Dish guides · Taiwanese

Is three-cup chicken (san bei ji) healthy?

Three-cup chicken (san bei ji) costs about $2.58 a serving to make at home at typical US grocery prices. Going by its main ingredients, it's a good fit for lower LDL cholesterol and more protein.

By health goal

Lower LDL cholesterol
Good fit
For lower LDL cholesterol, sesame oil in three-cup chicken (san bei ji) helps, and nothing in it works against that goal.
Steadier blood sugar
Neutral
It's neutral for steadier blood sugar: nothing in it stands out either way. Add a side of vegetables or beans to make it work harder for you.
Lower blood pressure
Watch the sauce
Nothing in the main ingredients works against lower blood pressure. Most of the salt in dishes like this comes from the sauce, so go light on soy sauce or use a low-sodium one.
Weight loss
Neutral
It's neutral for weight loss: nothing in it stands out either way. Add a side of vegetables or beans to make it work harder for you.
More protein
Good fit
For more protein, chicken thigh in three-cup chicken (san bei ji) helps, and nothing in it works against that goal.

For LDL cholesterol, with sources

2 of 5
LDL habits in this dish
Soluble fiber (oats, barley, beans, eggplant, okra, fruit)
Fish, ideally oily (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
Soy or beans in place of some meat
✓
Nuts, seeds, olive oil or avocado
✓
Little fatty meat, cream, butter or cheese
Helps your LDL
sesame oil
Unsaturated fat that can lower LDL.
Mayo Clinic

What goes in (per portion)

chicken thigh
½ lb
garlic
¼ head
ginger
¼ knob
thai basil
¼ bunch
sesame oil
1 tbsp
rice mix
¼ cup

Questions

Is three-cup chicken (san bei ji) healthy?

Three-cup chicken (san bei ji) costs about $2.58 a serving to make at home at typical US grocery prices. Going by its main ingredients, it's a good fit for lower LDL cholesterol and more protein.

Is three-cup chicken (san bei ji) good for high cholesterol?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For lower LDL cholesterol, sesame oil in three-cup chicken (san bei ji) helps, and nothing in it works against that goal.

Is three-cup chicken (san bei ji) OK for blood sugar or diabetes?

It's neutral for steadier blood sugar: nothing in it stands out either way. Add a side of vegetables or beans to make it work harder for you.

Is three-cup chicken (san bei ji) OK for high blood pressure?

Mostly, depending on the sauce. Nothing in the main ingredients works against lower blood pressure. Most of the salt in dishes like this comes from the sauce, so go light on soy sauce or use a low-sodium one.

Is three-cup chicken (san bei ji) good for weight loss?

It's neutral for weight loss: nothing in it stands out either way. Add a side of vegetables or beans to make it work harder for you.

Is three-cup chicken (san bei ji) high in protein?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For more protein, chicken thigh in three-cup chicken (san bei ji) helps, and nothing in it works against that goal.

How much does three-cup chicken (san bei ji) cost to make at home?

About $2.58 a serving, or $10.34 for four servings, at typical US grocery prices, with pantry staples like soy sauce and oil counted at $0.40 a serving.

How can I make three-cup chicken (san bei ji) healthier?

It's already in good shape. Serve it with a vegetable side, like spinach or broccoli, and brown rice if you want more fiber.

Plan a week of dishes like this

Eat Healthy AF plans your week of Asian home cooking around your health goal, with one shopping list and the cost of each meal. Free for 7 days, no card needed.
General nutrition information, not medical advice, based on each dish's main ingredients as we cook it; sauces and salt vary by recipe. Prices are typical US grocery prices and vary by store.
Eat Healthy AF (AF as in Asian Food) is general nutrition information, not medical advice. It doesn't diagnose or treat anything. Keep your doctor in the loop, and don't change any medication without them.