三杯鸡 Three Cups Chicken

This is a classic Chinese dish which is really popular. In the olden days, 1 cup oil, 1 cup soy sauce and 1 cup wine are used to make this rich fragrant chicken dish. That's why it is called Three Cups Chicken! As times pass-by, the recipe has evolved using less oil, less seasoning for healthier reasons. The crucial ingredient in this dish is the fresh basil leaves which gives a special aroma and taste. Do not omit it if you intend to prepare this dish! 

Ingredient

• 4 whole chicken leg, chopped into bite-sizes
• 1 tbsp corn oil
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 slices ginger
• 8 cloves garlic, peeled
• 6 shallots, roughly chopped
• 2 dried chilli, softened and cut into sections 
• 1/4 cup chinese cooking wine
• 1 tsp red dates dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 2 stalk spring onion, chopped
• 100gm fresh basil leaves

Method

1. Marinate chicken pieces with 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp red dates dark soy sauce,  1/2 tsp salt. Set aside for at least 30mins.
2. Heat corn oil and sesame oil in a wok. Add in ginger and saute for 2 mins until golden at the edge. 
3. Add in whole garlic, shallots and dried chilli, fry till garlic is caramelised.
4. Add in marinated chicken pieces and toss evenly, fry for 3 mins.
5. Add in wine, dark soy sauce and light soy sauce and mix well. Cover and cook over medium heat for 10 mins until the chicken are cooked through.
6. Remove lid, toss in spring onion and basil leaves. If mixture is too dry, add in a couple tbsp of wine. Dish up and serve immediately.