Stir-Fries
Stir-Fried Eggs with Chives and Dried Shrimp
Stir-fried eggs with chives and dried shrimp is a fragrant, nutritious, and classic home-style dish. The pungent aroma of chives, the tender texture of eggs, and the savoury depth of dried shrimp come together in perfect harmony, creating a golden-and-green dish that whets the appetite. This dish is not only delicious but also reflects the wisdom of "food as medicine" – chives are known as the "warming yang vegetable" that tonifies the kidneys and promotes qi circulation; dried shrimp are a natural "calcium bank"; eggs provide high-quality protein. Simple yet exceptional, this dish is a nutritional treasure on your table.
Main Ingredients
- Chives 200g
- Eggs 3 pcs
- Dried shrimp 15g
- Cooking oil as needed
- Salt to taste
- White pepper powder a pinch
Steps
Trim the chives, wash and drain thoroughly, then cut into 3-4cm sections. Quickly rinse the dried shrimp and drain. Beat the eggs in a bowl with a pinch of salt and white pepper.
Heat oil in a wok, pour in the beaten eggs, and quickly scramble until just set and lightly golden. Remove and set aside. (Do not overcook – keep them tender.)
Add a little more oil to the wok, add the dried shrimp, and stir-fry over low heat until they turn slightly golden and fragrant. (This step enhances their umami flavour.)
Add the chives, turn the heat to high, and stir-fry quickly for about 30 seconds until they soften and darken in colour. Return the scrambled eggs to the wok, season with salt to taste (remember the shrimp are already salty), and stir-fry quickly to combine. Serve immediately.
TCM Notes
Kidney-tonifying, qi-activating & blood-circulating (core benefit of chives): Chives are warm in nature and pungent in taste, acting on the liver, stomach, and kidney meridians. They warm the middle, stimulate appetite, move qi and blood, and tonify kidney yang. The sulfur compounds in chives promote digestion and appetite – making them an ideal seasonal vegetable for spring yang nourishment. Calcium supplementation & bone health (core benefit of dried shrimp): Dried shrimp are exceptionally rich in calcium (approx. 991mg per 100g), making them a natural calcium source that helps prevent osteoporosis – suitable for children, adolescents, and middle-aged and elderly people. They also provide protein and various minerals. High-quality protein (core benefit of eggs): Eggs contain high-quality protein, lecithin, and various vitamins that are easily absorbed – supporting brain health, intelligence, and memory. Antioxidant & anti-aging: Chives are rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, and dietary fibre, which help scavenge free radicals, promote intestinal motility, and prevent constipation.
Suitable for：Those needing spring yang nourishment and kidney qi support Those with calcium deficiency or osteoporosis risk (children, adolescents, the elderly) Those with poor appetite or indigestion General population for daily side-dish and nutritional support
Not suitable for：Those with yin deficiency with fire-excess (Use with caution!): Chives are warm in nature and may aggravate internal heat – symptoms include dry mouth, hot palms/feet, night sweats, and a red tongue with little coating. Those with stomach heat or gastric ulcers (Use with caution): Chives are pungent and may irritate the stomach. Those with wind-heat colds or heat conditions (Use with caution): The warming nature may worsen heat conditions. Those with acute gout flare-ups (Use with caution!): Dried shrimp are high in purines – strictly avoid during acute attacks. Those with hyperuricemia should limit consumption to 1-2 times per week. Those with allergies (Avoid!): Those allergic to shrimp or seafood should avoid this dish. Those People with hot constitutions who easily suffer from internal heat should eat less chives. Chives are warm in nature and should not be consumed excessively.
