Home-Style Dishes
Home-Style Sea Cucumber
Traditionally nourishes yin and supports the kidneys
Why people make this dish
Rehydrated sea cucumber has a lovely springy bite, and here it is tossed with pork and bright vegetables for a colorful, fragrant plate. It is quick to prepare and the kind of savory side that gets the appetite going — traditionally said to nourish yin and support the kidneys.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Anyone wanting a tasty seafood side dish.
- Traditionally said to suit both kidney-yang and kidney-yin types, so it is broadly gentle.
- As with any shellfish-type ingredient, those with seafood sensitivities should be cautious.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Sea cucumber (hai shen): traditionally valued to nourish yin and support the kidneys.
- Pork tenderloin (zhu liu rou): adds protein and savory depth.
- Edamame, corn, carrot, cloud ear: bring color, sweetness, and texture.
Ingredients (2–3 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rehydrated small sea cucumbers | 6–8 | |
| Pork tenderloin | ~110 g | shredded |
| Edamame | 2 tbsp | |
| Sweet corn kernels | 2 tbsp | |
| Minced garlic | 1 tsp | |
| Minced ginger | 1 tsp | |
| Shredded carrot | to taste | |
| Shredded cloud ear | to taste | |
| Seasoning | to taste | light soy, cornstarch |
Method
- Simmer the sea cucumbers in stock with a little wine for 15 minutes to absorb flavor; lift out.
- Shred the pork and marinate briefly with light soy and cornstarch.
- Heat oil, fry the ginger and garlic until fragrant, then stir-fry the pork until cooked.
- Add edamame, corn, cloud ear, and carrot; toss, splash in wine, season, add a little water.
- Cook a moment, finish with a thin cornstarch glaze, and serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
This dish is fresh-tasting and traditionally said to nourish yin and support the kidneys — suitable for both kidney-yang and kidney-yin constitutions. Small dried sea cucumbers are available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (NANA): Where can you buy sea cucumber at a reasonable price? Bro Niu: Small dried sea cucumbers are available at Chinese or Asian grocers and at dried-seafood shops. It is worth shopping around, as prices vary.
- Q (Lily): Can you eat edamame while breastfeeding? Bro Niu: Yes, edamame is fine while breastfeeding, no problem.
Published June 2, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
