Soups
Bamboo Fungus, Shiitake, Loofah and Lean Pork Soup
Traditionally associated with antioxidant support and maintaining a balanced constitution
Why people make this soup
Bro Niu often talks about balance in eating — not just eating one “superfood” obsessively, but keeping variety in the diet. He once heard of someone who drank five-vegetable green juice every single day to try to “alkalise” the body, only to end up with dangerous high-potassium levels that affected heart function. The lesson? Even healthy things need moderation. This gentle summer soup brings together several ingredients that have long been valued in Chinese food therapy for their light, cooling, and nourishing qualities. It makes a great family pot for hot weather.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits most people, including those watching their weight, those with mildly elevated blood pressure, blood sugar, or cholesterol, and anyone wanting a refreshing seasonal soup
- Those with gout should avoid the shiitake mushrooms — but the rest of the ingredients are fine
- Those with skin sensitivity to bamboo fungus sap should handle with care; a brief blanching step helps
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Bamboo fungus (zhu sheng): A prized edible fungus traditionally associated with supporting the digestive system and helping manage body weight; also considered helpful for reducing excess heat
- Shiitake mushroom (dong gu): One of the most studied culinary mushrooms in the world; traditionally valued for strengthening the immune system and supporting overall vitality
- Loofah / ridge gourd (si gua): Cooling and moistening in nature; traditionally used to support circulation and reduce internal heat in summer
- Fresh sweet corn (xian su mi li): Naturally sweet and mildly diuretic; adds both flavour and nutritional depth
- Carrot (hong luo bo): Rich in beta-carotene; traditionally supports eye health and adds natural sweetness to soup
- Lean pork (shou rou): Provides protein and a savoury base without excess fat
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bamboo fungus (zhu sheng) | ~38 g (1 liang) | Soak to soften, remove the base cap |
| Dried shiitake mushrooms (dong gu) | 4 pieces | Soak to soften, remove stems |
| Loofah / ridge gourd (si gua) | 1 medium | Peel and cut into chunks |
| Fresh sweet corn kernels (xian su mi li) | ~75 g (2 liang) | Can use corn cut from the cob |
| Carrot (hong luo bo) | 1 medium | Peel and cut into chunks |
| Lean pork (shou rou) | ~300 g (half jin) | Blanch briefly before using |
| Water | 6 bowls | Reduces to about 4 bowls |
Method
- Soak the bamboo fungus and shiitake mushrooms in separate bowls of cold water until soft (about 20 minutes each). Trim and discard the tough base of the bamboo fungus and the stems of the mushrooms.
- Peel the loofah and carrot; cut both into chunky pieces. Cut or slice the shiitake mushrooms if large.
- Blanch the lean pork in boiling water for a minute or two; drain and rinse.
- Place all ingredients into a pot with 6 bowls of cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium-low simmer.
- Cook for about 1 hour, until the liquid reduces to roughly 4 bowls.
- Serve the soup and eat the cooked ingredients alongside.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup has a naturally clean, sweet flavour — no heavy seasoning needed. It is light enough to enjoy regularly in summer. A note on bamboo fungus: good-quality bamboo fungus should be pale in colour with a pleasant, mild fragrance and no sour or acidic smell. If yours has a sour smell even after soaking and rinsing, give it a brief blanch in boiling water before adding to the pot. Individual pre-packaged pieces are generally better quality than bulk bundles.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (reader): My husband has gout. Can he drink this soup? Bro Niu: Gout sufferers should avoid shiitake mushrooms, but all the other ingredients in this soup are fine for him.
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Q (Babi): Where can I buy bamboo fungus and how do I choose a good one? Bro Niu: Bamboo fungus is available at large dried seafood and herbal medicine shops. Look for pieces that are pale, individually wrapped, smell fragrant and mild, with no sour odour. The individually packaged ones tend to be better quality than those sold in bundles.
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Q (Kelvin): My family member is allergic to bamboo fungus. What can I substitute? Bro Niu: You can replace it with about 8 grams (2 qian) of snow fungus (snow ear / xue er), which has a similarly gentle and nourishing quality.
Published June 5, 2012 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
