For us, Chinese New Year is not really a big deal these days. When I was little and my ah gong was still alive, it was the hugest deal. But now, it’s low key – we try and teach the kids what it means and drum up some level of excitement with ang pows, but mainly, we just eat some good food, bake some peanut cookies, and call it a day.
If we can, we’ll get together with some friends for a CNY meal. This year, I made a traditional CNY salad, called yee sang (or ‘prosperity toss’). Also known as lo hei in Cantonese, it’s essentially a salad of raw fish and vegetables. At the beginning of the meal, everyone will reach in with chop sticks and toss the salad. The higher you toss, the more prosperity will come your way in the new year!
Other delicious things we had at our CNY lunch included Hainan chicken and roast pork, both homemade by my friend. We also had a store bought red velvet cake, but check out the custom CNY and rooster cake toppers from Pretty Creations!
Anyway, yee sang comes in various levels of complexity, and you can make it as complex as you’d like. Or if you’re like me, as easy as you like. Here’s probably the simplest yee sang recipe you’ll find, and it tastes just as good. You’re welcome 🙂
| Yee sang (lo hei) |
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| 4 large carrots 2 large cucumbers 1 large daikon (white radish) 250g seaweed 250-350g smoked salmon or fresh salmon (sashimi) Pickled ginger 1 lime 6-8 sheets wonton skin Oil for shallow frying 4 tbs plum sauce 1 tbs hoisin sauce a few drops of sesame oil |
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| Serves 6-8 as a starter. |