Tonic Drinks & Waters
Stir-Fried Shiitake, Water Chestnut and Asparagus
Traditionally used to clear heat and support healthy blood pressure
Why people make this dish
Some readers asked Bro Niu for simple vegetable dishes, and this is exactly the kind he cooks at home: plain ingredients, no fuss, and no processed mock-meats (which are usually loaded with MSG and additives). This shiitake, water chestnut and asparagus stir-fry is traditionally used to clear heat, ease phlegm and “resolve stagnation,” and it suits people watching their blood pressure, blood lipids and cholesterol.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- A good light dish for the whole family, and well suited to those managing weight, blood pressure or cholesterol.
- Pregnant women can eat water chestnut as long as it is cooked, not raw, since raw water chestnut may carry bacteria or parasite eggs.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Shiitake (dong gu): traditionally valued for supporting heart and metabolic health.
- Water chestnut (ma ti): associated with clearing heat and resolving phlegm; cooling and juicy.
- Asparagus (lu sun): light and fresh, a low-calorie vegetable for everyday eating.
- Ginger (jiang): warming, used to balance and lift the flavour.
Ingredients (2–3 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried shiitake mushrooms (dong gu) | 3–4 | Soak until soft, destem |
| Water chestnuts (ma ti) | 6 | Peeled, sliced; cook through |
| Asparagus, thick spears (lu sun) | 4 | Trim tough skin, cut into segments |
| Ginger | 2 slices | |
| Seasoning | To taste |
Method
- Soak the shiitake until soft, remove stems, and lightly marinate with a little oil and sugar.
- Peel and slice the water chestnuts. Trim the tough skin from the asparagus and cut into segments.
- Heat oil and fry the ginger until fragrant.
- Add the shiitake, water chestnut and asparagus and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add seasoning and a little water, simmer briefly, thicken with a thin gravy, toss a few times, and plate.
Bro Niu’s tips
Marinating the shiitake with a little oil and sugar gives a more fragrant, appealing taste. This little dish suits young and old, and is especially good for anyone watching their weight.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (hing): I’m two months pregnant — can I eat water chestnut, like in water chestnut drink or steamed with pork patty? Bro Niu: Pregnant women can eat water chestnut as long as it is not eaten raw, because raw water chestnut more easily carries bacteria and parasite eggs.
Published June 20, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
