Upper Airway Surgery Recovery

Asian Food Edition

These recipes are designed for people recovering from upper airway surgeries such as UPPP, tonsillectomy, or adenoidectomy (starting around weeks 4–6 post-op). They feature soft, moist, and easy-to-swallow ingredients that help prevent irritation to the healing throat. All recipes are low in salt and spice, while offering healing nutrients, gentle proteins, and soothing textures.

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🍜 Soft Ramen with Vegetables and Poached Egg

This cozy, hydrating noodle bowl is easy to chew and swallow. The poached egg provides soft, high-quality protein for tissue repair, and the vegetables are cooked until very tender.

Time Required: 20 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 3 oz soft ramen noodles (no flavor packet)

• 1 poached egg

• 1/4 cup soft cooked spinach or carrots

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or veggie broth

Steps:

1. Cook ramen noodles in broth until very soft (8–10 minutes).

2. Add the cooked vegetables to the pot and let them heat through.

3. In a separate pan, poach the egg in simmering water (3–4 minutes).

4. Transfer noodles and vegetables to a bowl, pour over the broth, and place the poached egg on top.

5. Let cool slightly before serving.

   
   
   
   

🥩 Stir-Fried Pork with Green Bell Peppers

This gentle stir-fry uses tender pork and well-cooked peppers, making it soft enough for healing tissues. It avoids spicy sauces and uses garlic-infused oil for flavor.

Time Required: 20 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 3 oz lean pork loin, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup green bell pepper strips, steamed until soft

• 1/2 tsp garlic-infused olive oil

Steps:

1. Steam bell pepper strips for 3–4 minutes until tender.

2. In a nonstick pan, sauté pork in garlic oil until fully cooked and tender.

3. Add the steamed peppers and stir together for 2–3 minutes.

4. Serve with soft white rice or congee.

   
   
   
   

🍳 Steamed Savory Egg Custard with Spinach and Carrot

This savory steamed egg dish is silky and nourishing, ideal for sore or healing throats. It provides easy-to-digest protein and vitamins A and C from the vegetables.

Time Required: 30 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs

• 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 2 tbsp steamed mashed carrot

• 2 tbsp finely chopped cooked spinach

Steps:

1. In a bowl, beat the eggs gently with the broth.

2. Stir in the carrot and spinach.

3. Strain the mixture through a sieve into small bowls or ramekins.

4. Cover with foil and steam for 15–18 minutes until set but still wobbly.

5. Let cool slightly before serving.

   
   
   
   

🍜 Udon in Silky Carrot-Miso Broth

This warm, comforting noodle bowl is ideal for recovery after upper airway surgery. The udon noodles are soft and easy to swallow, while the carrot-miso broth provides gentle flavor, hydration, and vitamin A to support healing without irritating the throat.

Time Required: 20 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 4 oz soft udon noodles

• 1/2 cup carrot purée (steamed and blended)

• 1/2 tsp white miso paste (low sodium)

• 2 cups water

• 1 tsp olive oil (optional)

Steps:

1. In a pot, bring water to a boil and add udon noodles. Cook until very soft, about 10 minutes.

2. In a separate bowl, mix carrot purée and miso with a few spoonfuls of hot water until smooth.

3. Stir the carrot-miso mixture into the pot of noodles and broth.

4. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes. Drizzle with olive oil if desired.

5. Serve warm. Let cool slightly before eating to avoid irritation.

🍲 Steamed Minced Chicken with Ginger and Silken Egg

This soft, steamed dish combines moist chicken and egg into a silky texture that’s easy to swallow and gentle on healing throat tissues.

Time Required: 25 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 3 oz minced chicken breast

• 1 egg

• 1/4 tsp grated ginger

• 3 tbsp water

Steps:

1. Beat the egg with water until smooth.

2. Mix chicken and ginger in a separate bowl.

3. In a shallow dish, layer the chicken and pour egg mixture over it.

4. Steam for 15–18 minutes until set.

5. Serve warm.

   
   
   
   
   
   

🍜 Rice Cake Soup (Softened Tteokguk)

A Korean-inspired soup using softened rice cakes and light broth, perfect for healing throats.

Time Required: 20 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sliced rice cakes (tteok)

• 2 cups low-sodium broth

• 1 egg (optional)

Steps:

1. Soak rice cakes in water for 10 minutes.

2. Bring broth to a boil and add rice cakes.

3. Simmer until tender.

4. Stir in a beaten egg if desired.

5. Serve slightly cooled.

   
   

   
   
   
   

🍚 Congee with Ginkgo and Lotus Seed

A nourishing, traditional Chinese porridge for digestion and immune support.

Time Required: 45 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white rice

• 3–4 ginkgo nuts (peeled, cooked)

• 4–5 lotus seeds

• 4 cups water

Steps:

1. Combine rice, ginkgo, lotus seeds, and water in a pot.

2. Simmer gently for 40–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Cook until a thick, creamy texture is achieved.

4. Serve lukewarm.