Oyster & Chicken Jujube Stew with Garlic & Ginger

About this meal

A nourishing, savory Chinese stew featuring fresh oysters, chicken, red dates (jujube), goji berries, ginger, garlic, and scallions, simmered together to enhance libido and improve overall vitality. Served with lightly sautéed Chinese broccoli (gai lan) and steamed brown rice on the side.

Ingredients

• Fresh oysters (shucked) — 200g
• Chicken thigh (bone-in, skinless) — 250g
• Fresh ginger — 20g, sliced
• Garlic cloves — 4, smashed
• Red dates (jujube) — 6 pieces, pitted
• Goji berries — 2 tbsp
• Scallions — 2 stalks, cut into 2-inch sections
• Low-sodium soy sauce — 2 tbsp
• Shaoxing wine or dry sherry — 1 tbsp
• Sesame oil — 1 tsp
• Black pepper — to taste
• Filtered water or chicken broth (homemade, no MSG) — 600ml
• Gai lan (Chinese broccoli) — 150g
• Brown rice — 1/2 cup (uncooked)

Steps

1. Rinse and soak the goji berries and red dates for 10 minutes; drain.
2. Bring 600ml water or homemade chicken broth to a boil in a pot.
3. Add ginger, garlic, scallions, and chicken. Skim off any scum.
4. Simmer for 15 minutes, then add red dates and goji berries. Cook another 15 minutes.
5. Add oysters, low-sodium soy sauce, shaoxing wine, and black pepper. Simmer for 3-5 minutes (do not overcook oysters).
6. Drizzle with sesame oil. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Meanwhile, steam brown rice and lightly sauté gai lan in a little olive oil and garlic until bright green and tender.
8. Serve stew hot with side of brown rice and gai lan.