Poon Choi: 7 Steps to Your Festive Chinese Feast

Name: Poon Choi: 7 Steps to Your Festive Chinese Feast
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 piece Dried Oyster; 1 piece Dried Scallop; 300 g Prawns; 50 g Fish Maw; 1 piece Pork Knuckle; 2 pieces Goose Web; 5 pieces Dried Shiitake Mushrooms; 200 g Lotus Root; 100 g Radish; 100 g Beancurd Stick; 100 g Black Mushroom; 100 ml Soy Sauce; 50 ml Black Sauce; 20 g Ginger; 20 g Rock Sugar; 1 piece Pandan Leaf; 2 pieces Scallion

by Manar Jota

January 24, 2026

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Poon Choi is a traditional Chinese dish that represents the essence of celebration, filled with a variety of flavors and textures. This dish is a delightful centerpiece for festive gatherings, showcasing an array of seafood, meats, and vegetables cooked together. The communal aspect of sharing Poon Choi enhances the joy of dining, making it a must-try for any special occasion. Let’s dive into the world of Poon Choi and explore its rich history and irresistible recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Poon Choi

This Poon Choi recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

**Flavor Fusion**: Combining various ingredients creates a rich umami flavor profile.
**Festive Atmosphere**: Perfect for family gatherings and celebrations, bringing everyone together.
**Cultural Significance**: As a part of Cantonese cuisine, it embodies tradition and heritage.
**Customizable**: You can modify the ingredients, making it suitable for different dietary needs.
**Nutrient-Rich**: Packed with protein from seafood and meat, and fiber from vegetables.
**Simple Preparation**: Once you know how to make Poon Choi, it becomes an easy go-to dish for special occasions.

With its gluten-free attributes and the steaming method, this dish fits well into any health-conscious diet.

Ingredients for Poon Choi

Gather these items:

1 piece Dried Oyster
1 piece Dried Scallop
300 g Prawns
50 g Fish Maw
1 piece Pork Knuckle
2 pieces Goose Web
5 pieces Dried Shiitake Mushrooms
200 g Lotus Root
100 g Radish
100 g Beancurd Stick
100 g Black Mushroom
100 ml Soy Sauce
50 ml Black Sauce
20 g Ginger
20 g Rock Sugar
1 piece Pandan Leaf
2 pieces Scallion

How to Make Poon Choi Step-by-Step

Step 1: Soak dried oysters and scallops in water for 40 minutes. Soak shiitake mushrooms in hot water until softened. Clean prawns and rinse fish maw.
Step 2: Cook oysters, scallops, and shiitake mushrooms in separate pots until warmed through. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Combine soy sauce, black sauce, ginger, rock sugar, pandan leaf, and scallions in a large pot. Braise pork knuckle for 1 hour until tender.
Step 4: Layer lotus root, radish, beancurd stick, fish maw, pork knuckle, goose web, and dried oysters in a claypot.
Step 5: Cover claypot and steam for 25 minutes.
Step 6: Arrange roasted chicken, duck, and prawns on top. Pour broth over the assembled dish.
Step 7: Mix cornstarch with water and boil to thicken broth, then add to Poon Choi.

Pro Tips for the Best Poon Choi

Keep these in mind:

Soak your dried ingredients thoroughly to enhance their flavors.
Layer ingredients by texture, starting with the hardest vegetables and finishing with the meats.
Ensure even steaming by not overcrowding the claypot.
Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, perfect for meal prep.

Best Ways to Serve Poon Choi

When it comes to serving Poon Choi, consider these ideas:

Serve in the claypot for a rustic presentation that encourages sharing.
Pair with steamed rice to balance the rich flavors.
Offer dipping sauces on the side for added flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Poon Choi

To store your Poon Choi, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in a steamer or microwave until warmed through. This dish is great for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of Poon Choi throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Poon Choi

What’s the secret to perfect Poon Choi?

The secret to perfect Poon Choi lies in the quality of ingredients and the layering process. Using fresh seafood and meats enhances the dish’s flavor, while careful layering ensures that each ingredient cooks evenly.

Can I make Poon Choi ahead of time?

Absolutely! Poon Choi can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just steam it again before serving to ensure it’s hot and delicious.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Poon Choi?

To avoid common mistakes, make sure not to overcrowd the claypot, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Soaking your ingredients properly also helps them to absorb flavors better.

Variations of Poon Choi You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with your Poon Choi! Here are a few variations:

Use different proteins like beef or lamb for a unique twist.
Add seasonal vegetables for extra crunch and flavor.
Create a vegetarian version using tofu and more vegetables.
Incorporate regional spices to give your Poon Choi a different flair.

Poon Choi: 7 Steps to Your Festive Chinese Feast - Poon Choi - main visual representation

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection!

Poon Choi: 7 Steps to Your Festive Chinese Feast - Poon Choi - additional detail

For a delightful side dish, consider making Chinese-style mango chicken stir fry to complement your Poon Choi!

Additionally, you can learn more about the cultural significance of this dish by visiting China Highlights.