The first time I try three Cup chicken,was at Davids-Taiwanese-Gourmet in Queens.That was almost 6 or 7 years ago. Three Cups Chicken is a Taiwanese dish ,also know as "San Bei Zhi".This restaurant serve authentic Taiwanese dish .Their menu have alot of Taiwan Special Dish like porridge,intestines,pig blood ,ear,tongue,skin and etc.It's quite an eye opening and refreshing to try Taiwan food once a while.

When I was at bestyetmarket for food shopping ,I saw a whole bunch of fresh basil with root attached on sale.I have no idea what should I do with the basil I bought.I thinking maybe I should replant the root after I freeze the leaves.Suddenly,I'm thinking about 3 cups chicken.I bought 3 lbs of whole leg from waldbaums 2 days ago on the weekly sale.That right!! I can use whole leg chicken to make 3 Cups chicken.Although Three Cup Chicken is named for its three liquid ingredients--sesame oil, rice wine and soy sauce--its enticing aroma is what attracts your attention. Scents of ginger and basil waft from this version of the traditional Taiwanese dish. Such a fragrant meal seems like it would take awhile to prepare, but this comes together quickly.

Ingredients

3 pound of chicken leg,cut up 1/2

1/2 cup of sesame oil

3 inch piece of ginger root( peeled, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)

10 cloves of garlic, lightly smashed

1/2 cup shaoxing wine or other rice wine

1/2 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons sugar

3/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves

1 Onion(sliced) optional

Method

Cut the chicken parts into 2-inch pieces using a cleaver. Set aside. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ginger and garlic and cook until aromatic, for 1 minute. Increase the heat to high and add the chicken. Cook and stir ,the chicken until the flesh no longer looks pink, for 3 minutes. Add the shaoxing wine, soy sauce and sugar, stirring to mix well. Cover the skillet or wok and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is reduced by half or thicking.And the chicken is cooked thoroughly for 15 to 20 minutes. Add in the basil just before serving.This serving is good for 4 person.For anyone who want to try Taiwanese dish,should try 3 cups chicken first before go to next level.I serve it with Jasmine's white rice.That is Mishu and mine dinner for few days.