Easy Recipe: How to Cook Bird's Nest Soup

Key Takeaways

• Bird's nest is rich in nutrients like Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and sialic acid. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), bird's nest supports skin health, respiratory health and immunity.
• Bird's nest soup is an easy double-boil recipe suitable for mothers throughout pregnancy to confinement, the elderly and individuals recovering from surgery.
• However, individuals with bird's nest allergies or protein intolerance should use caution or avoid it.

Bird's nest soup is not only a beloved Asian delicacy but also highly esteemed in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its remarkable health benefits. Beyond its beauty-enhancing properties, bird's nests provide valuable support for respiratory health, immunity and digestive well-being.

Enriched with essential nutrients such as Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), proteins, amino acids, minerals and sialic acid, they serve as a natural superfood that nurtures and uplifts your well-being from within.

In this blog, we will explore the remarkable benefits of bird's nests, share a beginner-friendly recipe for double-boiling bird's nests, and answer common questions about this nourishing ingredient.

What are the benefits of bird's nest?

Bird's nests offer a wide range of benefits, including:

• Supporting skin health and anti-aging
• Relieving respiratory conditions like chronic cough, asthma and shortness of breath
• Promoting digestive well-being by strengthening the spleen and stomach
• Enhancing the immune system
• Nourishing Yin energy, beneficial for Yin-deficiency physique
• Supporting wound healing and tissue regeneration
• Promoting brain health and cognitive function

How to boil bird's nest?

Here is a simple recipe that is also suitable for mothers-to-be, the elderly and children.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 full pieces of raw bird's nest
• 5-6 pieces of red dates
• 1 tablespoon of wolfberries
• Rock sugar (optional)

Bird's Nest Soup

Servings: 1 to 2
Preparation time: 3 to 4 hours (including soaking time)
Cooking time: 2 to 3 hours

• Soak the raw bird's nest in cold water for 3-4 hours or overnight in the fridge. 
• Rinse well and carefully inspect the bird's nest to remove any loose feathers or dirt.*
• Place the bird's nest in a pot and add 1-2 bowls of water for each nest, depending on your preference.
• Add wolfberries and red dates. Double boil and simmer for 2-3 hours until the bird's nest is soft.
• Add rock sugar to taste and serve warm.

*Note: Wing Joo Loong's premium white and golden bird's nests are 100% pure, natural and sourced from Indonesia. They are carefully cleaned by hand, so some loose feathers or dirt may be overlooked. However, it does not impact the quality of the bird's nest.

Addressing Frequently Asked Questions:

To address some common queries about bird's nests, here are a few frequently asked questions:

Is bird’s nest good for pregnancy?

Bird's nest is generally safe to consume during pregnancy, confinement, breastfeeding and post-operative recovery. Bird's nests provide essential nutrients, promote skin health to reduce stretch marks, and boost the immune system during pregnancy, supporting both the mother and the developing baby's well-being.

Additionally, their Yin-nourishing properties can aid in postpartum recovery and contribute to overall maternal health.

Is bird’s nest safe for babies and children? 

Bird's nest soup is generally safe for children to consume. It is recommended to introduce bird's nest after they turn 1 year old. Start with smaller portions (around 2g of raw bird's nest weight) and monitor for any allergic reactions within 1-3 days before including it in their regular diet. 

Is bird's nest recommended for elderly?

Yes, bird's nest is highly beneficial for the elderly due to its nourishing properties such as replenishing Qi (vital energy) and Yin, and strengthening the immune system, digestive and respiratory systems.

Who should avoid taking bird’s nest?

While bird's nest is generally safe for consumption, those with known bird's nest allergies, including individuals with protein intolerance, should exercise caution or avoid consuming it.

What is the best time to drink bird’s nest?

Bird's nest is commonly recommended to be consumed on an empty stomach in the morning (between 7-9 am) or at least 3 hours after dinner.

This timing is believed to enhance its absorption and effectiveness in TCM. Consuming bird's nest before meals allows for better digestion and absorption of its nutrients, optimising its benefits for overall health and well-being.

Where to get 100% authentic bird's nest?

When it comes to enjoying the full benefits of bird’s nest, quality and authenticity are key. With over 70 years of expertise in handling premium herbs, Wing Joo Loong sources directly from native origins to ensure optimal medicinal value.

In this case, we source our genuine white and golden house nests from Indonesia, hand-cleaned meticulously and bleach-free, so you can enjoy them without worry.

Get started

Give our beginner-friendly recipe a try and experience the nourishing benefits of bird's nests. Get 100% natural and high-quality bird’s nest to kickstart your preparation.

The information above serves as a general guide only. Please consult a certified TCM practitioner for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment.