Braised Chicken with Flower Mushrooms and Sea Cucumber

Why people make this dish

This is the kind of dish that feels like a special occasion but is rooted in practical, everyday food wisdom. Nourilo picked up a batch of small pre-soaked frozen sea cucumbers and a bag of flower shiitake mushrooms, combined them with a quality free-range chicken, and turned them into something deeply satisfying. Sea cucumber on its own has almost no flavour — that is actually part of its traditional appeal: it takes on whatever flavour surrounds it, which is why it needs good companions like chicken and mushroom. Flower shiitake mushrooms (the variety with a cracked, flower-patterned cap) are particularly prized for their aroma and deep umami. Together, this dish is traditionally valued for nourishing yin and supporting a healthy complexion.

Method

1. Clean the chicken and cut into pieces. Marinate with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of sugar for at least 30 minutes.
2. Briefly blanch the soaked sea cucumber in boiling water, then drain.
3. Soak the dried flower shiitake mushrooms until soft, remove the stems, and slice.
4. Heat oil in a wok or heavy pot. Fry the shallots and ginger slices until fragrant.
5. Add the marinated chicken pieces and pan-fry until golden on both sides.
6. Add the sea cucumber and shiitake mushrooms and stir-fry briefly.
7. Add a splash of Shaoxing wine, enough water to nearly cover the ingredients, and seasoning to taste.
8. Cover and braise on medium heat until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, adjusting seasoning before serving.

Nourilo’s Tips

This dish works beautifully as a festive centrepiece or a weekend family meal. You can use any variety of sea cucumber — the type does not dramatically change the food-therapy benefit. Pre-soaked frozen sea cucumber is convenient and widely available; look for product from a reputable supplier. If you want to soak your own from dried, the key is to keep everything completely oil-free throughout the soaking process — any grease will prevent the cucumber from softening properly.