17 Chinese Raw Fish Salad Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!

Published on: Mar 22, 2024

Chinese raw fish salad, also known as "Yu Sheng" or "Lo Hei," is a popular dish in the Chinese culture, especially during the festive season of Chinese New Year. It is a colorful and flavorful dish that symbolizes prosperity, good luck, and abundance. This dish is not only delicious but also has a deep cultural significance, making it a must-try for anyone interested in Chinese cuisine.

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The History of Chinese Raw Fish Salad

Origins

The origins of Chinese raw fish salad can be traced back to ancient China, where it was believed to have been created by fishermen who offered their first catch of the year to the sea god for a bountiful harvest. The dish was later popularized by Teochew immigrants in Singapore and Malaysia, who added their own unique touch to the recipe. Today, it is enjoyed not only by the Chinese diaspora but also by people of different cultural backgrounds.

Symbolism

The Chinese believe that the ingredients used in this dish hold auspicious meanings. The raw fish symbolizes abundance and prosperity, while the shredded vegetables represent growth and longevity. The crackers and peanuts symbolize gold and silver, respectively, while the sweet plum sauce adds a touch of sweetness to the dish, symbolizing a sweet life. Tossing the ingredients high in the air is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

The Recipe for Chinese Raw Fish Salad

Ingredients

The key ingredients for Chinese raw fish salad include fresh raw fish, usually salmon or mackerel, shredded vegetables such as carrots, radish, and cucumber, crackers, peanuts, and a sweet and tangy plum sauce. Other optional ingredients include pomelo, green apples, and sesame seeds. These ingredients can be easily found in most Asian supermarkets.

Preparation

To prepare the dish, the raw fish is usually sliced thinly and arranged in a circular pattern on a large platter. The shredded vegetables and other ingredients are then added on top of the fish, creating a colorful and visually appealing dish. The sweet plum sauce is then drizzled over the ingredients before the tossing ritual begins.

Tossing Tradition

The tossing tradition is an important part of Chinese raw fish salad, as it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Everyone around the table uses their chopsticks to toss the ingredients high in the air while shouting auspicious phrases, such as "lo hei" and "huat ah." The higher the toss, the greater the wealth and luck for the coming year. In Conclusion
Chinese raw fish salad is more than just a dish – it is a cultural experience that brings people together to celebrate good fortune and the start of a new year. With its unique combination of flavors and textures, it is no wonder that this dish has gained popularity not just in China but around the world. So the next time you have the opportunity to try this dish, remember to toss it high and wish for a prosperous year ahead.