"Neglecting the First Fu Day Leads to Summer Suffering": Don’t Forget These 3 "Yang-Boosting Dishes" to Stay Healthy in the Scorching Heat

The old saying, "Neglecting the first Fu Day leads to summer suffering," couldn’t be truer! During this sweltering season, our body’s yang energy tends to dissipate outward, leaving the interior vulnerable to cold and deficiency. If we indulge in nothing but icy watermelon and chilled drinks, our spleen and stomach will surely suffer. That’s when we should turn to the warming, yang-boosting dishes that bring balance and comfort. Today, let’s talk about three such dishes that will keep you warm, nourished, and perfectly at ease through the dog days of summer!

1. Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken

Simple Steps:

1. Chop a free-range young chicken into pieces, blanch in cold water with a splash of cooking wine to remove impurities, then drain and set aside.

2. Heat oil in a wok, add a generous amount of ginger slices, a few star anise pods, and a pinch of Sichuan peppercorns. Stir-fry over low heat until fragrant.

3. Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry over high heat until golden brown. Splash with cooking wine to remove any gaminess, then season with soy sauce, a dash of dark soy sauce for color, and a pinch of sugar for balance. Stir well.

4. Pour in enough boiling water (or beer for extra flavor) to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes. When the sauce has thickened, toss in some sliced bell peppers for a fresh crunch. Finish with a splash of vinegar along the edges of the wok for an aromatic boost, then serve!

This dish, with its spicy warmth and the numbing kick of Sichuan peppercorns, effectively drives out the cold lurking in your body. The tender chicken, soaked in rich sauce, delivers a comforting heat that rises from the stomach, reviving your appetite and leaving you utterly satisfied.

2. Cumin Lamb

Simple Steps:

1. Slice lamb leg or tenderloin thinly, then marinate with cooking wine, soy sauce, a touch of dark soy sauce, white pepper, and a little cornstarch. Drizzle with oil to seal in moisture and let sit for 15 minutes.

2. Heat a generous amount of oil in a wok until moderately hot (test by inserting a chopstick—small bubbles should form around it). Quickly stir-fry the lamb until it changes color, then remove and drain.

3. In the same wok, sauté onion slices (or scallion segments) in the remaining oil. Return the lamb to the wok, then generously sprinkle with cumin powder, chili powder (optional), and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry over high heat until the lamb is evenly coated with the fragrant spices.

4. Finish with toasted sesame seeds and cilantro, give it a quick toss, and serve hot!

Lamb is inherently warming and nourishing, and the bold aroma of cumin is the perfect complement. This robust spice acts like a thermal charge, encouraging a healthy sweat to expel dampness and toxins from the body.

3. Braised Yellow Croaker (or Sea Bass)

Simple Steps:

1. Clean the fish (yellow croaker, sea bass, or similar) and score both sides for better flavor absorption. Pat dry with paper towels.

2. Heat a pan and rub the bottom with ginger to prevent sticking. Add a generous amount of oil and pan-fry the fish over medium heat until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pan, sauté scallions, ginger, and garlic until fragrant. Deglaze with cooking wine, then add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and a teaspoon of sugar. Pour in hot water and bring to a boil.

4. Gently place the fish back into the pan, ensuring the liquid covers at least half of it. Simmer covered for 10–15 minutes (adjust based on fish size), occasionally spooning the sauce over the fish.

5. Reduce the sauce slightly before serving, garnished with chopped scallions. For a more refined touch, remove the fish, thicken the sauce with a light cornstarch slurry, and pour it over the fish.

Fish, being mildly warming, becomes even more nurturing when prepared in this rich, braised style. The tender flesh, enveloped in savory sauce, melts in your mouth. This dish gently replenishes yang energy while supporting digestion and dispelling dampness—a perfect summer balance.

Conclusion

No matter how long or stifling the summer days may be, as long as there’s a fire on the stove and warmth in the pot, you’ll have the steady confidence to weather the season. So don’t hesitate—roll up your sleeves and cook up these hearty, yang-boosting dishes for yourself and your loved ones. Nourished and fortified, you’ll breeze through the heatwaves unscathed, calmly awaiting the crisp autumn breeze!

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