Home-Style Dishes
Broccoli and Wood Ear Braised with Fish-Stuffed Tofu Puffs
Traditionally supports the spleen and appetite; broccoli is a valued protective vegetable
Why people make this dish
Tofu puffs stuffed with smooth dace-fish paste — a style Shunde is famous for — braise beautifully with broccoli and cloud ear fungus, becoming a homely, appetising dish that supports the appetite and the spleen. Broccoli is a vegetable Bro Niu keeps coming back to: it is widely valued as a protective everyday vegetable, so dishes built around it are an easy way to eat well.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Anyone who wants a simple, appetising vegetable-forward dish.
- Traditionally considered beneficial for people minding stomach and duodenal comfort and prostate health (broccoli is valued here — supportive only, not a treatment).
- No special caution; one reader notes broccoli is also rich in vitamin K.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Broccoli (xi lan hua): widely valued as a protective vegetable; traditionally considered beneficial for those minding the stomach, duodenum and prostate.
- Fish-stuffed tofu puffs (niang yu hua dou bu): add savoury protein and make the dish satisfying.
- Cloud ear fungus (yun er): a light, springy fungus that rounds out the texture.
- Ginger (sheng jiang): warms and balances the dish.
Ingredients (2–3 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fish-stuffed tofu puffs (niang yu hua dou bu) | 8 pieces | Available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online |
| Broccoli (xi lan hua) | 1 head | Cut into florets |
| Cloud ear fungus (yun er) | 1 small handful | Soaked soft, stems removed |
| Ginger | 2 slices | |
| Seasoning | to taste | Plus a splash of cooking wine |
Method
- Rinse the broccoli and cut into small florets. Soak the cloud ear fungus until soft and remove the stems.
- Heat oil and pan-fry the tofu puffs (fish-paste side down) until fragrant; set aside.
- Leave a little oil in the wok, fry the ginger until fragrant, then toss in the broccoli and cloud ear.
- Return the tofu puffs, splash in the cooking wine, add seasoning and a little water, and braise until the liquid has reduced. Plate and serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
Broccoli is traditionally considered beneficial for those minding stomach and duodenal comfort and prostate health, so such folks may enjoy more dishes cooked with broccoli.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (noratis): Thank you for sharing. Broccoli is also rich in vitamin K, which can help guard against hardening of the arteries. Bro Niu: Indeed — broccoli is very good for you; I didn’t know it could also help with arterial health. Thanks for the tip!
Published July 25, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
