Ba Wong Fa Nourishing Herbal Soup

Ba Wong Fa Nourishing Herbal Soup (3–4 servings)

Ingredients

• 1 chicken carcass
• 3–4 pork bones
• 1 medium piece lean pork (roughly palm-sized)
• 1 small handful dried scallops or 1 piece dried geoduck
• 2–3 garlic cloves
• 2 tsp whole white peppercorns
• 4 dried red dates
• 3–4 slices fresh ginger (about 3–4 cm each)
• About 1/2 to 2/3 pack dried ba wong fa
• 1.5–1.8 litres water

Instructions

1. Prepare the ba wong fa
   Place the dried ba wong fa in hot water just enough to cover and soak for about 15 minutes. Drain, then transfer to cold water and soak for another 25–30 minutes. Rinse well, trim off any small seeds at the tips, then soak once more in fresh cold water for another 20–30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Blanch the bones
   Bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken frame and pork bones, letting them boil briefly for a few minutes to remove impurities. Drain, rinse thoroughly under cold water, and clean off any visible residue or excess fat.
3. Start the soup base
   In a large soup pot, add the cleaned chicken frame, pork bones, and lean pork. Pour in the water and bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat.
4. Add remaining ingredients
   Once boiling, add the soaked ba wong fa, dried seafood (scallops or geoduck), garlic, ginger slices, red dates, and white peppercorns.
5. Simmer slowly
   Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let the soup simmer for about 3.5 to 4 hours. A longer, slow simmer helps deepen the flavor and soften the ba wong fa.
6. Adjust and serve
   Taste the soup midway through cooking. If the flavor is too light, allow it to simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes to concentrate. Before serving, remove most of the chicken bones. The pork bones can be kept if desired. Season lightly with soy sauce if needed.

Notes

• A longer simmer gives a richer, more aromatic broth.
• Skimming excess fat during cooking can improve clarity and taste.

Effects/Benefits

Chicken frame – Rich in collagen and minerals, supports joint health and overall nourishment.

Pork bones – Provides calcium and marrow nutrients that help strengthen bones and replenish the body.

Lean pork – A good source of protein that helps build strength and support muscle recovery.

Dried scallops / dried geoduck – Helps enhance energy and supports kidney and digestive function.

Garlic – Known for boosting immunity and supporting circulation.

White peppercorns – Warms the body and aids digestion by reducing coldness in the stomach.

Dried red dates – Helps nourish blood, improve energy, and support overall vitality.

Ginger – Warms the body, aids digestion, and helps reduce nausea.

Ba wong fa – Traditionally used to help clear heat, support respiratory health, and promote internal balance.

Water – Hydrates the body and helps extract and deliver nutrients from all ingredients.

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.