18 Chinese New Year Fish Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 19, 2024
Chinese New Year is a time of celebration and reunion, filled with vibrant colors, lively festivities, and most importantly, delicious food. One dish that is a staple in every Chinese household during this festive season is the fish dish. Not only is it a symbol of prosperity and abundance, but it is also packed with flavor and nutrition. In this article, we will introduce you to a traditional and authentic Chinese New Year fish recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends. So get your chopsticks ready and let's dive into the world of Chinese New Year fish dishes.
In Chinese culture, fish holds a significant meaning and is often associated with luck and prosperity. The word for "fish" in Chinese, 魚 (yú), sounds similar to the word for "abundance" or "surplus" (餘, yú). Therefore, it is believed that eating fish during Chinese New Year will bring good luck and wealth for the coming year. Additionally, fish is also considered a symbol of unity and togetherness, as the Chinese phrase "年年有餘" (nián nián yǒu yú) translates to "may there be an abundance every year," but can also be interpreted as "may there be fish every year." This highlights the importance of fish in Chinese culture and why it is a must-have dish during Chinese New Year celebrations.
A Traditional Chinese New Year Fish Recipe
Now, let's get to the main event - the Chinese New Year fish recipe. The dish we will be introducing is called "Steamed Fish with Ginger and Spring Onions" and is a classic and simple dish that is full of flavor. To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:
1 whole white fish (such as sea bass or tilapia)
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 thumb-sized ginger, julienned
3 stalks of spring onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons of light soy sauce
1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
A pinch of sugar
Directions
Clean and scale the fish thoroughly, then pat it dry with paper towels.
Place the fish on a heatproof dish and make a few slashes on both sides.
In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, julienned ginger, and spring onions.
Sprinkle the mixture on top of the fish and inside the slashes.
In a separate bowl, mix together the light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and sugar.
Pour the sauce over the fish and make sure it is evenly distributed.
Prepare a steamer and steam the fish for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the fish.
Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the steamer and serve immediately.
And there you have it - a delicious and auspicious Chinese New Year fish dish that is sure to impress your guests. Remember to serve the fish whole as it symbolizes abundance and completeness. You can also garnish the dish with some fresh coriander for added freshness and flavor.
So this Chinese New Year, add some luck and prosperity to your celebration with this traditional fish recipe. Your family and friends will thank you for it. Happy cooking and 恭喜发财 (gōng xǐ fā cái) - may you have a prosperous year ahead!