Goji Berry & Pork Liver Soup (Gouqi Zhugan Tang)

Main Ingredients

• Fresh pork liver 150-200g
• Fresh goji leaves 150-250g
• Fresh ginger 3-5 slices
• Goji berries 10-20 pieces
• Cooking wine 1 tbsp
• Cornstarch 1 tbsp
• Salt to taste
• White pepper powder a pinch
• Sesame oil a few drops

Steps

1. Soak to remove blood: Rinse pork liver under running water, place in a bowl with clean water, and soak for 30 minutes, changing the water 1-2 times to fully remove blood and toxins. The liver is the animal's main detoxifying organ; thorough cleaning helps reduce residual harmful substances. Slice and marinate: Remove the liver and drain, cut into thin slices (about 0.3-0.5cm thick). Add salt, ginger shreds, cooking wine, and a few drops of sesame oil. Mix well and marinate for 15 minutes to deodorize and flavor. Add 1 tbsp of cornstarch and mix to make the liver more tender. Blanch to set: Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the marinated liver and blanch until it changes color, then immediately remove. Do not overcook, or the liver will become tough.

   

2. Clean the pot, add a little sesame oil, and sauté ginger shreds until fragrant. Add about 800-1000ml of boiling water and bring to a rolling boil. Add goji berries (if using dried) and cook for 2-3 minutes.

   

3. Add goji leaves (if using fresh), and cook until the water boils again. Add the blanched pork liver and stir well. After boiling, reduce to low heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until the pork liver is fully cooked. Pork liver must be thoroughly heated; do not aim for a tender texture with blood streaks remaining.

   

4. Add salt and white pepper to taste. Turn off the heat, transfer to bowls, and serve warm.

   

TCM Notes

Pork Liver: Contains approximately 19.3g protein and 22.6mg iron per 100g, mainly heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and helps prevent or improve iron-deficiency anemia. Extremely high in vitamin A, up to 4972μg per 100g, far exceeding other animal foods, supporting normal vision and preventing night blindness. Also rich in vitamin B2 (2.08mg per 100g), involved in biological oxidation and energy metabolism. Pork liver is sweet-bitter and neutral in nature, with the effects of tonifying the liver, nourishing blood, and improving vision. Goji Leaves (or Goji Berries) : Goji leaves are sweet-slightly bitter and cool in nature, containing various vitamins that nourish the liver and kidneys, and benefit essence and improve vision. The Dietetic Materia Medica records that they “dispel wind, benefit sinews and bones, and eliminate consumptive fatigue”. Goji berries nourish the liver and kidneys and improve vision, rich in polysaccharides and carotene. Synergistic Effect: Pork liver nourishes blood and the liver, while goji leaves clear heat and improve vision. The cool nature of goji leaves counteracts the warm-dry nature of pork liver. Both are rich in iron and vitamin A, mutually promoting each other in nourishing liver blood and improving vision. Total approx. 250-320 kcal, 20-25g protein – a high-protein, high-iron nourishing medicinal soup.

Suitable for：Those with dry eyes, blurred vision, and night blindness due to liver blood insufficiency Those who frequently stay up late or overuse their eyes (computer users, students, writers) Those with iron-deficiency anemia, qi-blood deficiency, and sallow complexion Those who frequently consume alcohol Those in postpartum weakness or post-illness recovery needing blood nourishment General population, 1-2 times per week to prevent anemia

Not suitable for：Hyperuricemia / Gout patients – pork liver is a high-purine food with purine content of approximately 275mg/100g, far exceeding the high-purine standard of 150mg/100g. Absolutely avoid during acute gout attacks; not recommended even during remission Hyperlipidemia, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease patients – pork liver is high in cholesterol, approximately 288mg per 100g. Those with hypercholesterolemia and related cardiovascular diseases should limit consumption Hypertension and coronary heart disease patients – not recommended Those with external excess heat, spleen deficiency with dampness, or diarrhea Those allergic to pork liver or goji berries Pregnant women – pork liver is extremely high in vitamin A; excessive intake may adversely affect the fetus. Consult a doctor before consuming Those with vitamin A excess – pork liver is rich in vitamin A; avoid concurrent consumption with vitamin A supplements