Raw bird's nest is the original bird's nest, still containing pin feathers and small impurities, so it needs to be soaked and cleaned thoroughly before cooking. The process includes 5 steps: preparation, soaking until soft (about 1–2 hours), picking out feathers, rinsing and draining, then steaming or storing. Doing the procedure correctly helps the nest stay clean while preserving its whole fibers.

Tools to prepare:

  • A clean ceramic or glass bowl (preferably light-colored to easily see the feathers).
  • Small, pointed, clean tweezers.
  • A small strainer or slotted spoon to scoop the nest.
  • Filtered water or boiled then cooled water at room temperature.

5 steps to soak and clean raw bird's nest

Step 1: Soak the nest until it softens

Put the bird's nest into a bowl and fill with clean room-temperature water. Soak for about 1–2 hours until the strands of the nest expand and become completely soft. Do not use hot water as it will make the strands mushy.

Step 2: Pick out feathers and impurities

Scoop the nest onto a tray or light-colored plate and place it under good lighting. Use tweezers to gently remove each feather and small impurity. While picking, dip the nest in clean water to make the feathers float and easier to see.

Step 3: Rinse several times

Transfer the nest to a new bowl of clean water, stir gently to let any remaining impurities settle, then scoop the nest out. Repeat a few times until the water is clear.

Step 4: Drain

Place the nest on a sieve to drain the water. Do not squeeze hard to avoid breaking the strands.

Step 5: Cook or store

Steaming immediately will be the most delicious (see how long to steam bird's nest properly). If not using it yet, keep it in clean water, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator, use within a short time following the instructions in the article how to preserve bird's nest.

Tips to quickly remove feathers and keep the nest less broken

  • Pick while the nest is still submerged in water so the strands won’t become hard and dry, making them easier to pick.
  • Use a white tray or plate and a bright light to clearly see black and brown feathers.
  • Pick by sections, from outside to inside instead of randomly.
  • Do not squeeze or press hard, just gently swipe to separate the feathers from the strands.

Note about the weight after cleaning

A portion of the raw bird's nest mass consists of feathers and impurities, so after cleaning, the bird's nest obtained is lighter than initially. This is normal and is also the reason why raw bird's nests are usually cheaper than refined bird's nests per gram (see raw bird's nest vs refined bird's nest).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should raw bird's nests be soaked?

Usually about 1–2 hours, until the strands fully expand and soften. Thicker nests may require a bit longer.

Can the soaking water be used for steaming?

It's recommended to discard the initial soaking water as it may contain impurities. Steam with fresh clean water.

How long does it take to pick out the feathers?

Typically 1–2 hours for one bird's nest, depending on the amount of feathers. If you don't have time, you can choose refined bird's nests that have already been cleaned.

Yến Sào Quang Minh provides both whole raw bird's nests and refined bird's nests ready for preparation. See products or call the Hotline 0963 11 59 52 (Ms La).