Fish Maw, Sea Snail & Silkie Chicken Stew

Why people make this soup

Among the prized delicacies of Chinese cuisine — abalone, sea cucumber, shark fin, and fish maw — fish maw stands out for its remarkable collagen content. Modern research backs what traditional practitioners have long observed: high-collagen foods tend to be deeply nourishing for the skin, joints, and connective tissues. Nourilo combines fish maw with sea snail (valued for its yin-nourishing, lung-moistening properties) and silkie chicken (known for its liver- and kidney-supporting qualities) in a slow, gentle double-boil that draws out maximum nourishment. The result is a richly satisfying soup that makes an excellent restorative after illness, physical depletion, or major life events like childbirth.

Method

1. Blanch the fish maw and sea snail meat in boiling water briefly; drain and rinse.
2. Soak the dried scallops in a little water until soft, about 30 minutes.
3. Joint the silkie chicken into large pieces and blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes; drain.
4. Place all ingredients into a double-boiler pot (炖盅). Pour in 1.2 L of freshly boiled water.
5. Set the pot inside your steamer or electric double-boiler. Stew for approximately 3 hours.
6. Serve directly from the pot — eat the soup along with the chicken and fish maw.

Nourilo’s Tips

Rehydrating fish maw takes a little patience but is straightforward: soak it in plain water overnight, then bring a pot of water to the boil with 3 ginger slices, turn off the heat, and steep the soaked fish maw in the hot water for 2 hours. Check with a chopstick — it should pass through easily when fully rehydrated. If not, steep in fresh hot water once more. Rehydrated fish maw can be portioned and frozen for future use. If possible, buy male fish maw (花胶公) — female fish maw (花胶乸) loses a lot of its gelatinous quality during soaking. If you don’t have a double-boiler, place a folded towel under the pot inside your steamer to stop it rattling. An electric slow-cooker or digital double-boiler is a convenient alternative.