Sweet Pepper & Pineapple Chicken Stir-fry

Why people make this dish

Pineapple is one of those fruits that pulls double duty as both a kitchen ingredient and a food-therapy staple. In traditional Chinese cooking wisdom, pineapple is associated with aiding digestion, reducing water retention, and gently supporting blood pressure that runs on the low side. Many older folks dismiss pineapple as a “triggering food” (fa wu), but this reputation mainly comes from the bromelain enzyme in raw pineapple, which can cause sensitivity reactions in some people. A quick soak in lightly salted water beforehand neutralises the enzyme, making the fruit perfectly comfortable to eat and cook with.

Combined with brightly coloured sweet peppers — rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene — and marinated chicken thigh, this stir-fry is colourful, fragrant, and genuinely delicious. It is particularly recommended for those who tend to have low blood pressure and find themselves easily tired or light-headed.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• People with habitual low blood pressure who want flavourful, warming everyday food
• Those with poor appetite or sluggish digestion
• Generally suitable for all ages; pineapple may not be suitable for those with oral ulcers or very sensitive stomachs if not pre-soaked in salted water
• People who have had organ transplants or are taking certain medications should check with their doctor before eating large amounts of pineapple

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Sweet bell peppers (tian jiao): High in vitamin C and antioxidants; warming in nature in Chinese food therapy; associated with supporting circulation and brightening complexion
• Fresh pineapple (bo luo): Contains bromelain, a natural enzyme; in Chinese food therapy, pineapple is associated with aiding digestion, reducing swelling, and supporting healthy blood pressure — particularly for those whose blood pressure runs low
• Chicken thigh (ji tui rou): Warming and nourishing; a classic protein choice in Chinese food therapy for rebuilding strength and qi
• Ginger and dried shallots: Aromatic base ingredients that warm the stomach and bring out the full flavour of the dish

Ingredients (2–3 servings)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Red sweet pepper	1/2	Deseeded, cut into strips
Yellow sweet pepper	1/2	Deseeded, cut into strips
Fresh pineapple flesh	~150 g	Cut into chunks; soak in lightly salted water first if sensitive
Chicken thigh meat	2 thighs	Deboned, cut into bite-sized pieces
Ginger paste	To taste
Sliced dried shallots	To taste
Marinade	To taste	Soy sauce, cornstarch, a little oil
Seasoning	To taste	Salt, Shaoxing wine, a touch of sugar if liked

Method

1. Debone the chicken thighs and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. Marinate with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a little oil for 10–15 minutes.
2. Cut the sweet peppers into strips, removing seeds. Cut the pineapple into chunks (soak in lightly salted water for 5–10 minutes if you prefer, then drain and pat dry).
3. Heat oil in a wok until hot. Stir-fry the ginger paste and sliced dried shallots until fragrant.
4. Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly golden.
5. Add the sweet peppers and pineapple chunks; toss everything together.
6. Splash in a little Shaoxing wine, add your seasoning, and stir-fry for another minute or two until everything is glossy and aromatic.
7. Plate and serve immediately.

Bro Niu’s tips

Fresh pineapple is an excellent natural anti-inflammatory. If you have a mild sore throat from a bacterial irritation, try chewing on a small piece of fresh pineapple slowly and swallowing the juice — it has a traditionally recognised soothing, antimicrobial quality. This dish works beautifully as a family weeknight stir-fry even if nobody at the table has low blood pressure — it is simply delicious.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (tung / reader): My doctor told me my blood pressure is low — 90 today, sometimes 120. Besides ginseng, is there a simple tea or soup I can drink? Bro Niu: Try dang shen (codonopsis) and huang qi (astragalus) — about 3 qian each — with 6 jujube dates and 10 pieces of longan flesh (yuan rou). Simmer in 5 bowls of water down to 2 bowls. Drink in two portions. Take three days’ worth.

• Q (陈太 / reader): My checkup showed low blood pressure and anaemia. I had my first dizzy spell just yesterday. What should I do with my diet? Bro Niu: In cooler weather, you can simmer a soup with ren shen (ginseng), dang shen (codonopsis), huang qi (astragalus), and longan flesh — about 3 qian of each — with chicken. You might also try deer antler velvet powder: sprinkle a little over a soft-boiled egg (cooked 6 minutes so the yolk is just set) every morning. Over time this supports the system in bringing blood pressure back up.

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Published May 22, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.