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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

Char siu with fried egg on rice
Minor Cold · Lunch · Qi Deficiency

Char siu with fried egg on rice

Sweet char siu, a runny fried egg and choi sum on rice — a simple plate that restores energy.

  • 20 min
  • Serves 2
  • Pan-fry
  • Easy
WarmingBoosts qiNourishes blood

Why it suits you: People with qi deficiency tire easily and feel the cold at Minor Cold. Pork and egg are easy-to-digest protein, and with hot rice they restore energy quickly.

Method

Prep 10 min · Cook 10 min
  1. 1Blanch the choi sum in salted water with a drop of oil, then drain.
  2. 2Slice the char siu and warm it in a dry pan.
  3. 3Fry the eggs in oil until the whites set and the yolks are still soft.
  4. 4Top the rice with char siu, egg and greens, then drizzle with a little soy sauce.

Cautions

  • Char siu glaze is sweet, so go easy if watching blood sugar.

Chef's tips

  • A soft yolk mixed into the rice is the best part.

The TCM view

Pork is sweet, salty and neutral, nourishing qi and blood; egg nourishes blood; rice supports the middle; choi sum calms the stomach.

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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.

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.