Soups
Walnut, Peanut & Bighead Fish Head Soup
Traditionally associated with supporting the brain and concentration
Why people make this soup
Bighead fish head makes a delicious soup that is also traditionally associated with supporting brain function. Bro Niu once enjoyed a “chuan xiong tian ma fish head” dish at a famous restaurant — nourishing and brain-supporting, but the strong medicinal herbs may not suit children and teens. So today he pairs walnut meat and peanuts with the fish head instead, with no strong herbal taste.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Children, teens, and adults; especially nice for students focused on long study sessions who dislike medicinal-tasting brain tonics. The whole family can drink it.
- Anyone allergic to peanuts should swap them for enoki mushrooms (see tips).
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Walnut meat (he tao rou): Often called nature’s “superfood,” traditionally associated with supporting the brain, cardiovascular health, and easing inflammation.
- Peanuts (hua sheng): A fine plant protein, traditionally associated with looking after the heart and supporting brain development.
- Bighead fish head (da yu tou): Makes a rich, savoury base and is traditionally favoured for the brain.
Ingredients (about 4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walnut meat | 1 tael (~38 g) | Rinsed |
| Peanuts | 1 tael (~38 g) | Rinsed |
| Red dates | 5 | Pitted |
| Fresh ginger | 2 slices | |
| Bighead fish head | 1 | Cleaned, lightly pan-fried in a little oil |
Method
- Rinse the walnut meat and peanuts.
- Pit the red dates.
- Clean the fish head and lightly pan-fry in a little oil until fragrant.
- Combine all ingredients with 7–8 bowls of water.
- Simmer 1 hour until reduced to about 4 bowls. Serve the soup along with the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is savoury-sweet and the whole family, young and old, can drink it. For anyone allergic to peanuts, swap in enoki mushrooms — they are high in zinc and are nicknamed the “wisdom mushroom.”
Published October 24, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
