Skip to content
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

Garlic cabbage and pressed tofu on rice
Minor Cold · Lunch · Damp-Heat

Garlic cabbage and pressed tofu on rice

Crisp cabbage and savoury pressed tofu stir-fried with garlic — light and not greasy.

  • 20 min
  • Serves 2
  • Stir-fry
  • Easy
NeutralClears damp-heatSettles the stomach

Why it suits you: Damp-heat types often overdo hotpot and cured meats in winter. Cabbage and tofu are light, and a quick stir-fry eases the gut.

Method

Prep 10 min · Cook 10 min
  1. 1Tear the cabbage into pieces; cut the tofu and carrot into strips; mince the garlic.
  2. 2Fry the garlic in hot oil.
  3. 3Add the tofu and carrot and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
  4. 4Add the cabbage on high heat until just wilted, season and serve with rice.

Chef's tips

  • High heat keeps the cabbage crisp.

The TCM view

Cabbage is sweet and neutral, clearing heat from the stomach; tofu is cool; carrot supports the spleen. Light and draining overall.

AI Recipe Studio

Want a dish made just for you?

Tell PANguin what’s in your fridge, how long you have and any health needs — it designs a recipe and saves it for you.

  • For Damp-Heat
  • Right for Minor Cold
  • Uses what you have
  • Nutrition + shopping list
Create my recipeAbout 20 seconds · free

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.

Damp-Heat

Oily skin, breakouts and a bitter taste

Enjoy: Mung beans · Winter melon and cucumber · Bitter melon · Celery · Job's tears

Go easy: Spicy, fried and barbecued food · Alcohol · Rich, sugary food

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.