Chinese Raw Fish Salad Recipe: Bringing Prosperity on the Table

If you're looking for a dish that's both delicious and symbolic, look no further than Chinese raw fish salad, also known as yee sang or yu sheng. This colourful dish is traditionally served during the Lunar New Year in Malaysia, Singapore, and other parts of Asia, and is said to bring good luck and prosperity to those who eat it.

The origins of yee sang are somewhat murky, but it's believed to have been invented in the 1940s or 1950s by a group of Cantonese chefs in Malaysia. The dish is made with a variety of shredded vegetables, fruits, and raw fish, and is typically served with a sweet and sour plum sauce. One of the most important aspects of yee sang is the "prosperity toss," in which everyone at the table uses their chopsticks to mix the ingredients together while shouting out wishes for the new year.

If you're interested in trying your hand at making yee sang, there are a few essential ingredients you'll need, including shredded carrots, daikon radish, and cucumber, as well as fresh fish such as salmon or tuna. The dish can be customized to your liking with additional ingredients like pomelo, green apple, or jellyfish. Once you've assembled all the ingredients, it's time to toss them together and enjoy the delicious flavours and textures of this unique dish.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese raw fish salad, or yee sang, is a traditional dish served during the Lunar New Year in Malaysia, Singapore, and other parts of Asia.
• The dish is made with a variety of shredded vegetables, fruits, and raw fish, and is typically served with a sweet and sour plum sauce.
• The "prosperity toss" is an important part of the yee sang tradition, and involves mixing the ingredients together while shouting out wishes for the new year.

Historical Significance

Origins and Traditions

Chinese raw fish salad, also known as Yusheng, is a traditional dish that is commonly consumed during Chinese New Year celebrations. The dish originated in Chaozhou, a city in the Guangdong province of China, and has since spread to other regions such as Cantonese, Singapore, and Malaysia.

The origins of Yusheng can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) when it was served as a ritualistic dish during the Spring Festival. Over time, the dish evolved to include more ingredients and became a symbol of prosperity and abundance.

Symbolism of Ingredients

Yusheng is a dish that is rich in symbolism. Each ingredient represents a different aspect of prosperity and good fortune. For example, the raw fish symbolizes abundance and the shredded carrots represent good luck. The use of pomelo, a type of citrus fruit, is said to bring about continuous prosperity and good fortune.

Other ingredients commonly used in Yusheng include shredded white and green radish, ginger slices, onion slices, crushed peanuts, pepper, essence of chicken, oil, and salt. Each ingredient is carefully selected for its symbolic meaning and is meant to bring about good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

In addition to the ingredients, the act of tossing the salad is also significant. The higher the toss, the greater the abundance and prosperity for the coming year. It is a ritual that is often accompanied by shouts of "Lo Hei", which means "tossing luck" in Cantonese.

Yusheng is a dish that is deeply rooted in Chinese tradition and is an integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations. It is a dish that symbolizes prosperity, abundance, and good fortune, and is enjoyed by families and friends alike.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making a Chinese raw fish salad, there are a few essential ingredients that you will need. These include selecting the right fish, a variety of vegetables, and dressing components.

Selecting the Fish

The most common fish used in this dish is salmon, but you can also use other types of fish such as smoked salmon, raw wolf herring, or even tuna. It's important to choose fresh fish that is of high quality to ensure that it is safe to eat raw.

Variety of Vegetables

The vegetables used in this dish are typically shredded and include carrot, white radish, daikon, cucumber, capsicum, green radish, pomelo, and mandarin. You can also add other vegetables such as seaweed or pickled vegetables. The key is to have a variety of colours and textures to create a visually appealing dish.

Dressing Components

The dressing for the Chinese raw fish salad typically includes a combination of sesame oil, plum sauce, pepper, and ginger. Some variations may also include roasted peanuts or sesame seeds. You can adjust the quantities of the dressing ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

The key to making a delicious Chinese raw fish salad is to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Experiment with different vegetables and dressings to create your own unique version of this classic dish.

Preparing the Salad

Preparing a Chinese raw fish salad, also known as Yu Sheng or Yee Sang, is a fun and interactive experience that involves mixing together various ingredients to create a delicious and healthy dish. In this section, we will go over the steps to prepare the salad, including marinating the fish, cutting techniques, and assembling the dish.

Marinating the Fish

The first step in preparing the salad is to marinate the fish. You will need sashimi-grade salmon or mackerel, which you can purchase from your local fishmonger. To make the marinade, mix together pickled ginger, sesame oil, lime or grapefruit juice, white pepper, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Coat the fish in the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before slicing it thinly.

Cutting Techniques

The next step is to prepare the vegetables and fruits. You can use a variety of ingredients such as papaya, mango, yam, carrot, radish, and spring onion. To create a visually appealing dish, use a mandolin or a sharp knife to slice the ingredients into thin, uniform strips. You can also use a julienne peeler to create long, thin strips of vegetables.

