Three Cup Chicken
三杯雞
- Country
- Taiwan
- Region
- Taiwan
- Recipes
- 3 Recipes
Dish information
Three Cup Chicken, or 'San Bei Ji' (三杯雞), is a celebrated Taiwanese dish renowned for its aromatic and rich flavor profile, derived from a harmonious balance of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine – the 'three cups' that give the dish its name, although modern recipes often use varying ratios and additional ingredients. While strongly associated with Taiwan, its culinary roots trace back to the Jiangxi province of China, and it was likely brought to Taiwan by soldiers or immigrants, where it was adapted and perfected into the beloved version known today. The preparation of San Bei Ji is distinctive. Typically, chicken pieces (often bone-in thighs or drumettes) are stir-fried vigorously in a wok with copious amounts of garlic, ginger, and basil leaves. The characteristic sauce, a blend of soy sauce for saltiness and umami, sesame oil for its nutty aroma, and rice wine for depth, is added and reduced until the chicken is deeply caramelized and coated in a thick, glossy glaze. The generous use of fresh basil towards the end of cooking imparts a unique, fragrant herbaceousness that is signature to the dish. San Bei Ji is a testament to the Taiwanese ability to transform simple ingredients into a complex flavor experience. It's often presented dramatically, sometimes even finished tableside in a clay pot or wok, allowing diners to fully appreciate its intoxicating aroma. Its popularity is undeniable, found on menus in Taiwanese restaurants worldwide. It's a dish that embodies Taiwanese home-style cooking – comforting, deeply flavorful, and designed to be savored, often served with steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. It represents a fusion of traditional Chinese cooking techniques with local Taiwanese ingredients and preferences, creating a dish that is both historically grounded and uniquely Taiwanese.
Timeline
Origins of 'San Bei' recipes can be traced to Jiangxi province, China.
Recipes similar to San Bei Ji begin appearing as Chinese immigrants settle in Taiwan.
The dish gains significant popularity in Taiwan, with adaptations emphasizing local ingredients like basil.
San Bei Ji becomes a standard fixture in Taiwanese restaurants and home cooking.
The dish achieves international acclaim as part of Taiwan's globally recognized cuisine.
