Delectable Temptation: Three Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji)
Hey food lovers! Three Cup Chicken Wings are an absolute standout in the culinary world. The unique cooking method gives the chicken wings an irresistible charm. Let's roll up our sleeves and bring this delicious dish to your table!
Why I Love This Recipe
First and foremost, it’s the flavor that makes this dish so special. The chicken wings are pan-fried to achieve a golden, crispy exterior. The “three cups” seasoning is the secret ingredient. The rice wine imparts a rich, aromatic depth, enhancing the overall flavor of the wings. Each bite is a delightful blend of savory chicken and the subtle sweetness of the wine. The soy sauce not only gives the wings an appealing color but also infuses them with a savory richness that permeates every bite. The addition of sesame oil adds a silky, nutty finish that makes the wings incredibly satisfying to eat.
Secondly, the process of making Three Cup Chicken Wings is genuinely enjoyable. From prepping the wings to watching them transform in the pan, it’s a rewarding experience. Seeing the wings turn into a delicious dish brings a sense of accomplishment. When you serve this dish, whether it’s a family dinner or a meal with friends, it’s always a highlight on the table and consistently earns rave reviews.
Ingredients and Substitutions
To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredient:
Chicken Wings: The star of the dish, providing rich protein and a unique texture.
Supporting Ingredients:
Garlic: Adds depth of flavor.
Green Onions: Enhances the aroma.
Ginger: Helps to counteract any gamey taste.
Seasonings:
Light Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness.
Cooking Wine: Helps to eliminate any gamey taste.
White Wine: Enhances flavor and helps to eliminate any gamey taste.
Oil: Used for cooking.
Sichuan Peppercorns: Adds a numbing spiciness.
Star Anise: Adds a fragrant aroma.
Bay Leaves: Adds complexity to the flavor.
Red Wine: Imparts a special flavor to the dish.
Soy Sauce: Adds color and flavor.
Rock Sugar: Adds sweetness and enhances the color.
Substitutions:
Chicken Wing Substitutes: Chicken thighs or other meats can be used, but the texture will be different.
Red Wine Substitute: Grape juice or other fruit wines can be used, but the flavor will change.
Star Anise Substitute: Five-spice powder or other mixed spices can be used, but the flavor will be different.
What “Three Cups” Specifically Refers To in My Recipe
In my version of Three Cup Chicken Wings, there isn't a traditional "three cups" as per the classic recipe. However, if we were to identify key liquid seasonings that resemble the concept of "three cups," they would be:
200ml Red Wine: This is like an innovative “one cup.” The red wine imparts a rich, fruity aroma to the chicken wings, adding a unique and sophisticated flavor profile.
25ml Soy Sauce: This serves as another “cup,” used for coloring and seasoning. It gives the chicken wings an appealing color and a savory, salty taste that makes them irresistibly delicious.
15ml Cooking Wine (used in marination): Although not a full “cup,” this ingredient plays a crucial role in the marination process. Along with the red wine, it helps to remove any unwanted odors and enhances the overall aroma of the dish, acting as a complementary “cup.”
This combination of ingredients creates a distinct and flavorful twist on the traditional Three Cup Chicken Wings, offering a delightful and unique taste experience.
Success Secrets
Ingredients
Chicken Wings: Use fresh, uniformly sized chicken wings to ensure even heating and consistent doneness, resulting in tender and juicy wings.
Garlic, Scallions, and Ginger: These should be fresh. Slicing the garlic and ginger, and cutting the scallions into sections, will help release their aroma better, aiding in removing any unwanted odors and enhancing the flavor of the chicken wings.
Seasonings
Marination: Use 15ml of light soy sauce and 15ml of cooking wine. The soy sauce helps with seasoning and coloring, while the cooking wine removes any unwanted odors.
Blanching: Use 5ml of white wine to help eliminate any remaining odors.
Cooking: Use 200ml of red wine and 25ml of soy sauce. The red wine adds a rich flavor, while the soy sauce helps with coloring and seasoning.
