Swim Bladder - Fish Maws

Fish Maws

Fish Maw 花膠/鱼鳔 is an internal gas-filled organ found in most fish. It is commonly used in Chinese cooking and in Chinese soups and some consider fish maw to be a luxury item. When cooked, fish maw takes on the flavour of the surrounding ingredients. It is an excellent source of collagen, when purchased dried, it comes as a hard, solid, hollow, translucent tube (pictures) and must be soaked to soften before use. When it is cooked, it has a soft, slippery texture.

For gourmet preparation; fish maw need to be wash and soak for at least 4 hours (or overnight) in room temperature water, or until it is soft and malleable. While purchasing your dried fish maw, some people prefer lighter-coloured fish maw, the colour has no bearing on the quality of the product. Fish maw prices vary widely depending on the size and type of fish.