Dried Cabbage, Carrot, and Dried Oyster Soup

Why people make this soup

As summer shifts into autumn, Cantonese cooks pay close attention to a particular seasonal challenge: the air becomes drier, and the body’s moisture reserves can feel depleted. This shows up in many ways — dry skin, a parched throat, restlessness, and a kind of internal heat that is not quite a fever. This is when Bro Niu recommends reaching for soups that are “clear without being cold, and cooling while still nourishing.” This dried cabbage and oyster soup fits that description perfectly — it has a gentle, pleasant flavour, and it suits the whole family.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for the whole family across seasons — a gentle, balanced everyday soup
• Particularly helpful for women experiencing menopausal hot flushes, dryness, or “empty heat” (as dried oysters are one of the classic Chinese food-therapy ingredients for yin deficiency)
• Dried cabbage (cai gan) loses much of its cooling nature after two hours of slow cooking, so it is milder than fresh cabbage; even those who normally avoid cooling foods can enjoy this soup after sufficient cooking time
• Those who are menstruating can also drink this soup — the prolonged cooking neutralises any excess cooling action

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Dried cabbage (bai cai gan): Through the drying process, cabbage concentrates its flavour while its cold properties are moderated. Traditionally used to clear lung and stomach heat
• Dried oysters (hao chi): One of the most valued yin-nourishing, heat-clearing seafood ingredients in Cantonese food-therapy; particularly suited to women experiencing hormonal changes, dryness, and hot flushes
• Apricot kernels (nan bei xing): The combination of sweet (nan) and bitter (bei) apricot kernels moistens the lungs and supports the respiratory tract
• Carrot: Adds sweetness and colour to the broth; traditionally considered mildly warming and nourishing for the eyes and skin
• Red dates or figs: Add natural sweetness and support blood and qi

Ingredients (4–5 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Dried Chinese cabbage	40–80 g	Soak and rinse thoroughly
Apricot kernel mix (nan bei xing)	40 g	Available at Asian herb shops
Carrot	1 medium	Peel and cut into large pieces
Red dates	6 pieces	Or 4 dried figs as alternative
Dried oysters	6 pieces	Soak and rinse; check for grit
Lean pork	150 g	Optional — add for extra body
Water	~1 litre (10 bowls to start)	Reduce to 4–5 bowls over 2 hours

Method

1. Soak the dried oysters in cold water for 20 minutes to rehydrate. Rinse well and check for any grit or debris.
2. Soak the dried cabbage in cold water to soften, then rinse thoroughly.
3. Peel and cut the carrot into large chunks.
4. If using lean pork, rinse and set aside.
5. Combine all ingredients in a large pot and add about 1 litre of water.
6. Bring to the boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
7. Cook for 2 hours, until the liquid has reduced to about 4–5 bowls.
8. Serve hot; eat the soup along with the cooked ingredients.

Bro Niu’s tips

Dried oysters are a real treasure in Cantonese cooking — their savoury depth lifts the broth without any need for additional seasoning. They are especially beneficial for menopausal women: in traditional food-therapy, dried oysters are considered one of the best foods for calming “empty fire,” easing hot flushes, and nourishing dry or rough skin. For families in which some members prefer not to eat pork, this soup works beautifully without the meat too — simply adjust the water quantity slightly.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (chanwengi): Is dried cabbage or fresh white cabbage better for this soup? If making it for young children, which should I use? Bro Niu: After the drying process, cabbage loses much of its cooling nature. For a family with both young and old members, dried cabbage is the better choice. Fresh cabbage has a stronger heat-clearing effect — so for young children, dried cabbage is more suitable.

• Q (Polly): Dried cabbage is cooling — can I drink this soup during my period? Bro Niu: Dried cabbage cooked for a full 2 hours is no longer very cooling. You can drink it during menstruation.

• Q (Jess): Can I use honey dates (mi zao) instead of red dates? Bro Niu: Yes, use two honey dates as a substitute — that is fine.

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Published August 24, 2014 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.