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Three-Cup Chicken
Taiwanese three-cup chicken is named for the formula once used to prepare the dish: one cup each of sesame oil, soy sauce and rice wine. Not surprisingly, recipes no longer adhere to that ratio, but the name has stuck. Bone-in chicken legs that have been hacked into pieces are customarily used in this one-pan dish; we opted for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for easier prep and eating. Serve with rice and steamed or stir-fried vegetables.
4
Servings
Don’t begin cooking until all ingredients are prepared; the dish comes together quickly.
35 minutes
15 minutes active
Ingredients
-
2
teaspoons cornstarch
-
3
tablespoons soy sauce
Directions
-
01In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and soy sauce, then stir in the sake and sugar. Set aside. Heat a wok over medium-high for 3 minutes, or until a drop of water evaporates within 1 to 2 seconds. Add the oil and swirl to coat the wok. Add the chicken in an even layer and cook without stirring until browned, about 5 minutes.
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GET DIGITAL & PRINTI have never bought sake before and have a feeling there are many kinds. Is there a particular kind I should look for?
Hi Emily -
The world of sake is wide—flavors might be fruity, floral, even bubble-gummy—but for cooking, we opt for basic, inexpensive bottles. In the same way that you want to buy a wine you would want to drink you should buy a sake you would want to drink as well. A wine or liquor store can guide you to an affordable, drinkable option. However, unlike wine, fresher is better. Most sakes do not age very well so buy a small bottle if you are only using it for cooking. Some other ideas to use it up: steaming fish or shellfish, in a marinade for steak, or really anywhere you would use white wine you can substitute sake. Hope that helps!
Best,
The Milk Street Team
There's a garnish pictured that's not in the recipe. Black and white sesame seeds? Should these be toasted first?