Soups
Chinese Yam, Lotus Seed and Sea Bass Soup
traditionally associated with strengthening the spleen, nourishing the kidneys, and supporting recovery
Why people make this soup
Sea bass occupies a special place in Cantonese food therapy. Its protein is considered highly digestible, and it contains copper, zinc and a range of minerals. Traditional Chinese medicine considers sea bass sweet and neutral in temperature, with properties that support the spleen and stomach, nourish the blood and calm the foetus. When combined with Chinese yam (huai shan), lotus seeds and gordon euryale seeds — three of the most widely used gentle tonic herbs in Cantonese cooking — the result is a mild, nurturing broth that is easy to digest and suitable across a wide range of conditions, from poor digestion in children to post-surgical recovery in adults.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for most adults and children; traditionally recommended before and after surgery, during and after pregnancy, for children with poor appetite or slow development, and for older adults
- Those with recurrent miscarriage or insufficient breast milk postpartum may benefit from drinking this soup regularly
- Traditionally considered supportive for those with high blood pressure, coronary heart disease or age-related cognitive concerns
- Those with active skin diseases, sores or eczema should avoid sea bass — substitute with stone fish (shi chong yu), rock cod or other small white sea fish
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Sea bass (lu yu): Easily digestible protein with copper and zinc. Traditionally associated with strengthening the spleen, nourishing the blood, and supporting wound healing.
- Chinese yam (huai shan): One of the most widely used tonic foods in Chinese cuisine. Gentle and neutral, associated with strengthening the spleen and stomach, supporting kidney function and stabilising digestive health.
- Lotus seeds (lian zi): Traditionally associated with calming the mind, nourishing the heart, and supporting the spleen and kidneys. Use lotus seeds with the green inner core removed unless a calming effect is specifically desired.
- Gordon euryale seeds (qian shi): Closely related in action to lotus seeds; traditionally associated with tonifying the spleen and kidney and firming up digestive tone.
- Red dates (hong zao): Add natural sweetness and are traditionally associated with nourishing the blood and calming the spirit.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried Chinese yam (huai shan) | 38 g | Soak briefly before use |
| Lotus seeds (lian zi) | 38 g | Soak briefly; remove green cores |
| Gordon euryale seeds (qian shi) | 38 g | Soak briefly |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | |
| Red dates, pitted | 6 pieces | |
| Sea bass | 600 g | Pan-fried first (see Method) |
| Neutral cooking oil | small drizzle | For pan-frying |
| Water | 8 bowls (approx. 2 litres) |
Method
- Clean and gut the sea bass. Heat a little oil in a pan and fry the fish until lightly golden on both sides. Set aside.
- Soak and rinse the Chinese yam, lotus seeds and gordon euryale seeds. Remove the green inner cores from the lotus seeds.
- Remove the pits from the red dates.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to the boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium-low simmer for 1.5 hours.
- Season lightly with salt. Drink the soup and eat the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is suitable both before and after childbirth. It is traditionally recommended for women with a history of recurrent miscarriage and for nursing mothers with insufficient milk. Those with eczema or active skin conditions should swap sea bass for stone fish or other small white sea fish. The yield of this recipe is suitable for 3–4 people.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (Cathy): My sister overseas is about to have a breast cancer tumour removed. How soon after surgery can she have nourishing soups? Bro Niu: She can start nourishing soups about 3 days after surgery. She should avoid sugar, cow’s milk and high-fat foods.
-
Q (Chan): Can this soup be used after a bone fracture surgery? Should I add astragalus (bei qi) and Chinese angelica (dang gui) to speed up recovery? Bro Niu: Yes, this soup is suitable after a bone fracture. Adding astragalus and angelica can help speed recovery. A river crab congee eaten once or twice a week can also help activate blood circulation and reduce bruising — and it tastes excellent.
-
Q (reader): Why should those with skin sores and swellings eat sea bass sparingly? Bro Niu: Traditional food therapy texts note that sea bass may aggravate existing skin conditions in susceptible people. You can substitute with stone fish (shi chong yu) or other small sea fish instead.
Published November 21, 2017 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
