The dried swim bladder of a large fish, sold as stiff, pale pieces. Soaked until soft, it is simmered in soup, which it gives a thick, gelatinous body; better grades are cooked as dishes of their own.
Pàofā hǎo de yúdǔ kěyǐ yònglái bāotāng, kǒugǎn ruǎnnuò.
Soaked fish maw can be simmered into soup, and it turns soft and silky.
Tips
usage
鱼肚 is the dried swim bladder of a large fish, a banquet delicacy also sold as 花胶. With 鲍鱼 (abalone), 海参 (sea cucumber) and 鱼翅 (shark fin) it makes up the Four Treasures of the Sea.
mistakes
Keep the dǔ reading, the one for animal innards sold as food. A fish's belly meat takes 肚 instead, as in 虱目鱼肚粥, milkfish belly congee.