Assembling the Dish

To assemble the dish, start by placing the sliced fish in the center of a large platter. Surround the fish with the sliced vegetables and fruits, arranging them in a circular pattern. Drizzle the sauce over the salad and sprinkle with sesame seeds. To serve, use chopsticks to toss the ingredients together, making sure to mix them thoroughly.

Preparing a Chinese raw fish salad is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal. With a little bit of preparation and the right ingredients, you can create a visually stunning dish that is sure to impress your guests.

The Prosperity Toss

If you've ever celebrated Chinese New Year, then you've probably heard of the "Prosperity Toss" or "Lo Hei." This is a customary practice that involves tossing a salad called Yusheng or Prosperity Salad.

Customary Practices

The Prosperity Toss is not just about eating a delicious salad, but it's also about the auspicious greeting and wishing for good fortune. The salad is usually served in a large platter, and everyone at the table tosses the ingredients together while saying auspicious phrases. This is believed to bring about good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year.

Meaningful Additions

The ingredients used in the Prosperity Salad also have symbolic meanings. For example, gold is represented by shredded carrots, while abundance is represented by the pomelo fruit. The raw fish, usually salmon, symbolizes youth and growth.

If you want to make your Prosperity Salad even more meaningful, you can add your own ingredients that represent something you wish for in the upcoming year. For example, if you want to travel more, you can add some shredded coconut to the salad to represent the beach.

Tossing the salad is also an important part of the Prosperity Toss. The higher you toss the salad, the more luck and prosperity you are believed to receive. So, don't be afraid to toss the salad as high as you can!

The Prosperity Toss is more than just a salad, it's a meaningful tradition that brings people together and represents the hope for a prosperous year ahead.

Serving and Enjoyment

Accompaniments and Sides

Chinese raw fish salad, or Yu Sheng, is a dish that is often served as an appetizer or lunch during the Chinese New Year. It is traditionally served with a variety of accompaniments and sides that enhance the flavour and texture of the dish. Some popular accompaniments include kaffir lime leaves, onions, and wonton strips.

Fried wonton strips or wonton skins are a popular choice for adding crunch to the dish. You can also serve crackers on the side for an additional crispy texture. Shredded vegetables such as carrots, radish, and sweet potato are also commonly used in the dish.

Tips for Eating

Eating Yu Sheng is a fun and interactive experience that involves using chopsticks to mix the ingredients together. Before you start, sprinkle a pinch of five spice powder over the dish to add flavour. Then, drizzle honey and sprinkle salt and cinnamon over the dish for a sweet and savoury taste.

To enjoy the dish, take a pair of chopsticks and mix the ingredients together. As you mix, say auspicious phrases such as "gong xi fa cai" (congratulations and prosperity) to bring good luck for the new year.

When you're ready to eat, use your chopsticks to grab a small portion of the dish and snap it up into your mouth. The crunchy texture of the fruits and vegetables combined with the soft texture of the raw fish creates a unique and enjoyable eating experience.

In conclusion, Yu Sheng is a dish that is not only delicious but also fun to eat. With its variety of textures and flavours, it is sure to be a hit at any Chinese New Year celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a simple Yu Sheng salad?

To make a simple Yu Sheng salad, you need to shred some vegetables like carrots, radish, and cucumber, along with some fruits like pomelo, lime, and mandarin oranges. You can also add crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and crispy crackers to the mix. Toss everything together with some soy sauce, plum sauce, and sesame oil. The salad is ready to serve.

What are the essential ingredients for an authentic Yu Sheng?

The essential ingredients for an authentic Yu Sheng are shredded vegetables like carrots, radish, and cucumber, along with some fruits like pomelo, lime, and mandarin oranges. You can also add crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and crispy crackers to the mix. The raw fish used in the salad is usually salmon or tuna.

Can you suggest a vegetarian alternative for Yu Sheng?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Yu Sheng by using shredded vegetables and fruits like carrots, radish, cucumbers, pomelo, lime, and mandarin oranges. You can also add vegetarian protein sources like tofu or tempeh to the mix.

How is Yuzu sauce prepared for Yu Sheng?

To prepare Yuzu sauce for Yu Sheng, you need to mix some Yuzu juice with honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. You can also add some grated ginger and garlic to the mix for extra flavour. Drizzle the sauce over the salad before serving.

What fruit variations can be included in a Yu Sheng recipe?

You can include a variety of fruits in a Yu Sheng recipe, such as pomelo, lime, mandarin oranges, kiwi, strawberry, dragon fruit, and mango. You can use any fruit that is in season and readily available.

How does Chinese raw fish differ from Japanese sashimi?

Chinese raw fish, as used in Yu Sheng, is usually marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings, while Japanese sashimi is served raw without any marinade. Additionally, the type of fish used in both dishes can differ depending on the region and availability.