Morel, Fish Maw & Big Snail Silkie Chicken Broth Recipe

Morel, Fish Maw & Big Snail Silkie Chicken Broth Recipe (Serves 3–4)

Primary Proteins & Textures

• 1 whole silkie chicken (乌鸡), skin removed (optional), chopped
• 2–3 pieces dried fish maw (花胶), pre-soaked
• 2 big sea snail / conch heads (响螺), cleaned and sliced
• 200g pork shank or lean pork, cut into large chunks

Traditional Herbal Medley

• 6–8 dried morel mushrooms (羊肚菌)
• 4–5 large red dates (红枣), pitted or slit
• 1 tbsp goji berries (杞子)
• 1 slice aged tangerine peel (陈皮), soaked and pith removed

For Blanching

• 4 slices fresh ginger
• 2 green onions
• Optional: splash of Shaoxing wine

Phase 1: Master Prep (Do Ahead)

1. Fish Maw (Day Before)

• Steam dried fish maw with ginger & green onion for 10–15 minutes
• Immediately transfer to ice-cold water
• Refrigerate overnight to fully rehydrate
• Cut into bite-sized pieces

2. Morel Mushrooms

• Soak in warm water for 20–30 minutes
• Strain soaking liquid through coffee filter (reserve for soup base)
• Rinse inside the hollow caps to remove sand

3. Conch / Sea Snail

• Scrape off any slime or dark film
• Slice and remove digestive tract
• Blanch in boiling water with ginger + wine for 2 minutes
• Rinse clean

Phase 2: Cooking Method

Step 1: Blanch the Meats (5 min)

• Place silkie chicken and pork in cold water
• Bring to a boil for 5 minutes
• Drain and rinse thoroughly

Step 2: Build the Soup Base (1 min)

Add to a ceramic stew pot (or double boiler):

• Blanched chicken
• Pork
• Conch slices
• Red dates
• Tangerine peel

Step 3: Slow Simmer (2 hours)

• Pour in strained morel soaking water
• Add fresh boiling water (total ~1.5–2L)
• Cover and stew on low heat for 2 hours

Step 4: Add Delicate Ingredients (45 min)

• Add fish maw and morel mushrooms
• Continue simmering for 45 minutes
• This creates a silky, velvety texture without over-softening

Step 5: Final Finish (15 min)

• Add goji berries in the last 15 minutes
• Season with 1–2 tsp sea salt to taste

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Use a double-boiler (炖盅) for clearer, more refined broth
• Keep heat gentle — avoid rapid boiling
• Skim surface oil if needed for a cleaner finish
• The soup should taste naturally sweet, deeply savory, and smooth

Effects/Benefits

Silkie Chicken (Wu Ji): Supplies double the anti-aging carnosine peptide of standard poultry to accelerate tissue recovery, build immunity, and treat anemia (Nanchang University Ministry of Education Key Laboratory).

Fish Maw (Fa Gau): Packed with rich structural proteins and collagen peptides that preserve skin elasticity, enhance cellular repair, and protect joint cartilage (Caring Sunshine Research Analysis).

Big Sea Snail/Conch (Xiang Luo): Acts as a low-fat source of high-quality protein, magnesium, and vitamin B12 used to enrich kidney health and clear liver heat (NOAA Fisheries Scientific Data).

Pork Shank: Provides highly bioavailable iron, zinc, and crucial amino acids to add savory depth while combatting physical depletion (USDA Agricultural Research Service).

Dried Morel Mushrooms: Delivers abundant polysaccharides, vitamin D2, and antioxidants that reduce systemic inflammation and stimulate your immune defense (Frontiers in Pharmacology / PMC).

Red Dates (Hong Zao): Replenishes Spleen Qi (digestive energy), promotes red blood cell synthesis, and harmonizes the strong properties of the other ingredients (Chinese Medicine Journal).

Goji Berries (Qi Zi): Concentrates high amounts of zeaxanthin and carotenoids to improve vision, protect retina health, and feed the liver (Nutrients Journal).

Aged Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi): Contains active volatile oils that break up heavy bloating, regulate digestive Qi, and clear stubborn chest phlegm (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry).

Fresh Ginger & Green Onions: Introduces warming gingerols and allicin to dispel internal chill, stimulate healthy blood circulation, and neutralize fishy seafood odors (Phytotherapy Research).

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) food therapy is a complementary approach and should not replace professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice.

Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Individual responses to herbs and foods may vary.