Goji Berry & Pig Kidney Soup (Gouqi Yaosui Tang)

Main Ingredients

• Fresh pig kidney 1 piece
• Goji berries (wolfberries) 10-15g
• Fresh ginger 3-5 slices
• Spring onion 1 stalk
• Cooking wine 1 tbsp
• Salt to taste
• White pepper powder a pinch

Steps

1. Split the pig kidney in half and completely remove the white and dark core (adrenal gland) – this is the main source of the gamey odor. Remove the surface membrane and rinse thoroughly under running water. Slice into thin pieces or flower cuts. Place the sliced kidney in a bowl, add a pinch of salt and cooking wine, gently massage, and marinate for 10 minutes. Rinse several times under running water until the water runs clear. Soak in salted water for another 10 minutes for extra deodorizing. Bring a pot of water to a boil with ginger slices and cooking wine. Add the kidney slices and blanch for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until they change color and curl. Do not overcook – this will make the kidney tough. Transfer to ice water or cold water to cool, preserving the crisp texture.

   

2. Add about 500-800ml of water to a clay pot or soup pot, add ginger slices and spring onion sections, and bring to a boil. Reduce to low heat and simmer for 5 minutes to release the aromas. Add rinsed goji berries (10-15g) and continue simmering over low heat for about 10 minutes.

   

3. Add the blanched kidney slices to the soup, bring to a boil over high heat, and cook until the kidney is fully cooked (about 1-2 minutes). Do not overcook – the kidney will become tough. Add salt to taste (salt must be added at the very end), sprinkle with a pinch of white pepper (optional). Turn off the heat, transfer to a bowl, and serve warm.

   

TCM Notes

Pig Kidney: Contains approximately 15.4g protein, 3.2g fat, and about 96 kcal per 100g. Rich in iron (approx. 6.1mg/100g), phosphorus (approx. 215mg/100g), selenium (approx. 111.77μg/100g), and various vitamins. Pig kidney is neutral in nature and salty in taste, entering the Kidney meridian, with kidney-tonifying and diuretic effects. Note: Pig kidney is high in cholesterol, containing approximately 354mg per 100g. Goji Berries: Contain approximately 13.9g protein, 64.1g carbohydrates, and about 258 kcal per 100g. Rich in carotene, vitamin C, B vitamins, and minerals including calcium, magnesium, and iron. Goji berries nourish the liver and kidneys and improve vision; they are suitable for those with weak constitution and low immunity. Synergistic Effect: Pig kidney tonifies kidney qi while goji berries nourish kidney yin – together they balance both kidney yin and yang, achieving kidney-tonifying, essence-benefiting, and waist-strengthening effects. Total approx. 150-200 kcal, 18-20g protein – a low-fat high-protein nourishing soup.

Suitable for：Those with kidney deficiency, lower back pain, and weak knees Those with weak legs, dizziness, tinnitus, and insomnia Those with spermatorrhea, night sweats, and fatigue Elderly with kidney-deficiency related deafness and tinnitus Those with eye strain and visual fatigue Those with weak constitution and low immunity

Not suitable for：Those with hyperlipidemia or high cholesterol – pig kidney contains 354mg cholesterol per 100g, far exceeding the 200mg/100g high standard Gout / Hyperuricemia patients – pig kidney is high in purine (over 300mg per 100g); gout patients should strictly avoid it Those with colds, fevers, or inflammation – goji berries have a strong warming effect; avoid during colds, fever, inflammation, and diarrhea Those with damp-heat constitution – symptoms include bitter mouth, bad breath, yellow greasy tongue coating, and sticky stools Those with yin deficiency with internal heat – symptoms include night sweats, dry mouth, and sore throat Those with spleen deficiency and loose stools – goji berries may worsen diarrhea Those with kidney insufficiency – protein intake must be limited Those allergic to organ meats