Carp porridge is a nutritious dish for pregnant women, beneficial for pregnancy maintenance, lactation, and effective cough relief. In this article, AVAKids’ Pregnancy section will suggest 6 delicious carp porridge recipes to add to

Nutritional Value of Carp

Carp is a food that is beneficial for pregnancy maintenance. Its nutritional components are not only good for the pregnant woman’s health but also aid in fetal development. Carp is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, providing DHA for pregnant women.

Research shows that 100g of carp contains approximately 162 calories, 23g of protein, 84mg of cholesterol, 1g of saturated fat, and small amounts of micronutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron for pregnant women.

Benefits of Carp Porridge for Pregnant Women

Carp is a nutritious food source for pregnant women, containing high-quality protein that builds and repairs cells, essential for fetal development. The vitamin B12 and vitamin D in carp help form red blood cells and calcium absorption, supporting bone and tooth development in the fetus.

The high iron content in carp prevents anemia, while calcium and zinc play important roles in bone development and immune system strengthening. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids in carp support brain and nervous system development. All these nutrients not only protect the health of the pregnant woman but also contribute to the overall development of the fetus.

Carp porridge is beneficial for pregnancy maintenance

Ideal Times for Pregnant Women to Eat Carp Porridge

Many pregnant women wonder about the best time to eat carp porridge for optimal nutrient absorption. Pregnant women should eat carp porridge at the following times:

• First trimester: According to traditional knowledge, the best time for pregnant women to consume carp porridge is during the first trimester. At this stage, fetal cells are forming structures and organs, making nutrient absorption easier.
• Second trimester: This is a period of rapid fetal growth; consuming carp provides protein, omega-3s, and vitamins for brain and physical development.
• Third trimester: Eating carp provides calcium and iron, helping pregnant women maintain their health and prepare for childbirth.

6 Simple Carp Porridge Recipes for Pregnant Women

Carp porridge is a staple in many pregnant women’s diets. However, not all pregnant women know how to cook delicious carp porridge without a fishy smell. Therefore, AVAKids suggests 6 carp porridge recipes for pregnant women below:

1. Basic Carp Porridge

Preparation:

• Clean the carp: remove the guts, scales, and slime. Rub the carp with vinegar or rice wine and ginger, then rinse thoroughly.
• Rinse the white and glutinous rice.
• Chop the scallions.

Instructions:

• Boil the carp until cooked, remove the bones, and flake the meat. Season the fish with a little fish sauce and pepper.
• Sauté the scallions in oil until fragrant. Add the fish and stir-fry until slightly browned. Be gentle to avoid breaking the fish.
• Cook the rice until soft and fluffy. For a richer flavor, consider lightly toasting the rice before cooking.
• Add the stir-fried fish to the porridge and cook for a few more minutes. Season with pepper and scallions.
• Serve hot.

Instructions for cooking carp porridge for pregnant mothers. Source: Góc Miền Quê

2. Carp Porridge with Straw Mushrooms

Preparation:

• Clean the carp thoroughly and rinse with salt or ginger to remove the fishy smell.
• Clean the straw mushrooms, leaving them whole or halved. Choose small, unopened mushrooms.
• Peel and dice the carrot.
• Rinse the rice.
• Chop the scallions.

Instructions:

• Boil the carp until cooked, then flake the meat.
• Cook the rice until soft and fluffy.
• Sauté the mushrooms and carrots in oil for about 2 minutes. Add the fish and season.
• Add the mixture to the porridge and cook for about 10 minutes. Garnish with pepper and scallions.

Instructions for cooking carp porridge with straw mushrooms. Source: Món Ăn Ngon

3. Carp Porridge with Red Beans

Preparation:

• Clean the carp as described above.
• Rinse the red beans and soak overnight. Remove any damaged beans before cooking.
• Rinse the rice.
• Chop the scallions.

Instructions:

• Boil the carp, flake the meat, and reserve the cooking liquid.
• Cook the red beans in water until soft.
• Cook the rice in the carp cooking liquid until fluffy.
• Add the cooked red beans and season.
• Add the flaked carp, scallions, and pepper.

Instructions for cooking carp porridge with red beans. Source: Zui Vào Bếp

4. Carp Porridge with Mung Beans

Preparation:

• Clean the carp, removing the dark membrane in the belly. Remove fishy odor by rinsing with rice wine or ginger.
• Rinse the rice and mung beans. Soak the mung beans for about 5 minutes to remove any damaged beans.
• Chop the scallions.

Instructions:

• Boil the carp, remove the bones, and flake the meat. Season with fish sauce and pepper.
• Cook the rice and mung beans in the carp cooking liquid until soft and fluffy.
• While the porridge cooks, sauté the fish.
• Add the sautéed fish to the porridge and cook for 3 minutes. Season and add scallions.

Mung bean carp porridge helps with pregnancy maintenance

5. Ginger Carp Porridge

Preparation:

• Clean the carp as described above.
• Rinse the rice.
• Mince the ginger.
• Chop the scallions.

Instructions:

• Boil the carp with ginger, flake the meat, and reserve the cooking liquid. Season the fish with fish sauce and pepper.
• Cook the rice in the carp cooking liquid until soft.
• Add the seasoned fish, scallions, and ginger. Season to taste.

6. Lotus Seed Carp Porridge

Preparation:

• Clean the carp and cut into pieces.
• Shell and remove the hearts of the lotus seeds.
• Chop the scallions.

Instructions:

• Boil the carp until cooked, then flake the meat.
• Sauté the fish with scallions and season.
• Cook the rice and lotus seeds in the carp cooking liquid until soft.
• Add the sautéed fish, season, and garnish with scallions.

Illustrative image of lotus seed carp porridge

Important Notes for Pregnant Women Eating Carp Porridge

When eating carp porridge, pregnant women should note the following:

• Proper carp preparation: Contrary to some traditional beliefs, it’s crucial to thoroughly clean the carp, including removing the guts and liver, as these parts contain bacteria that can cause stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea—all dangerous for pregnant women and their fetuses.
• Avoid breaking the gallbladder: Carp bile contains cyprinol sulfate, which can lead to food poisoning. Carefully remove and discard the gallbladder before cooking.
• Do not use frozen carp: Frozen carp has significantly lower nutritional value than fresh carp.
• Limit salt intake: High salt intake during pregnancy can lead to high blood pressure and edema.
• Do not cook with chicken: In traditional Chinese medicine, carp is considered cool and doesn’t pair well with warm chicken. Combining them may cause acne breakouts in pregnant women.
• Carp and licorice are incompatible: Both carp and licorice are cool and sweet; combining them can cause digestive upset.

Hopefully, these carp porridge recipes will help you prepare delicious and nutritious meals for yourself and your baby. In addition to porridge, you can also try other carp dishes such as sweet and sour carp or carp stewed with pickled vegetables.