Nourilo

Home-Style Dishes

Celery, Shiitake Mushroom and Prawn Ball Stir-Fry

a nourishing everyday stir-fry traditionally associated with supporting tendons, bones and liver-kidney health

By · Registered Nutritionist & TCM Practitioner

Prep
20 min
Cook
15 min
Total
35 min
Makes
2–3 servings
Children's WellnessLiver WellnessKidney & Urinary WellnessBone & Joint WellnessEveryday Balance
Celery, Shiitake Mushroom and Prawn Ball Stir-Fry

Why people make this dish

When fresh prawns are plentiful and affordable after the fishing season reopens, Nourilo likes to make this simple stir-fry. There is nothing complicated about it — celery, soaked shiitake mushrooms and velveted prawn balls — but the technique of briefly blanching the prawns in water before tossing them back in the wok makes all the difference: the prawns come out beautifully crisp rather than rubbery. In traditional food therapy, prawns are associated with nourishing the kidneys and strengthening bones and tendons, while celery adds a pleasant bitter-herbal note and is valued for supporting the liver. It is a genuinely satisfying everyday dish.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the traditional associations of the main ingredients in this stir-fry?

In traditional food therapy, prawns are associated with nourishing the kidneys and strengthening bones and tendons. Celery adds a pleasant bitter-herbal note and is valued for supporting the liver, while shiitake mushrooms round out this everyday dish.

Why do you blanch the prawns in water before returning them to the wok?

Briefly blanching the prawns until about 70% cooked, then rinsing them under cold water, gives them a crisp, springy texture rather than a rubbery one. It is a home-friendly alternative to the restaurant technique of oil-blanching, which requires a large quantity of oil.

How many servings does this recipe make, and how long does it take?

The recipe yields 2 to 3 servings. Preparation takes about 20 minutes and cooking takes about 15 minutes, for a total of around 35 minutes.

Can I substitute the celery if I do not have it on hand?

Yes. The recipe notes that asparagus, snap peas, mange-tout, or broccoli are all excellent substitutes — anything with a fresh, crisp texture works well.

Is marinating the prawns before cooking an optional step?

No. The recipe specifically notes that marinating the prawns in egg white, salt, white pepper, and cornstarch adds flavour and helps them hold their shape during cooking, and advises not to skip this step.

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