Yu Sheng (鱼生), or "Prosperity Toss Salad," is a beloved Lunar New Year tradition that combines vibrant ingredients and a unique tossing ritual for good fortune and abundance. Creating Yu Sheng at home is a delightful way to celebrate the festive season with your family and friends. Here’s how to prepare this symbolic dish.
Ingredients Needed
Each ingredient in Yu Sheng carries a specific meaning, symbolizing blessings for the new year. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- Raw Fish: Salmon or tuna, thinly sliced (symbolizes abundance and prosperity).
- Shredded Vegetables:
- Carrots (representing good luck).
- White radish (symbolizing progress and growth).
- Green radish (for eternal youth).
- Pomelo or Lime: For blessings and luck.
- Peanuts: Crushed (symbolizing health and longevity).
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted (representing prosperity).
- Crispy Crackers: (symbolizing gold nuggets or wealth).
Sauces and Seasonings
- Plum Sauce: For sweetness and harmony.
- Sesame Oil: Adds fragrance and symbolizes a smooth year ahead.
- Five-Spice Powder: For wealth and good fortune.
- White Pepper: Represents a wish for a flourishing career.
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Prepare the Vegetables
Peel and julienne the carrots, white radish, and green radish into thin strips.
Arrange the shredded vegetables neatly on a large, round platter to symbolize unity.
- Add the Fish
Place the slices of raw fish neatly on top of the vegetables.
Drizzle lime juice or pomelo juice over the fish for freshness and to symbolize blessings.
- Arrange the Other Ingredients
Scatter the crushed peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, and crispy crackers over the salad.
Each layer represents specific blessings, so take your time to arrange them thoughtfully.
- Mix the Sauces
Combine plum sauce with sesame oil to create a sweet and aromatic dressing.
Pour the dressing generously over the entire salad, symbolizing a sweet and smooth year ahead.
- Sprinkle the Seasonings
Lightly sprinkle the five-spice powder and white pepper over the salad. These seasonings add flavor and represent prosperity and vitality.
The Tossing Ceremony (Lo Hei)
- Gather everyone around the table, and each person should have a pair of chopsticks.
- Before tossing, recite auspicious phrases as you add each ingredient. For example:
- "年年有余" (Nian Nian You Yu) when adding fish for abundance.
- "满地黄金" (Man Di Huang Jin) when adding crackers for wealth.
- Together, toss the salad high into the air using chopsticks. The higher the toss, the greater the luck and prosperity for the year ahead!
Encourage everyone to shout "Lo Hei!" (which means "tossing up good fortune") and "Huat Ah!" (for prosperity) while tossing.
Tips for a Successful Yu Sheng
- Freshness is Key: Use the freshest fish and vegetables for the best flavor and symbolism.
- Presentation Matters: Arrange the ingredients beautifully on a round platter to enhance the visual appeal.
- Customize It: Add fruits like mango or ingredients like smoked salmon for a modern twist.
- Safety First: If you prefer not to use raw fish, substitute with smoked salmon or vegetarian options.
Why Make Yu Sheng at Home?
Creating Yu Sheng at home allows for a personalized and intimate celebration of the Lunar New Year. It’s a chance to gather loved ones, embrace the spirit of unity, and share blessings for the year ahead.