Mandarin Three Flavors

It seems that you are referring to the dish called "Three Cup Chicken," which is a popular Taiwanese dish and can be found in many Chinese restaurants in the USA. Despite its name, it does not contain any citrus fruits such as mandarins. The name "Three Cups" comes from the three main ingredients used in the dish in equal amounts: sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice wine or rice cooking wine (Mi Jiu).

To make Three Cup Chicken, you will need:

Instructions:

1. Heat up the sesame oil in a Dutch oven or a deep skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Once the oil starts to shimmer, add the smashed garlic and ginger slices. Stir them around for about 15-30 seconds or until fragrant.

3. Carefully put the chicken pieces into the pot. Make sure the chicken gets coated evenly with the oil, garlic, and ginger. Sauté the chicken until it is mostly cooked, about 5-6 minutes.

4. Pour in the soy sauce, rice wine (Mi Jiu), and sugar. Stir the ingredients together and bring them to a simmer.

5. Once simmering, lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it gently cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.

6. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, if necessary. Add more sugar or soy sauce for a sweeter or saltier taste.

7. Right before serving, sprinkle the spring onions and fresh basil over the top. Stir them in for 3-5 seconds.

8. Transfer the Three Cup Chicken to a serving plate and serve immediately, preferably alongside steamed rice.

Enjoy your meal!