Braised Fish Maw Mushroom 冬菇焖鱼鳔

Honestly, I don't cook fish maw very often. The other day a friend gifted me two packet of fish maw and really have no idea what to do with them. I remember I have once made soup with it but my kids seem not so interested in it. So, I tried to make a one pot braised method this round. Boy, the end result is outstanding !  It tastes like eating the chicken feet.... nom... nom..... This definitely going to be the coming Chinese Year dish for the family. Please read on for more.

These are fried fish maw which we can easily get from the shop or shopping mall. The smaller size you can easily see the shape and is cheaper too.

This round I am using the large size fish maw for my recipe. First of all, cut them into smaller pieces. Then soak into hot/boiling water for about 35 minutes or till soft, depends on the thickness of fish maw. Finally, wash and squeeze out the excess water. Set aside.

Ingredients :
1 large piece fried fish maw
1 pce  whole chicken breast, cut into bite size
1 cup  mini abalone chunks
10 pcs  shiitake mushroom, soaked in hot water
2 pcs  4"  ginger, sliced
3 shallots, sliced
3 cups  water
Thickening :  1/2 cup mixed with 2 tspn  cornflour

*Seasoning :
2 TB  oyster sauce
80ml  light soy sauce
1 tspn  chicken granules
white pepper to taste

Method :
(1) preheat wok with 1/2 cup cooking oil, saute shallots & ginger till fragrant over high heat.
(2) stir in chicken meat and let to cook for about 10 minutes, then add in mushroom & abalone chunks and cook for another 5 minutes.
(3) now, add in the rest of the seasoning and mix well.
(4) add in water and bring it to boil, then add in fish maw.
(5) next, switch to low heat and let to cook for about 20 minutes. Make sure you have enough water to braise the fish maw, add in extra water if possible.
(6) when its done, stir in thickening and cook for another 1 minute and off the heat.
(7) and its all ready to serve.

I actually double up the recipe cause I have a few friends came over, and still everyone polished off everything. Hope you guys will love it too. Enjoy !