Sugar: Add a small spoonful of rock sugar to enhance the flavor, but be careful not to overdo it.
Spices: Use 3g of Sichuan peppercorns, 2 star anise, and 2 bay leaves for a rich and layered aroma.
Cooking Techniques
Blanching: Bring the water to a gentle boil and blanch the chicken wings for 2 minutes. This helps remove any unwanted odors without damaging the outer skin of the wings.
Stir-frying Spices: Use medium heat. Heat 10ml of oil and then add the spices, stir-frying for about 30 seconds to release their aroma.
Simmering: After adding the chicken wings and seasonings, simmer on low heat for 2 minutes to allow the wings to fully absorb the flavors. Low heat helps the wings remain tender and intact while ensuring the sauce reduces to a rich, concentrated flavor.
By following these tips, you can achieve perfectly seasoned, tender, and flavorful Three Cup Chicken Wings with a unique twist.
INGREDIENTS
Main Ingredients
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·400g chicken wings
Accessories
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·10g garlic
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·15g scallions
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·10g ginger
Seasonings
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·15ml light soy sauce
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·15ml cooking wine
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·5ml white wine
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·10ml oil
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·3g Sichuan peppercorns
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·2 star anise
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·2 bay leaves
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·200ml red wine
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·25ml soy sauce
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·1 small spoonful of rock sugar
COOKING STEP
Step 1
Slice 10g of garlic and cut 15g of green onions into sections. Place them on a plate. Put 400g of chicken wings in a bowl, add 10g of sliced ginger, 15ml of soy sauce, and 15ml of cooking wine. Mix well and let it marinate.
Step 2
In a pot, add an appropriate amount of hot water, 5ml of white wine, 10g of sliced ginger, and 15g of green onion sections. Add the marinated chicken wings and boil for 2 minutes, then remove them from the water.
Step 3
Heat 10ml of oil in a pan, add 3g of Sichuan peppercorns, 2 star anise, and 2 bay leaves. Stir-fry for 30 seconds, then add the chicken wings.
Step 4
Pour in 200ml of red wine, 25ml of soy sauce, and a small spoonful of rock sugar.
Step 5
Add another 10g of sliced ginger and 15g of green onion sections. Cover the pan with a lid.
Step 6
Simmer on low heat for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Plate the chicken wings and serve.
Recipe Variations
Explore these fun variations of the Three-Cup Chicken Wings recipe:
Add Honey:
Incorporate 10-15ml of honey while marinating or simmering the chicken wings. This will create a tempting caramelized glaze, adding sweetness and a unique flavor to the wings.
Add Cheese:
After plating the chicken wings, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Place them in the oven and broil briefly until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden. The rich, creamy cheese pairs perfectly with the savory wings, adding depth of flavor and a fun, stretchy texture.
Add Dried Fruits:
Chop 10-15g of dried mango, apple, or other dried fruits into small pieces and add them during the simmering process. The sweet and tangy flavors of the dried fruits will balance the richness of the chicken wings, introducing a novel taste and enhancing the overall complexity of the dish.
Add Crushed Nuts:
Sprinkle 10g of roasted and crushed peanuts or almonds over the finished chicken wings. This will provide a delightful crunch, complementing the tender wings and savory sauce, while also adding a touch of extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Recommended Pairings:
Brown Rice:
Rich in dietary fiber, it helps to mitigate the greasiness and increases satiety, complementing the flavors of the chicken wings.
Chilled Broccoli Salad:
Nutrient-rich with a refreshing taste, it balances the richness of the chicken wings. The crisp texture pairs well with the tender chicken.
Lemon Juice:
Its sweet and tangy freshness cuts through the richness, and it's packed with vitamin C.
Eating Tips:
Enjoy While Hot:
Freshly cooked chicken wings are aromatic, with a crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior. If left too long, the skin may soften, affecting the texture.
Dining Utensils:
Use chopsticks to pick up the wings and a small fork to separate the meat from the bones, enhancing the dining experience.
FAQs:
REVIEWS
