Description
Taiwan’s beloved “Three Cup Chicken Noodles” delivers an aromatic symphony of soy, sesame, and rice wine that dances across tender chicken and springy noodles. Comfort and bold flavors merge seamlessly, inviting you to savor each richly spiced bite of this classic comfort dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Noodles and Seasonings:
- 450 g (1 lb) udon noodles, prepared as per the packet instructions
- 3 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons oil
Aromatics and Herbs:
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
- 2 firmly packed cups (100 g) Thai basil leaves
Instructions
- Whisk together the aromatic blend of Chinese cooking wine, dark and light soy sauces, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl to create a harmonious marinade.
- Warm a skillet over medium-high heat and introduce the chicken pieces, minced ginger, and crushed garlic, sautéing until the meat develops a golden-brown exterior.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the sizzling chicken, reducing heat to allow the liquid to gently simmer and penetrate the meat, ensuring thorough cooking and flavor infusion.
- Incorporate the pre-cooked udon noodles into the pan, tossing them carefully to absorb the rich, savory sauce and coat each strand with the aromatic essence.
- Scatter fresh Thai basil leaves across the dish, allowing their vibrant, peppery notes to brighten the overall flavor profile and add a final layer of complexity to the Three Cup Chicken Noodles.
- Transfer the steaming creation to serving plates, ensuring each portion is generously topped with the fragrant herbs and glistening sauce, ready to be enjoyed immediately.
Notes
- Marinate chicken in the sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance deeper flavor penetration.
- Opt for dark soy sauce to create richer color and more complex umami taste in the dish.
- Use fresh Thai basil leaves for authentic aroma; dried basil won’t provide the same vibrant flavor profile.
- Choose bone-in chicken thighs for juicier meat if you prefer more robust texture and traditional Taiwanese preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg