Fabulous Fish Maw
Dried fish maw is one of the most expensive parts of the fish, traditionally consumed as an anti-aging health food due to its high collagen content. Fish maw contains rich proteins and nutrients such as phosphor and calcium. It contains 84.4% protein, 0.2% fat. The swim bladder is an internal organ that puffs up to keep the fish afloat. It is cleansed and sun-dried. Fish maw, a precious traditional Chinese ingredient, is one of the four valuable seafood products namely: abalone, sea cucumber, shark's fin and fish maw.
According to traditional Chinese medicine practice, fish maw nourishes our yin energy and strengthens and nourishes lung and kidney health. This unique delicacy is the dried swim bladder of a fish that is commonly found in Asian markets. Dried fish maw or 黃花膠 usually comes from croaker which has higher nutritional value and is better than fried maw for nourishing soups.
Fish Maw for Skin Beauty and Joint Comfort
Though most people are not aware of it, fish maw actually contains more protein than meat and is very high in collagen, making it excellent for skin health. Furthermore, fish maw does not contain cholesterol and is a very valuable health-enhancing ingredient suitable for long time consumption.
Fish Maw Preparation and Recipes
Usually, fish maw is added into soup or stews to give the soup better slippery mouth-feel and increase thickness. Unexpected considering its status as a delicacy, fish maw has an extremely mild to flavorless taste. Yet the texture, health considerations, and traditional prestige lead to it being extremely prized and expensive.
Soak fish maw in fresh water for 6-18 hours or until it becomes soft and its gel content gets softened. Refresh water from time to time and rinse with cool water each time to eliminate its fishy smell. Put ginger and shallot into a pot of fresh water and boil. Turn off the heat after the water is boiled. When soft it can be cut into pieces and added to soups, stews or stir fries. Or you can slow cook it until it is soft.
A Simple Fish Maw Soup
Ingredients
Fish maw
Dried shrimp
Rice
Ginger
Scallion
Seasoning: white or black salt, white pepper, soy sauce, lemon
Rinse 1 or 2 pieces of dried fish maw in cold water. Rinse rice (white, black, red or brown rice) until the water is clear. Rinse a few pieces of dried shrimp. Peel and chop a piece of raw ginger.
Add the fish maw, shrimp, rice and ginger into your slow cooker. Cover the ingredients with water and cook with low heat for several hours or overnight until the ingredients are soft. Adjust the flavor adding white pepper, lemon juice, chopped scallion and a little soy sauce.
