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PANguin

Winter · from 5 Jan

Minor Cold

小寒

Warm Spleen and Kidneys, dispel cold.

Next: Major Cold on 20 Jan — 15 days

Tailor to a constitution

Ginger and spring onion oyster claypot
Minor Cold · Dinner · Balanced

Ginger and spring onion oyster claypot

Plump winter oysters baked in a claypot with plenty of ginger and spring onion.

  • 30 min
  • Serves 2
  • Claypot
  • Easy
WarmingNourishes yin and bloodWarming

Why it suits you: Oysters are at their best in winter, and plenty of ginger and spring onion balances their coolness — a fitting dinner for a neutral constitution.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 15 min
  1. 1Clean the oysters gently with cornflour and salt, rinse and blanch for 10 seconds, then drain.
  2. 2Slice the ginger and shallots and cut the spring onions into lengths.
  3. 3Fry the ginger and shallots in the claypot on low heat until golden.
  4. 4Add the oysters, spring onion and oyster sauce, cover for 3 minutes, then splash the wine round the edge.

Cautions

  • Cook oysters through; avoid with a shellfish allergy.

Chef's tips

  • Blanching first stops them releasing too much liquid.

The TCM view

Oysters are sweet, salty and neutral, nourishing yin and blood; ginger and spring onion are pungent and warm, dispelling cold.

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Seasonal principle

One of the coldest periods. Focus on warming the Kidneys and strengthening the Spleen to maintain energy. Consume hearty, mixed-grain porridges (like Laba congee) to provide sustained warmth and nutrition. Avoid cold drinks and raw foods entirely during this deep freeze.

In season now

In season around Minor Cold: Glutinous Rice, Red Bean, Peanut, Chestnut, Pork Ribs

Tap an ingredient for its nature, uses and nutrition.

Balanced

Yin–yang, qi and blood in good balance

Enjoy: Whole grains · Seasonal vegetables and fruit · Fish, eggs and tofu

Go easy: Overeating · Very greasy or spicy food · Lots of iced drinks

Not sure of your constitution?

Take the 4-minute test and meals will adjust automatically. Start

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.