Soups
Fish Maw Goji Berry Frog Soup
traditionally associated with nourishing yin and blood, supporting skin smoothness and elasticity
Why people make this soup
Fish maw — the dried swim bladder of large fish — has been treasured in Chinese culinary tradition for centuries. Like sea cucumber, it is considered a food that nourishes both yin and yang, and it is exceptionally rich in collagen-type proteins while being low in fat. Eating it regularly is traditionally associated with keeping the skin smooth, fine, and well-hydrated. Paired here with goji berries and frog (a clean, lean protein that Chinese food therapy describes as tonifying and diuretically supportive), this double-boiled soup is a classic beauty-and-wellness recipe that suits the whole family, men and women alike.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for men and women of all ages; especially valued by those wanting to support skin health and overall yin nourishment.
- Pregnant women can safely enjoy this soup.
- People with sluggish digestion, stomach weakness, or a tendency to produce a lot of phlegm should not eat large amounts at once, as fish maw’s collagen content can sit heavily. For those with phlegm and a weak constitution, aged fish maw (which has lower stickiness due to long storage) is preferable.
- If frog is unavailable or unpreferred, lean pork is a practical substitute.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fish maw (hua jiao): Exceptionally rich in proteins that form collagen precursors; in Chinese food tradition it is associated with nourishing yin and blood, benefiting the lungs and kidneys, and improving skin texture.
- Goji berry (gou qi zi): Traditionally associated with nourishing liver and kidney, supporting eye health, and enriching blood.
- Frog (tian ji): In Chinese food tradition described as tonifying and supporting fluid balance; a lean, clean protein.
- Ginger (sheng jiang): Added to balance the cooling nature of the soup and remove any fishiness.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fish maw, pre-soaked | 150 g (4 liang) | Blanch in ginger water before use |
| Goji berries | 19 g (5 qian) | Rinse before use |
| Frog (whole or legs) | 3–4 frogs (~300–400 g) | Cleaned; or substitute lean pork |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | |
| Boiling water | 4 bowls (~1 litre) | For the double boiler |
Method
- Pre-soak the fish maw according to its thickness: soak overnight in water, then blanch briefly in ginger water to remove any odour. Drain and set aside.
- Clean the frogs thoroughly and blanch in boiling water for 1–2 minutes; drain.
- Rinse the goji berries.
- Place all ingredients together in a double-boiler pot (zhun zhong). Pour in 4 bowls of boiling water.
- Double-boil for approximately 3 hours. Serve the soup and eat the fish maw and frog.
Bro Niu’s tips
Fish maw is an excellent choice for anyone with weakened lungs or kidneys, or who suffers from anaemia. However, because it is rich in collagen proteins, those with digestive problems should not eat too much in one sitting — it can sit heavily in the stomach. People who produce a lot of phlegm are better off seeking aged fish maw, as the long-stored variety has much lower stickiness. Fish maw should not be paired with white or green radish (which would counteract its tonifying effect), and avoid strong tea after the meal.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (匿名访客): Can a pregnant woman at 8 months drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, this soup is fine for a woman 8 months pregnant.
-
Q (Sharon yu): Can I drink this at 4.5 months pregnant? Bro Niu: Yes, it is fine during pregnancy.
-
Q (Nat): Can men eat chicken bubble fish maw? And can a 3-year-old child have it? Bro Niu: Fish maw suits men and women equally. A young child with a weaker digestive system should not have too much — a small amount is fine, but it is easy to overload the stomach.
Published April 11, 2014 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
