Taiwanese 3 Cup Chicken Noodle Stir Fry 三杯雞炒麵

When you’re hungry and lazy, make my 20 Minutes ONLY Taiwanese 3 Cup Chicken Noodle Stir Fry that is super easy and tasty! It’s the perfect recipe to make when you are busy but still want a savory and delicious meal. Inspired by the classic Taiwanese 3 Cup Chicken and my easy Soy Sauce Chow Mein, this homey one pot recipe is the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and spicy. It not only fills you up, but reminds you of the classic flavors of Taiwanese home style cooking.

Chow Mein Inspired By Taiwanese 3 Cup Chicken

3 Cup Chicken is one of the most classic and traditional Taiwanese home cooking dishes. It’s so popular, you can find it at street stalls, beerhouses, restaurants, and even at night markets! It’s named 3 cups because traditionally, this sauce is made with 3 main condiments: Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, and Chinese Cooking Wine. If you’re looking for the classic recipe, here’s how to make the yummiest classic Taiwanese 3 Cup Chicken Wings.

I love the classic recipe, but I think the spicy-sweet sauce is actually perfect for Chow Mein. With a thick noodle like kai dong’s Hand Cut Noodles that can absorb all the yummy flavor, this recipe was quick, easy, and delicious. So, this one-pot 3 Cup Chicken Noodle recipe was born.

3 Cup Chicken Noodle Stir Fry Ingredients 

• 1.5 lb of Boneless Chicken thigh with the skin on (cut into bite-sized pieces) 
• 2 cup of Thai Basil 
• 450g of Noodles (cooked) 
• 3 tbsp of Soy Sauce 
• 2 tbsp of Sugar 
• 2 tbsp of Sesame Oil 
• 4 slices of Ginger (sliced) 
• 6 cloves of Garlic (sliced) 
• 1 Red Chili (chopped) 
• 3 tbsp of Chinese Cooking Wine (optional) 

Chicken Thigh

For this chicken noodle recipe, we’re using boneless chicken thighs with the skin on for that rich, juicy flavor. Chicken thighs are much harder to overcook, and using boneless makes it easier to cook and enjoy. The skin soaks up the 3 cup sauce very well, and gives this dish an extra fatty flavor. You can also use chicken breast instead, but keep in mind you may have to adjust your cooking time.

Vegetarian Substitutions

If you’re vegetarian, you’ve got a ton of fun options! You can replace the chicken with firm tofu, which is great at soaking up all the sauce. Or, you can use shiitake or oyster mushrooms to give it an extra meaty texture.

3 Cup Seasonings

Traditionally, 3 cup seasoning includes 1 cup each of 3 simple condiments: Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, and Chinese Cooking Wine. I like this method. However, a lot of people don’t consume alcohol. Plus, a cup of sesame oil can be generally too much oil. Since then, the recipe has evolved to be a bit more balanced. For this Noodle Stir-fry, I made some alteration that still gives you the authentic flavor, but is much lighter. 

Thai Basil

Another MVP in this dish is Thai Basil. This fragrant herb is a must-have for 3 cup recipes. It adds that sharp, herbal flavor that cuts into the chicken’s fattiness, and gives 3 cup chicken that addicting aroma. I recommend using A LOT of Thai Basil for the authentic traditional flavor. You can also use regular basil if you cannot find Thai basil.

Chow Mein Noodles

For any stir fried noodles, the most important part is picking the right noodles. Choose a noodle that doesn’t fall apart easily after cooking, and can absorb or pick up a lot of sauces. Today, I am using Shanghai Noodles today that you can find that T&T Supermarket. Some other noodles that I recommend for this recipe are yellow stir-fry noodles, udon noodles, or kai dong Hand Cut Noodles.

To prep the noodles for this recipe, cook the noodles based on package instructions. If you use frozen udon, pour hot water over the udon and let it side for 5 minutes. Then, rinse with cold water, and you’re ready to make chow mein.

Step By Step Guide To 3 Cup Chicken Noodles

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar till combined.
2. Cook noodle as per instruction, drain and set aside. 
3. In a pan, drizzle in oil and turn the heat up to medium-high. Once the pan is hot, add in the chicken and saute together for 3-4 minutes 
4. After 3-4 minutes, add in sliced ginger, garlic, and chopped red chili. Saute together for another 2-3 minutes 
5. Add in the noodles and pour in the sauce. Pour in the Chinese cooking wine if you consume alcohol and saute for 2-3 minutes 
6. Add in Thai basil and saute on high heat for 1-2 minutes. 

Here are a few more 20 Minute Dinner Recipes!

Taiwanese 3 Cup Chicken Noodle Stir Fry 三杯雞炒麵

By Tiffy Cooks

5 from 3 votes

When you’re hungry and lazy, make my 20 Minutes ONLY Taiwanese 3 Cup Chicken Noodle Stir Fry that is super easy and tasty! It’s the perfect recipe to make when you are busy but still want a savory and delicious meal. Inspired by the classic Taiwanese 3 Cup Chicken and my easy Soy Sauce Chow Mein, this homey one pot recipe is the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and spicy. It not only fills you up, but reminds you of the classic flavors of Taiwanese home style cooking.

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Prep Time:5 minutes mins

Cook Time:15 minutes mins

Total Time:20 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese, Taiwanese

Keyword: Asian Recipes, Chinese Food, Easy, Easy Recipes, QUICK RECIPES, Street Food, Taiwanese Food

Servings: 4 Servings

Calories: 878kcal

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb Boneless Chicken thigh with the skin on cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cup Thai Basil
• 450 g Noodles cooked
• 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 2 tbsp Sugar
• 2 tbsp Sesame Oil
• 4 slices Ginger sliced
• 6 cloves Garlic sliced
• 1 Red Chili chopped
• 3 tbsp Chinese Cooking Wine optional

Instructions

• In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar till combined.
• Cook noodle as per instruction, drain and set aside.
• In a pan, drizzle in oil and turn the heat up to medium-high. Once the pan is hot, add in the chicken and saute together for 3-4 minutes
• After 3-4 minutes, add in sliced ginger, garlic, and chopped red chili. Saute together for another 2-3 minutes
• Add in the noodles and pour in the sauce. Pour in the Chinese cooking wine if you consume alcohol and saute for 2-3 minutes
  
• Add in Thai basil and saute on high heat for 1-2 minutes.

Video

Notes

I am using Shanghai Noodles today that you can find that T&T Supermarket, but you can also use other noodles you like. Some noodles that I recommend are Yellow stir-fry noodles or udon noodles. Cook the noodles based on instruction, rinse with cold water, and set aside. If you use frozen udon, pour hot water over the udon and let it side for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water before stir-fry.

Nutrition

Calories: 878kcalCarbohydrates: 91gProtein: 40gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 167mgSodium: 1229mgPotassium: 478mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 873IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 2mg