Spring · from 4 Feb

Start of Spring

Name: Seaweed, tofu and fish soup with brown rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: Dried laver seaweed 1 sheet (about 5 g); Grass carp fillet 200 g, sliced; Tofu 1 block, diced; Fresh ginger 4 slices, shredded; Spring onion 1, chopped; Water 800 ml; Salt a pinch; Ground white pepper a pinch; Cooked brown rice 2 bowls

立春

Nourish Liver Yang, protect against wind-cold.

Next: Rain Water on 18 Feb — 14 days

4 Feb 2026

Tailor to a constitution

Start of Spring · Lunch · Phlegm-Dampness

Seaweed, tofu and fish soup with brown rice

A clear soup of seaweed, tofu and fish slices with brown rice: filling without feeling heavy.

18 min
Serves 2
Simmer
Easy

NeutralResolves phlegm-dampStrengthens the spleen

Why it suits you: Phlegm-Dampness means feeling heavy, phlegmy and sleepy, and a greasy lunch makes it worse. Seaweed resolves phlegm and fish strengthens the spleen; a clear soup with brown rice fills you up without weighing you down, so the afternoon slump is milder.

Method

Prep 10 min · Cook 8 min

1Toss the fish with a little salt and pepper for 5 minutes.
2Bring the water and ginger to the boil, add the tofu and simmer for 3 minutes.
3Add the fish for 2 minutes until cooked, tear in the seaweed, season, scatter with spring onion and serve with brown rice.

Chef's tips

Add the seaweed last and turn off the heat as soon as it boils so it does not go mushy.

The TCM view

Laver seaweed is sweet, salty and cold, resolving phlegm and draining water. Grass carp is sweet and warm and warms the stomach; tofu is sweet and cool and replenishes qi; ginger and white pepper warm the middle and offset the seaweed's cold.

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Seasonal principle

Spring is the time of the Liver. Focus on gentle movement and eating foods that help the Liver Qi rise. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that can stagnate Qi. It is important to dress warmly to protect against the lingering winter cold, especially around the neck and joints. Engage in light stretching exercises to promote the smooth flow of Qi and blood throughout the body.

In season now

In season around Start of Spring: Chives, Coriander, Ginger, Dates, Honey

Tap an ingredient for its nature, uses and nutrition.

Phlegm-Dampness

Heaviness, sluggishness and a full belly

Enjoy: Job's tears (coix seed) · Adzuki beans · Winter melon · White radish · Aged tangerine peel

Go easy: Sweets and sugary drinks · Greasy food and late-night snacks · Lots of dairy and cold drinks

Not sure of your constitution?

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Based on traditional Chinese medicine for general wellness education — not a medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, are severe or unusual, please see a doctor or registered Chinese medicine practitioner.