The first recipe of the Chinese version blog featuring recipes tasted during the trip to China in December 2023 is San bei ji, also known as “three-cup chicken”.
A popular dish in Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine.
The name refers to the unit of the recipe used to prepare it (for very large quantities of chicken): one cup each of the three ingredients that make up the sauce: rice wine, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
It has become a standard menu item in Taiwanese restaurants and has inspired all sorts of variations, the most common being squid or cuttlefish braised in three cups.
But the chicken is the classic version, and to make it authentic, it would traditionally be cooked in a traditional earthenware pot.
A true and authentic Taiwanese three-cup chicken requires Thai basil leaves, the soul of the dish that gives the taste an exotic aroma and a hint of mint.
In the photo, the one tasted in Shanghai at the restaurant “Grandmother” near the Bund.
It somewhat reminds of why Pound Cake is called that way: made with a pound (equal to 450 grams) of each ingredient, namely: flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. Without yeast.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 10 Minutes
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4 people
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken with skin
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 4 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons rice wine
- to taste fresh ginger
- 12 cloves garlic
- 2 bunches Thai basil
Tools
- 1 Pot earthenware
Steps
Cut the chicken into pieces and rub them with baking soda.
Set aside for 10 minutes before rinsing the chicken with water.
Heat an earthenware pot over high heat (or a wok) and add the sesame oil.
Add the ginger, garlic and stir-fry.
Then add the chicken and stir quickly.
Add the soy sauce and Shaoxing wine and continue to stir-fry the chicken.
Cover with the lid, reduce the heat and let it cook for 5-10 minutes.
Add the basil leaves and serve immediately.
FAQ
What kind of basil is Thai basil?
Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) is a spicy basil flavored with anise and licorice, also known as horapa in the Thai language.
