Three Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji) – Taiwanese Braised Chicken with Basil

Three Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji) is a classic Taiwanese dish that’s beloved for its rich, savory-sweet flavor and aromatic finish. Named for the traditional “three cups” of key ingredients—sesame oil, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine—this dish features tender chicken pieces braised in a deeply flavorful sauce with garlic, ginger, and a touch of chili.

The magic happens when the sauce reduces and clings to the chicken, creating a glossy, caramelized coating packed with umami. Fresh Thai basil (or scallions) added at the end brings a fragrant, herbal lift that balances the richness of the sauce.

Perfect served with steamed rice, Three Cup Chicken is both comforting and impressive—a simple dish that delivers bold, authentic Taiwanese flavor at home.

Quick Tips:

- Use bone-in chicken pieces for maximum flavor.

- Simmer slowly to let the sauce penetrate and thicken.

- Adjust chili to taste for mild or spicy heat.

Ingredients:

- 35 ml sesame oil

- 10-15 slices ginger

- 10-15 cloves garlic

- 1 dried chili, halved

- 800g chicken wings or other chicken pieces

- 60 ml warm water

- 60 ml Shaoxing wine

- 20 ml dark soy sauce

- 20 ml light soy sauce

- 10 g brown sugar

- 1/2 tsp white pepper

- Small bunch of Thai basil leaves or 2 scallions, cut into 2-inch/5cm lengths

Instructions:

1. Infuse the Oil with Aromatics:

   - Heat sesame oil and vegetable oil in a wok over medium heat.

   - Add ginger slices, garlic cloves, and dried chili to the oil.

   - Let the aromatics infuse the oil for a couple of minutes until fragrant.

2. Sear the Chicken:

   - Increase the heat to high and add the chicken to the wok in a single layer.

   - Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

   - In a small bowl, mix warm water, Shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, brown sugar, and white pepper.

   - Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the wok.

4. Simmer the Chicken:

   - Stir the chicken to coat it in the sauce.

   - Cover the wok, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 15 minutes to cook the chicken through. If you prefer more tender chicken, simmer for 20 minutes.

5. Reduce the Sauce:

   - Remove the cover and turn up the heat to high to rapidly reduce the sauce.

   - Stir the chicken occasionally during this process to prevent burning.

   - Continue cooking until the sauce clings to the chicken, giving it a rich, dark color.

6. Add Thai Basil or Scallions:

   - Toss in the Thai basil leaves and/or scallions.

   - Stir-fry for another minute until the greens are wilted.

7. Serve:

   - Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.

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Chicken-Filled Baked Buns

A simple recipe for soft steamed buns filled with juicy chicken seasoned with gochujang — the Korean chili paste that adds a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and depth of flavor. These are perfect as a snack or light meal.

Ingredients:

Buns:

- 270 g bread flour

- 5g instant yeast or active dry yeast

- ½ tsp salt

- 1 tbsp sugar

- 15 g oil

- 170 ml warm water

Filling:

- 350g chicken meat

- 2 tbsp gochujang paste

- Salt, pepper to taste

- 10ml Sesame oil

Glaze:

- 1 tsp honey + 1 tsp water

Garnish:

- white sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:

- Cut the chicken meat into small cubes.

- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the filling ingredients.

- Cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Prepare the Dough:

  - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

  - Add oil and warm water.

  - Use a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment to knead the dough until smooth and not sticky.

- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

3. Wrapping

- Divide the filling into equal portions.

- Preheat oven to 200°C.

- Flatten the risen dough to remove air and divide it into six equal pieces. Work with one piece at a time, keeping the rest covered.

- Roll into a round circle about 6-7 inches in diameter.

- Place one portion of filling in the center of the dough circle.

- Gather the edges of the dough to pinch and seal. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

- Place the wrapped buns seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

- Brush the tops of the buns with the honey-water mixture, then gently dip them or sprinkle them with sesame seeds.

4. Baking

- Place the baking sheet in preheated oven. 

- Bake for 20 minutes or until the buns are golden brown and the meat filling is cooked through.

- Remove from the oven and transfer the buns to a cooling rack. Serve warm.

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Taiwanese Garlic Chicken Soup

In Chinese cooking, soups are more than just appetizers – they’re nourishing tonics meant to balance the body and bring comfort to the soul. One of the simplest yet most beloved is garlic chicken soup, a dish often enjoyed at home during the cooler months or when someone needs a gentle boost of energy.

