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PANguin

Winter · from 22 Nov

Minor Snow

小雪

Warm Yang, nourish Kidneys.

Next: Major Snow on 7 Dec — 15 days

Tailor to a constitution

Braised beef short rib with tofu
Minor Snow · Dinner · Qi Deficiency

Braised beef short rib with tofu

Slow-braised beef short rib with tofu puffs that soak up the sauce.

  • 1 hr 45 min
  • Serves 4
  • Braise
  • Medium
NeutralBoosts qi and bloodStrengthens the spleen

Why it suits you: In cold Minor Snow, beef strengthens the spleen and boosts qi and blood for a tired constitution.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 90 min
  1. 1Cut and blanch the beef.
  2. 2Fry the ginger, then brown the beef.
  3. 3Add the soy sauces, star anise, sugar and water to cover and braise gently for 75 minutes.
  4. 4Add the tofu puffs and braise for 15 minutes more to reduce.

Cautions

  • The sauce is salty, so use it sparingly.

Chef's tips

  • Add the tofu once a chopstick slides into the beef.

The TCM view

Beef is sweet and neutral, tonifying spleen, qi and blood; tofu is gentle on the middle.

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Seasonal principle

The weather turns colder. Focus on warming the Yang energy and nourishing the Kidneys with nutrient-dense foods. Keep your head and feet particularly warm, as these are areas where cold easily enters. Consume warm soups and stews to maintain core body temperature.

In season now

In season around Minor Snow: Walnut, Black Sesame, Cashew, Beef, Cinnamon

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.