Rock sugar steamed bird's nest has always been a popular dish, chosen by many because it is convenient and simple to prepare. Although simple, its benefits are not simple at all. Let's explore it together with Yến Sào Sài Gòn!
What is the difference between rock sugar and granulated sugar?
Rock sugar has the scientific name sucrose (saccharose). It is also known by another name, crystal sugar.
Since ancient times, our grandparents have used rock sugar as a seasoning to make dishes sweeter and cooling. Besides that, rock sugar was also given as a precious gift to friends from afar or used as a remedy in Oriental medicine.
The main ingredient used to make rock sugar is RS sugar (commonly called white granulated sugar). The purer the white sugar and the fewer the impurities, the better the quality of the finished rock sugar.
Rock sugar contains a few trace elements and sucrose. In addition, the additives used in the rock sugar cooking process are chicken eggs and lime.
Because of the factors above, rock sugar can be broken down into fructose and glucose. Some of the main uses of rock sugar are:
+ Rock sugar helps cool and refresh the body
+ Rock sugar helps prevent coughs and treat sore throats
+ Rock sugar helps tonify the kidneys and nourish essence
What are the benefits of rock sugar steamed bird's nest?
Rock sugar steamed bird's nest is a dish that is not only delicious but also extremely nourishing. It helps the body feel relaxed and lighter, because the ingredients help the stomach feel full quickly without causing indigestion, which is very comfortable.
In addition, rock sugar steamed bird's nest helps replenish the energy the body has lost after a tiring day of work and study in the form of glucose, helps reduce tension and stress, and improves the abilities of the senses.
Rock sugar steamed bird's nest helps nourish and strengthen health, so it is very suitable for those with weak health, especially malnourished children, people who need to recover from illness, and it is especially very good for the health of the elderly.
In addition, this dish is also very good for people who cough frequently. Rock sugar steamed bird's nest nourishes the lungs and is very effective at dissolving phlegm and relieving long-standing coughs.
For women, especially during pregnancy, morning sickness and difficulty eating often lead to not getting enough nutrients for themselves and the baby.
For women who have just given birth, this dish helps the mother recover her health quickly, reduces postpartum fatigue, and brightens and beautifies the skin, quickly restoring a woman's beauty.
How to prepare rock sugar steamed bird's nest
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients for steaming
+ 5 grams of bird's nest
+ 3 teaspoons of rock sugar
+ 0.5 litre of water
+ 1 bird's nest steaming pot
+ 1–2 slices of fresh ginger
Step 2: Pre-process the bird's nest (this step can be skipped for refined bird's nest):
If the raw bird's nest still has its feathers, you must clean it thoroughly before steaming.
Soak the bird's nest until it loosens, for about 1–2 hours, depending on how thick or thin the nest is.
Use tweezers or a pair of tongs to dip and rinse bit by bit until the impurities and feathers are completely removed.
Then, separate the nest into strands and put them in a sieve. Place the sieve in a basin of water and stir gently with a spoon, lifting the sieve up and down so the fine feathers float out with the water.
For nests with many feathers and impurities, be sure to change the water several times to clean the nest properly.
Step 3: Soak the bird's nest
Soak the bird's nest in plain water until it expands evenly. The soaking time depends on the type of nest you use.
Below are the soaking times for each type of nest:
+ White island nest: 2–3 hours
+ White swiftlet-house nest: 30 minutes–1 hour
+ Pink nest, red nest: 6 hours
+ Cleaned island nest: 15 minutes
+ Cleaned swiftlet-house nest: 15 minutes
+ Cleaned whole nest: 2 hours
Once the nest has expanded evenly, remove it and let it drain. Then put the nest in a steaming bowl to steam.
Step 4: Steam the bird's nest:
Place the steaming bowl in a pot of water to double-boil. Note that the water in the pot should come up to at most about 80% of the height of the bowl, so that there is enough water during steaming without it running dry or spilling into the bowl. Cover the pot, use high heat until the water boils, then turn the heat down low.
If bird's nest is steamed over high heat, for too long or too short a time, or with too much rock sugar, nutrients are lost.
STEAMING TIME FOR EACH TYPE OF NEST:
+ White island nest: 40 minutes
+ White swiftlet-house nest: 20 minutes
+ Pink nest, red nest: 60 minutes
+ Cleaned island nest: 30 minutes
+ Cleaned swiftlet-house nest: 20 minutes
+ Cleaned whole nest: 30 minutes
When you check and see that the bird's nest has reached the softness you want (to your own taste), turn off the heat, then add the rock sugar.
Enjoy the nest hot or cold. You can add 2 slices of ginger to remove the fishy smell and make the bowl of bird's nest more fragrant and delicious.
So, in just a few simple steps you can enjoy a bowl of rock sugar steamed bird's nest.
A simple, easy-to-make dish suitable for everyone except people with diabetes.
Yến Sào Sài Gòn wishes you success!