Generous amounts of garlic are added – sometimes left whole, sometimes lightly crushed – releasing a mellow sweetness as they cook. The broth is often enhanced with ginger, goji berries, red dates, or a splash of Shaoxing wine, ingredients that not only add depth but are also prized in Chinese tradition for their health benefits.

Served on its own or with a side of rice, Chinese garlic chicken soup is the kind of dish that speaks to the heart – simple, healing, and deeply nourishing.

Ingredients

- 500 g chicken (thighs or drumsticks)

- 200 g garlic cloves (whole, peeled — or more if you're a garlic lover!)

- 1.5 L water or chicken broth

- 1–2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

- Black pepper, to taste

- 1 tbsp sesame oil

- A few slices of fresh ginger

Instructions

1. Pre-boil the Chicken (Optional but recommended):

- Bring a pot of water to a boil. 

- Add the chicken and boil for 2–3 minutes to remove impurities. 

- Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

- Heat the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. 

- Add the garlic cloves and ginger slices.

- Sauté gently for 2–3 minutes until fragrant, stirring often - be careful not to let the garlic brown.

3. Simmer the Soup:

- Add the pre-boiled chicken back to the pot.

- Pour in the water or chicken broth.

- Season with salt, pepper, and more ginger or herbs if desired.

- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is fall-apart tender and the garlic is soft and mellow.

4. Finishing Touches:

- Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it if desired, and return it to the soup.

- Taste and adjust seasoning.

- For a deeper garlic flavor, mash some of the softened garlic cloves directly into the broth.

- Serve hot with rice, noodles, or crusty bread.

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Gochujang Chicken Dumplings

These dumplings combine the bold, spicy flavors of gochujang (Korean red chili paste) with tender chicken, wrapped in delicate dumpling wrappers and steamed to perfection. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or main course, these dumplings are packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying.

These Gochujang Chicken Steamed Dumplings offer a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors, bringing Korean-inspired flair to a classic dish!

Ingredients (16-20 Dumplings): 

For the Wrappers:

- 150g all-purpose flour

- 90ml hot water

- Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

- 300g chicken breast

- 1 tablespoon sesame oil

- 2 tablespoons gochujang paste

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

- 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:

- Place the chicken breast in a pot, cover with water, and cook until fully cooked through.

- Shred the chicken using two forks, then add sesame oil, gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. 

- Mix until well combined.

2. Prepare the Dough:

- In a medium bowl, combine the flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add hot water while mixing with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms.

- Knead the dough for 4-5 minutes until smooth.

- Place the dough in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

3. Roll the Dough:

- After resting, divide the dough into 16-20 equal parts. Lightly dust each piece with cornstarch.

- Roll each portion into a small circle, about 6-7 cm in diameter. Dust with cornstarch as needed to prevent sticking.

4. Assemble the Dumplings:

- Place a tablespoon of the chicken filling in the center of each wrapper.

- Pleat the edges of the wrappers around the filling to seal the dumplings.

- Arrange the formed dumplings on a plate lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

5. Steam the Dumplings:

- Bring a pot of water to a boil. 

- Place the dumplings in the steamer, cover, and steam for 10 minutes.

- Once cooked, carefully remove the lid to release the steam.

- Serve hot with soy sauce on the side.

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Thai-style Basil Chicken

Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) is a classic Thai stir-fry dish made with minced or thinly sliced chicken, stir-fried with garlic, chilies, and plenty of fresh Thai basil leaves. The dish is seasoned with a savory and slightly spicy sauce, typically made from soy sauce, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar. The combination of the peppery, anise-like flavor of Thai basil and the heat from the chilies makes this dish fragrant and flavorful. It's usually served over rice and often topped with a fried egg.

Ingredients

- 400g chicken breast

- 10ml oil

- 6 cloves of garlic, chopped

- 3-4 chillies, chopped (adjust according to your spice preference)

- 15g brown sugar

- 15ml dark soy sauce

- 20ml fish sauce

- 20ml oyster sauce

- Handful of Thai basil leaves

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients:

   - Chop the garlic cloves and chillies.

   - Measure out the brown sugar, dark soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce.

   - Rinse the Thai basil leaves and set aside.

   - Cut the chicken into cubes or strips. 

2. Stir-Fry:

   - Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.

   - Add the chopped garlic and chillies to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.

3. Cook Meat:

   - Add the chicken to the wok and stir-fry, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.

4. Add Seasonings:

   - Sprinkle the brown sugar over the cooked chicken and stir to combine.

   - Pour in the dark soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce, stirring well to coat the meat evenly with the sauces.

5. Cook Basil:

   - Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauces are well incorporated, add the Thai basil leaves to the wok.

   - Stir-fry for another minute or two until the basil leaves are wilted and fragrant.

6. Serve:

   - Remove the wok from the heat and transfer the spicy Thai basil chicken stir-fry to a serving dish.

   - Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

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Taiwanese Sesame Oil Chicken Soup - Mayou Ji 麻油雞湯

Taiwanese sesame oil chicken soup, known as "máyóu jī" (麻油雞), is a traditional Taiwanese dish celebrated for its warming and nourishing qualities. It typically features chicken pieces simmered in a fragrant broth made with sesame oil, rice wine, and ginger. The soup is known for its rich, aromatic flavor, combining the nuttiness of sesame oil with the heat of ginger and the depth of rice wine. Often enjoyed during colder months or as a postpartum recovery food, it is both comforting and invigorating.

Ingredients

- 600-700g chicken meat

- 20ml black sesame oil

- 40g ginger, with skin on, cut into thick slices 

- 150 ml rice wine (mijiu)

- 10 grams sugar

- 500ml water

- Salt, to taste

- 1 scallion, julienned

- 15g goji berries 

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   - Rinse the chicken legs thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

2. Cook the Ginger:

   - Heat a wok or a thick-bottomed pot over high heat until it starts to smoke slightly.

   - Turn the heat down to medium, wait a couple of seconds, and then add the black sesame oil along with the sliced ginger.

   - Cook for about 2 minutes until the ginger is fragrant and slightly caramelized.

3. Sear the Chicken:

   - Turn the heat back up to high.

   - Add the chicken legs to the wok or pot, searing them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Brown the chicken on all sides.

4. Add Liquid and Simmer:

   - Once the chicken legs are browned, reduce the heat to medium. Add the rock sugar, and water to the pot.

   - Cover the pot and let it simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes. The soup should be bubbling gently but not boiling. This will cook the chicken thoroughly and intensify the flavor of the soup without reducing the liquid too much.

5. Finish and Serve:

   - After 30 minutes, check if the chicken legs are tender. If not, simmer for a few more minutes until they are.

   - Add goji berries with alcohol, cook for 5 more minutes. 

   - Season the soup with salt to taste and more dark sesame oil.

   - When serving, garnish with julienned scallions.

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Bao Zi - Steamed Buns With Gochujang Chicken Filling

Steamed buns, are a type of filled bun or bread-like dumpling in various Asian cuisines. They are a popular breakfast item and can be found in dim sum restaurants, street food stalls, and home kitchens. Baozi can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including meats, vegetables, and sweet fillings. 

This time with a Korean-style filling—gochujang chicken. The filling is a bit spicy, perfect for me, but you can adjust the gochujang paste to suit your taste.

It's a good way to use up any leftover meat, for example, from chicken soup.

Ingredients (10 Buns)

Dough:

- 4g active dry yeast

- 10g granulated sugar 

- 175 ml lukewarm water 

- 290 g bread flour

Filling:

- 350g boneless, skinless chicken thighs / breast 

- 1 tablespoon sesame oil

- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced

- 2 tablespoons gochujang paste

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

- 3 tablespoons honey

Sauce:

- 1 tablespoon chili oil

- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

- 2 scallions (spring onions), finely sliced

- Fresh cilantro (coriander)

Instructions

1. Make the Chicken:

   - Cook, bake, fry, or use leftover chicken meat, according to your preference.

   - Let the meat cool and then shred it with forks.

   - Add all the seasonings and stir until combined.

2. Make the Dough:

   - Combine flour, yeast, salt, and water. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until soft and smooth.

   - Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let the dough rest for an hour.

   - Once risen, deflate and divide the dough into 10 pieces.

   - Roll each piece into a ball, flatten, and use a rolling pin to roll into 10cm circles.

   - Place chicken filling in the center, pleat, and seal.

   - Lay the buns on parchment paper, keep distance to prevent sticking together.

3. Steam the Buns:

   - Rest the buns, covered, for 30 minutes.

   - Steam over boiling water for 10 minutes until puffed.

   - Let rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to prevent collapsing.

4. Serve:

   - Garnish with chili oil, sesame seeds, scallions, and cilantro if desired.

   - Freeze leftover buns and steam to heat them up when desired.

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Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken - Sanbeiji 三杯雞

Three Cup Chicken, or "San Bei Ji 三杯雞" in Mandarin, is a popular Taiwanese dish known for its rich and aromatic flavors. The name "Three Cup" refers to the trio of key ingredients used in the dish: soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine.

