Steamed chicken with astragalus, Chinese yam and red dates
Chicken steamed on slices of fresh Chinese yam, with astragalus and red dates sweetening the juices — mild and gentle, suited to sensitive types.
- 35 min
- Serves 3
- Steam
- Easy
Why it suits you: Sensitive types have weak defensive qi, and cold, dry Major Snow brings colds and nasal allergy flare-ups. Astragalus, yam and red dates gently strengthen the body's defences and digestion, and plain steaming keeps it light and free of common allergens.
Method
Prep 15 min · Cook 20 min- 1Soak the astragalus in 3 tbsp hot water for 15 minutes. Wearing gloves, peel and slice the yam and lay it on a plate.
- 2Chop the chicken into pieces and marinate with the salt, cornflour, ginger, red dates and the astragalus with its soaking water for 10 minutes.
- 3Spread the chicken over the yam and steam over boiling water on high heat for 15–18 minutes, until cooked through with no pink juices.
- 4Scatter over the goji berries and steam 1 minute more. Meanwhile blanch the choy sum and serve with rice.
Cautions
- Pause the astragalus and goji berries during a cold, fever or sore throat.
Chef's tips
- Spread the chicken in one layer so it steams evenly and quickly; wear gloves when handling fresh yam to avoid itchy hands.
The TCM view
Astragalus is sweet and slightly warm, builds qi and firms the body's surface; Chinese yam is sweet and neutral and supports the spleen, lungs and kidneys; red dates are sweet and warm and nourish blood; chicken is sweet and warm and builds qi. A small amount of astragalus, simply steamed, tonifies without drying — guarding against cold and colds.
