When travel isn’t possible, you can still experience the best a country has to offer through its cuisine. Skyscanner has collaborated with chefs, restaurants, brands and passionate home cooks from around the world to bring you a series of recipes you can make from your very own kitchen.
Contributor
Serena Wang, Commercial Executive, Skyscanner, Singapore
Sanbeiji is an iconic dish in Taiwan, easily found in restaurants, takeaway bentos and at home. It is everywhere to be found in Taiwan, but I live in Singapore and don’t see it often.
Whenever I cook it, I am transported to life in Taiwan. To me, the dish represents all of Taiwan – from the friendly people on the streets, to my cosy, lovely home.
Ingredients
- 1 chunk of ginger, sliced
- Garlic (as much as you prefer)
- 1/3 cup sesame oil
- ½ whole chicken or 6 drumsticks
- 1 chunk of brown or rock sugar (about 3-5 tablespoons)
- ½ cup soy sauce (I recommended the Kikoman brand or anything made in TW)
- ½ cup thick soy sauce or oyster soy sauce
- 1 cup rice wine (or chicken/vegetable stock)
- Chilli (as much as you like)
- Basil (I recommend using Asian basil)
Instructions
- Marinade chicken with soy sauce, just enough to cover the meat fully.
- Place the ginger, garlic and sesame oil in a frying pan. Gradually increase the heat until it smells aromatic (sesame oil turns bitter at high heat, so watch out).
- Add the chicken and stir-fry until it is cooked on the outside.
- Add the sugar.
- When the sugar has all melted, add the soy sauce, thick/oyster soy sauce, rice wine and chilli. Bring to a slow simmer for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, the sauce should thicken.
- Add basil and cook for a further 3 minutes. Serve with rice.
Note: If it is too spicy, add sugar; if you find it too salty, add water. The dish should be served exactly as you like it!
