatering meal that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

The History Behind 3 Cup Chicken

The origins of 3 Cup Chickencan be traced back to the Jiangxi province in China. Legend has it that a well-known military leader cooked this dish using equal parts of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine, hence the name “3 Cup Chicken”. The recipe then made its way to Taiwan, where it became a staple in Taiwanese cuisine.

How to Make 3 Cup Chicken

Now that you know the history behind 3 Cup Chicken, let’s dive into how you can make this delectable dish in your own kitchen. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs bone-in chicken pieces
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sesame oil
• 1/4 cup rice wine
• 5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Handful of fresh basil leaves
• Scallions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine, and sugar.
2. Heat some oil in a pan and add the garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and brown on all sides.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and bring to a simmer.
5. Cover and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
6. Add the fresh basil leaves and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Garnish with scallions and serve hot with steamed rice.

Where to Find 3 Cup Chicken

If you’re not in the mood to cook, you can always head to your local Taiwanese restaurant to get your fix of 3 Cup Chicken. This dish is a popular menu item at many Taiwanese eateries and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. You can also try making a reservation at a traditional Taiwanese restaurant for an authentic dining experience.
In conclusion, 3 Cup Chicken is a must-try dish for anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons. Its rich and savory flavors, tender chicken, and aromatic basil leaves make it a standout dish in Taiwanese cuisine. Whether you decide to make it at home or dine out at a Taiwanese restaurant, you’re in for a treat with this classic dish. So why wait? Dive into the world of 3 Cup Chicken and experience a taste sensation like no other!