5 Delicious Chinese Confinement Food in Singapore for Energy and Recovery

Bringing a new life into the world is an incredible experience, but it’s also exhausting! That’s why the confinement period is so important—it’s a time for new moms to rest, recover, and regain their strength. And what better way to do that than with some delicious, nourishing food? In Chinese culture, certain dishes are specially prepared during this time to help boost energy, promote healing, and even support lactation. If you’re in Singapore, you’re in luck because our vibrant food scene has plenty of options to keep you well-fed and energized. Here are five must-try Chinese confinement food dishes, complete with recipes, that are nutritious and super tasty, too!

Sesame Oil Chicken

Let’s start with a classic—Sesame Oil Chicken. This dish is a favourite in many Chinese households, especially during confinement. It’s warming, comforting, and packed with protein, which is essential for helping your body recover. Plus, it’s super easy to make!

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken (thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 slices of ginger
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a wok over medium heat.
2. Add ginger and garlic, and stir-fry until your kitchen smells amazing.
3. Toss in the chicken and stir-fry until it’s browned and looking delicious.
4. Add the rice wine, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir everything together to coat the chicken in all that flavour.
5. Pour in the water, bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce is rich.
6. Serve it up with steamed rice, and enjoy!

Red Fermented Wine Chicken

Red Fermented Wine Chicken is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something with a bit of a twist. The red fermented rice wine gives this dish a unique flavour that’s both savoury and slightly sweet. It’s also great for keeping your body warm and your energy up.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken (thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons red fermented rice wine
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 slices of ginger
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat up some sesame oil in a wok, then add the ginger and garlic, stirring until fragrant.
2. Add the chicken and stir-fry until it’s nicely browned.
3. Pour in the red fermented rice wine and soy sauce, stirring to coat the chicken.
4. Add the water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and you’re ready to serve!

Pig’s Trotters in Black Vinegar

This dish might sound a little adventurous, but trust me, it’s a winner. Pig’s Trotters in Black Vinegar is a traditional confinement food Chinese dish that’s believed to help replenish calcium and improve blood circulation. Plus, it’s incredibly flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1kg pig’s trotters (cleaned and cut into chunks)
• 1 bottle (750ml) black vinegar
• 250ml sweetened black vinegar
• 250ml water
• 100g old ginger (peeled and sliced)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 100g brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Start by heating sesame oil in a large pot, then add the ginger slices and stir-fry until fragrant.
2. Add the pig’s trotters and give them a good stir-fry for about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in both types of vinegar, water, and brown sugar, stirring well.
4. Bring it all to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. By then, the trotters should be tender, and the sauce will have thickened beautifully.
5. Serve it warm—this dish is even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance!

Stir-Fried Snow Peas and Pork Liver with D.O.M

Pork liver might not be everyone’s first choice, but during confinement, it’s a superfood! Rich in iron, it’s great for boosting haemoglobin levels, which can be particularly beneficial after childbirth. Add some D.O.M. liqueur for a warming touch, and you’ve got a dish that’s both nutritious and surprisingly delicious.

Ingredients:

• 200g pork liver (thinly sliced)
• 100g snow peas (trimmed)
• 2 tablespoons D.O.M. liqueur
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a wok and stir-fry the garlic until it’s fragrant.
2. Add the pork liver and stir-fry quickly until it’s half-cooked.
3. Toss in the snow peas and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and D.O.M. liqueur, stirring to combine.
5. Cook for one more minute until the liver is cooked through but still tender. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot!

Red Date Tea

No confinement meal is complete without a comforting cup of Red Date Tea. This simple yet nourishing drink is perfect for sipping throughout the day. It’s known for its ability to nourish the blood and keep your energy levels up.

Ingredients:

• 15 red dates (pitted)
• 5 slices ginger
• 1.5 litres water
• Rock sugar to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the red dates and ginger slices well.
2. Bring water to a boil in a pot, then add the red dates and ginger.
3. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes.
4. Sweeten it with rock sugar to your liking and enjoy it warm or at room temperature.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it—five delicious and nutritious confinement food Chinese dishes that are perfect for helping new moms recover and regain their strength. If you’re too tired to cook, don’t worry! There are plenty of Chinese confinement food delivery services in Singapore that can bring these nourishing meals right to your door.

One fantastic option to consider is Tian Wei Signature! As a popular confinement food delivery service in Singapore, we offer a variety of fusion and traditional Chinese confinement dishes that are not only delicious but also thoughtfully designed to meet the nutritional needs of new mothers. What’s great about our service is that our meals are customizable according to your preferences, ensuring you get exactly what you need. We even provide a breastfeeding-friendly menu that supports breast milk supply, featuring well-balanced meals to help you recover and feel your best during this special time.

Whether you’re a new mum or preparing these dishes for someone else, these recipes are sure to bring comfort and nourishment during this important period. Enjoy the rich flavours and the incredible benefits these traditional dishes have to offer!