The chicken, typically cut into bite-sized pieces, is cooked in a flavorful sauce made by simmering the key ingredients along with garlic, ginger, and sometimes basil leaves. The sauce caramelizes during cooking, creating a slightly sweet and savory flavor profile with a hint of nuttiness from the sesame oil.

Three Cup Chicken is often served hot and garnished with fresh basil leaves for added aroma and flavor. It's commonly enjoyed as a main dish alongside steamed rice or other side dishes in Taiwanese cuisine. The dish's rich and comforting taste makes it a favorite in both home-cooked meals and restaurant menus throughout Taiwan and beyond.

Ingredients

- 20 ml sesame oil

- 20 ml vegetable oil

- 10-15 slices ginger

- 10-15 cloves garlic

- 1 dried chili, halved

- 800g chicken wings or other chicken pieces

- 60 ml warm water

- 60 ml Shaoxing wine

- 20 ml dark soy sauce

- 20 ml light soy sauce

- 10 g brown sugar

- 1/2 tsp white pepper

- Small bunch of Thai basil leaves or 2 scallions, cut into 2-inch/5cm lengths

Instructions

1. Infuse the Oil with Aromatics:

   - Heat sesame oil and vegetable oil in a wok over medium heat.

   - Add ginger slices, garlic cloves, and dried chili to the oil.

   - Let the aromatics infuse the oil for a couple of minutes until fragrant.

2. Sear the Chicken:

   - Increase the heat to high and add the chicken to the wok in a single layer.

   - Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

   - In a small bowl, mix warm water, Shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, brown sugar, and white pepper.

   - Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the wok.

4. Simmer the Chicken:

   - Stir the chicken to coat it in the sauce.

   - Cover the wok, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 15 minutes to cook the chicken through. If you prefer more tender chicken, simmer for 20 minutes.

5. Reduce the Sauce:

   - Remove the cover and turn up the heat to high to rapidly reduce the sauce.

   - Stir the chicken occasionally during this process to prevent burning.

   - Continue cooking until the sauce clings to the chicken, giving it a rich, dark color.

6. Add Thai Basil or Scallions:

   - Toss in the Thai basil leaves and/or scallions.

   - Stir-fry for another minute until the greens are wilted.

7. Serve:

   - Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.

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Taiwanese Herbal Chicken Soup

This Taiwanese-style herbal chicken soup is a comforting and nourishing dish, perfect for boosting your energy and warming you up on a chilly day. Made with simple ingredients and traditional Chinese herbs, it's both flavorful and easy to prepare.  

Commonly used herbs include goji berries (枸杞), red dates (紅棗), angelica root (當歸), and astragalus (黃耆). These herbs are known for their health benefits and add depth to the soup.  

It's a comforting and nourishing dish that combines chicken with a variety of traditional Chinese herbs and ingredients. This soup is believed to have health benefits, particularly in boosting the immune system, enhancing vitality, and promoting overall wellness. Just as sesame oil chicken soup, it's commonly enjoyed in Chinese cuisine, especially during colder months or when one is feeling under the weather.

Ingredients

- 600g chicken meat (preferably bone-in for richer flavor)

- 8-10 dried shitake mushrooms

- 6-8 dried red dates

- 1 tbsp goji berries

- A few smaller pieces or 1-2 larger pieces of Dang Gui (Angelica Root)

- A few smaller pieces or 1-2 larger pieces of Huang Qi (Astragalus Root)

- Salt, to taste

- Soy sauce, to taste

- Water (enough to cover the meat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   - Boil a pot of water.

   - Add the chicken pieces and blanch for 2-3 minutes to remove impurities.

   - Drain the chicken and discard the blanching water.

2. Make the Soup:

   - In a clean pot, add the blanched chicken, dried mushrooms, dates, goji berries, Dang Gui, and Huang Qi.

   - Season with salt.

   - Pour enough water to fully cover the ingredients.

3. Cook the Soup:

   - Bring to a boil over high heat.

   - Once boiling, reduce to low heat, cover with a lid, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours.

   - Adjust seasoning with soy sauce and more salt if needed.

4. Serve:

   - Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. 

Tips:

- The longer you simmer the soup, the richer the flavor will be. However, be careful not to overcook as the chicken may become too soft.

- You can add more herbs like for extra flavour.

- This soup is nourishing and great for boosting energy, especially in cooler weather.

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