Awakening of Insects · Lunch · Yin Deficiency
Braised tofu with dried scallop & spinach on rice
Tofu simmered in a savoury dried-scallop sauce over spinach and rice — a moistening lunchbox that reheats well.
- 25 min
- Serves 2
- Braise
- Easy
CoolingNourishes yin & moistensClears heat
Why it suits you: Yin Deficiency brings a dry mouth and restlessness, and the rising yang of Awakening of Insects stirs up heat. Dried scallop nourishes yin while tofu and spinach cool and moisten; braised rather than fried, it is light yet filling.
Method
Prep 10 min · Cook 15 min- 1Soak the dried scallops in 150 ml warm water for 20 minutes (or overnight), shred them and keep the soaking water.
- 2Cut the spinach into lengths, blanch for 1 minute in boiling water with a drop of oil, drain and lay over the rice.
- 3Fry the garlic in a little oil until fragrant, add the tofu, scallops with their water and the oyster sauce, and simmer gently for 6 minutes.
- 4Thicken with the cornflour mixture and spoon over the spinach and rice. For a lunchbox, cook it the night before and microwave for 2 minutes.
Cautions
- High uric acid or gout? Halve the dried scallops.
Chef's tips
- Use firm or cloth-wrapped tofu so it holds its shape while simmering.
The TCM view
Dried scallop is sweet, salty and neutral and nourishes yin and the kidneys; tofu is sweet and cool, clearing heat and moistening dryness; spinach is sweet and cool and nourishes blood. Gently cooling and moistening — right for spring yin deficiency with rising heat.
