Baby Oyster Congee with Dried Scallop

Why people make this dish

When it comes to zinc in food, oysters stand in a class of their own. Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in sperm metabolism and motility in men, and in supporting healthy ovarian function and hormone signalling in women. Bro Niu points out that if couples planning a family want to ensure adequate zinc intake through everyday food, oyster congee is one of the most delicious and practical ways to do it. The addition of dried scallop threads adds a deep umami flavour that elevates a simple rice porridge into something really satisfying.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for both men and women who are planning a family and wish to support reproductive wellness through diet
• Suitable for those who are generally healthy and want a nourishing, easy-to-digest meal
• Ensure oysters are fully cooked before eating, particularly for pregnant women or those with compromised immunity
• Please consult a doctor for underlying fertility conditions — food therapy is a complement, not a substitute, for medical care

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Oysters (hao zi): Among all foods, oysters contain the highest concentration of zinc. Zinc supports sperm production and motility in men, and in women it is associated with healthy ovulation and progesterone production
• Dried scallop shreds (yao zhu si, dried conpoy): Rich in protein and umami compounds; in traditional food therapy it is considered a kidney-tonifying ingredient that pairs well with rice congee
• Ginger (sheng jiang): Warms the stomach, aids digestion, and offsets the cool nature of seafood — a classic pairing with shellfish
• Fish or chicken broth: Adds gentle nourishment and depth of flavour to the congee base

Ingredients (3–4 bowls / 2–3 servings)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Small fresh oysters	~300 g	Rinse carefully to remove shell fragments; soak briefly in hot water then drain
Dried scallop shreds (yao zhu)	2 pieces	Soaked and shredded; reserve soaking water to add to the pot
Short-grain white rice	~75 g (2 liang)	Rinsed
Ginger strips	1 tablespoon	Thin julienne
Spring onion	2 stalks	Thin julienne
Chicken or fish broth	2 bowls	Adds flavour; plain water works too
Salt and white pepper	To taste	Season at the end

Method

1. Rinse the oysters under cold running water, checking carefully for any small shell fragments. Pour boiling water over them, leave for a moment, then drain. Set aside.
2. Cook the white rice with the dried scallop shreds, reserved soaking water, and remaining water and broth — use roughly 5 to 6 bowls of liquid total — stirring occasionally until you reach a thick, creamy congee consistency (about 20 to 25 minutes over medium-low heat).
3. Add the drained oysters, ginger strips, and spring onion to the congee. Stir gently and bring back to a brief boil.
4. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Bro Niu’s tips

This dish is best served fresh and piping hot. Oysters cook very quickly — just bring the congee back to a boil once they are added, then serve. Overcooking makes them tough. Dried oysters (hao shi) and mussels (qing kou,淡菜) are also beneficial in a similar way and can be used in a congee or braised with vegetables.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (JJ): My husband and I have started an IVF programme. I have anaemia, one blocked fallopian tube, poor circulation, and my husband has poor sperm parameters. What food therapy can support our treatment? Bro Niu: Dried oysters and mussels (qing kou, 淡菜) both have a supportive effect on fertility. You can use them in congee or in a soup with lotus root, red kidney beans, red dates, and pork shin. Both of you can drink it, and make sure to eat some of the ingredients too.

• Q (Ada Lee): I am 37 and experiencing early menopause symptoms — very low female hormone levels, hot flashes, and palpitations. What should I eat to help? Bro Niu: Try stewing sea cucumber regularly, combined with ba ji (morinda root) 1 liang, black beans 1 liang, goji berries (gou qi zi) and mulberry (sang shen) 3 qian each, and red dates 6 pieces with half a silkie chicken. Two doses per week may help improve things over time.

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Published March 20, 2018 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.