Soups
Fresh Chinese Yam, Corn Silk, Carrot and Dried Geoduck Clam Soup
Traditionally associated with supporting kidney-liver health, reducing thirst, and easing fluid retention related to metabolic conditions
Why people make this soup
A stroll down the dried seafood street is always an adventure — and when Bro Niu spotted dried geoduck clam on the shelves, he was intrigued. He’d been enjoying fresh geoduck regularly for its crisp, ocean-fresh flavour (magnificent steamed with garlic, ginger, shallot, dried shrimp paste, and fermented black beans), but had never tried the dried variety in a broth. Half a jin later, he can confirm: the dried geoduck makes a beautifully sweet, deeply savoury soup. Geoduck is traditionally associated in Chinese food therapy with nourishing the liver and kidney, making it a natural fit for this health-focused soup alongside corn silk — the silky threads from fresh corn cobs, which have been used in both Cantonese food therapy and in herbal medicine research for their kidney-supportive properties — and fresh Chinese yam, which is associated with blood sugar regulation. Together, this is a soup that people managing diabetes, mild fluid retention, or high blood pressure may find particularly valuable as part of their regular rotation.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for most people, including those managing diabetes, hypertension, or mild protein in urine (proteinuria) — always in conjunction with proper medical care
- Particularly helpful for those with eye strain from prolonged screen use (phone, computer)
- Dried geoduck can be substituted with dried conch slices (luo pian) — shellfish generally share the liver-kidney nourishing properties in food therapy
- Those without geoduck can simply omit it and use extra pork shank
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan): One of the most commonly used tonic ingredients in Cantonese cooking; traditionally associated with supporting spleen, lung, and kidney qi, and associated with gentle blood-sugar modulating effects when used regularly
- Corn silk (su mi xu): The dried or fresh silky threads from the corn cob; in traditional Chinese medicine, associated with promoting urine flow, reducing oedema, and supporting kidney and liver health. Used in both food therapy and herbal medicine
- Carrot (hong luo bo): Nutritious root vegetable used to support the liver and benefit eyesight; also adds natural sweetness and body to the broth
- Dried geoduck (xiang ba bang gan): A shellfish considered cooling in nature; traditionally associated with nourishing the liver and kidney, and supporting yin
- Pork shank (zhu zhan): Lean and collagen-rich; provides body and nutrients without excessive fat
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Chinese yam | ~150 g (4 liang) | Peel, rinse, and cut into sections |
| Fresh corn silk | ~75 g (2 liang) | Rinse the fresh silks from 2–3 corn cobs; or use dried corn silk available at herbal shops |
| Carrot | 1 medium | Peel and cut into chunks |
| Dried geoduck clam | 5–6 pieces | Blanch together with pork shank |
| Fresh ginger | 2 slices | |
| Pork shank | ~300 g (1 piece) | Cut into chunks; blanch and rinse before use |
| Water | 8–9 bowls (~2.2 L) |
Method
- Peel and cut the fresh Chinese yam into sections.
- Rinse the fresh corn silk (from corn cobs).
- Peel and cut the carrot into chunks.
- Cut the pork shank into chunks; blanch together with the dried geoduck in boiling water for a few minutes, then drain and rinse.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot with 8–9 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1.5 hours until reduced to about 4 bowls.
- Serve; drink the soup and eat the solids.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup has a naturally clean, sweet flavour with a lovely freshness from the corn silk — no need to add anything. It is also helpful for people who stare at screens all day and find their vision declining. The carrot and wolfberry combination is classically associated with eye support. If you cannot find dried geoduck, dry conch slices make an excellent substitute, as most shellfish share the liver-kidney nourishing qualities. For those managing proteinuria in addition to diabetes, add poria (fu ling, 19 g) and raw coix seed (sheng yi mi, 37 g) to the pot.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Lily): My mother is nearly 90 with proteinuria, diabetes, and hypertension. She takes medication for the blood pressure and proteinuria. Would this soup help her proteinuria? Can I substitute dried conch slices for geoduck? Bro Niu: Your mother can drink this soup. For proteinuria, add fu ling (poria, 19 g) and raw coix seed (1 liang) to make it even more helpful. And yes, dried conch slices work well as a substitute — most shellfish have similar liver-kidney nourishing properties.
Published December 20, 2022 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
