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PANguin

Spring · from 4 Feb

Start of Spring

立春

Nourish Liver Yang, protect against wind-cold.

Next: Rain Water on 18 Feb — 14 days

Tailor to a constitution

Dace-stuffed tofu with rice
Start of Spring · Lunch · Qi Deficiency

Dace-stuffed tofu with rice

Ready-made dace fish paste from the wet market pressed into tofu, pan-fried and braised until soft and silky.

  • 25 min
  • Serves 2
  • Pan-braise
  • Medium
NeutralStrengthens spleen and qiOpens the appetite

Why it suits you: Qi Deficiency brings tiredness and a weak appetite, so lunch should be easy to digest yet rich in protein. Dace strengthens the middle and opens the appetite, and tofu replenishes qi; pan-fried then braised, it is soft and easy to eat.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 10 min
  1. 1Stir the fish paste with the spring onion and a little water in one direction until sticky.
  2. 2Hollow a small dip in each tofu square, dust with cornflour and press in the fish paste.
  3. 3Fry fish-side down over medium heat for 3 minutes until golden, then turn and fry for 2 minutes.
  4. 4Add the oyster sauce and water, braise for 3 minutes, thicken with a little cornflour slurry and spoon over rice.

Chef's tips

  • Use the fish paste on the day you buy it, and stir until sticky so it stays put while frying.

The TCM view

Dace is sweet and neutral, strengthening the middle, opening the appetite and building qi and blood. Tofu is sweet and cool, replenishing qi and generating fluids; spring onion is pungent and warm. Together they strengthen the spleen and qi without being drying or greasy.

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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.

Qi Deficiency

Low energy, tires easily and catches colds

Enjoy: Chinese yam · Millet and pumpkin · Red dates · Chicken and beef · Shiitake and soybeans

Go easy: Raw, cold food and iced drinks · Crash dieting · Greasy, heavy meals

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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.