Frost's Descent · Dinner · Yin Deficiency
Stir-fried scallops with sugar snap peas
Scallops seared golden on both sides, then tossed with crisp, sweet sugar snap peas — light and fresh, ready in ten minutes.
- 23 min
- Serves 2
- Stir-fry
- Easy
NeutralNourishes yin & kidneysMoistens dryness
Why it suits you: Yin Deficiency brings a dry mouth, warm palms and dry skin, and the autumn dryness of Frost's Descent depletes yin most. Scallops nourish yin and the kidneys, and sweet snap peas refresh — a quick, low-oil stir-fry that moistens without heating.
Method
Prep 15 min · Cook 8 min- 1Pat the scallops dry and sprinkle with a little salt and the cornflour. String the peas and soak the goji berries.
- 2Heat the oil until hot and sear the scallops over medium-high heat for 1 minute on each side until golden. Set aside.
- 3Fry the ginger in the same pan until fragrant, then stir-fry the peas with 2 tbsp water for 2 minutes until bright green.
- 4Return the scallops with the goji berries, add the soy sauce, toss gently for 30 seconds and serve.
Cautions
- Avoid if you are allergic to shellfish.
Chef's tips
- Dry the scallops thoroughly so they sear golden, and don't overcook them — slightly translucent in the centre is most tender.
The TCM view
Scallop is sweet, salty and neutral, nourishing yin and the kidneys; sugar snap peas are sweet and neutral and settle the middle; goji berries nourish the liver and kidneys; just a little ginger removes fishiness. Sweet, savoury and moistening, it nourishes yin without heaviness.
