Braised Sea Cucumber with Golden Lily Buds & Wood Ear

Why people make this dish

Golden lily buds and wood ear are a classic pairing — they work in both meat and vegetarian cooking and make many tasty dishes. This braised sea cucumber version is a savory, home-style dish. In food-therapy tradition sea cucumber is regarded as nourishing to both kidney yin and kidney yang — a “both-ways” nourishing food — and it is traditionally favored by couples hoping to conceive, as well as those with dry skin, restless sleep, or other concerns.

Method

1. Soak the lily buds and wood ear in clean water until soft.
2. Blanch the sea cucumber, cut into pieces, then simmer in stock to absorb flavor.
3. Heat a little oil and fry the ginger shreds until fragrant; add lily buds, wood ear, shiitake and sea cucumber.
4. Add seasoning and a little water; braise about 12 minutes. As the sauce reduces, add scallion segments, a splash of wine, and toss a few times.
5. Blanch the choy sum and arrange around the plate; pour the sauce over and serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

This dish is traditionally regarded as nourishing to the kidneys and beautifying; it suits men, women, young and old.