As the Lunar New Year approaches, vibrant colors and festive flavors start filling my kitchen, and nothing captures that spirit quite like a Yee Sang salad. This Prosperity Toss is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of abundance, joy, and good fortune! I first encountered this dish at a joyous gathering, where everyone tossed their ingredients high in the air while making wishes for the year ahead. The delightful crunch of crispy wontons mingles with the tangy sweetness of pomelo, creating an explosion of flavors that make my taste buds dance.
What I love most about making Yee Sang at home is the ability to customize it to my heart’s content. Whether you prefer fresh salmon or want to create a vegetarian masterpiece with tofu, this salad is incredibly versatile. Plus, preparing it from scratch allows for fresher flavors that no store-bought version can match! So, roll up your sleeves and bring in a rainbow of ingredients to share with family and friends—because nothing says celebration like a beautiful, bountiful Yee Sang on your table!
Why is this Yee Sang Recipe (Lou Sang) special?
Vibrant Colors: This dish bursts with a rainbow of vegetables, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Crispy Textures: The combination of fried wontons and sweet potato adds a satisfying crunch that complements the tender fish perfectly.
Customizable: Tailor the ingredients to suit your tastes—try fresh sashimi, abalone, or opt for a vegetarian twist with tofu!
Cultural Significance: Each toss symbolizes prosperity and good fortune, creating a meaningful connection during your Lunar New Year celebrations.
Ideal for Sharing: This salad is designed to be enjoyed with loved ones, making every meal a festive gathering filled with joy!
Yee Sang Recipe Ingredients
For the Salad
- Wonton Skin (150g) – Provides a crunchy texture when fried; can substitute with fried taro crisps or rice vermicelli for crunch.
- Orange Sweet Potato (1 small) – Adds sweetness and color; prepare by julienning and frying until crispy.
- Purple Sweet Potato (1 small) – Enhances color and sweetness; cut similarly to orange sweet potato for consistency.
- Red Pomelo (⅓) – Offers tangy juiciness and vibrant color; peel and segment gently for the best presentation.
- Carrot (2 medium) – Provides sweetness and a delightful crunch; julienne finely for uniformity.
- White Radish (1 medium) – Adds a peppery flavor and crispness; squeeze excess water before using for optimal texture.
- Cucumber (1 large) – Refreshing element in the salad; julienne and remove seeds to avoid excessive moisture.
- Cilantro (1 bunch) – Adds aromatic freshness; keep the sprigs large for visual appeal on your Yee Sang.
- Instant Natural Jellyfish (375g) – Offers a unique, bouncy texture; just rinse and use without further preparation.
- Pickled Ginger (⅓ cup) – Brings spice and tanginess; drain the liquid before adding to preserve crunch.
- Crushed Peanuts (4 tbsp) – Provides additional crunch and nuttiness; toast briefly to enhance flavor.
- White Sesame Seeds (2 tbsp) – Adds nuttiness and serves as garnish; toast if raw for a deeper flavor profile.
- Sashimi Grade Salmon (500g) – Essential protein element; ensure freshness for safety and taste.
- Salt and Pepper – For seasoning; adjust to your preference for balance.
For the Dressing
- Plum Sauce (400g) – Serves as the base for sweetness and stickiness; this is key to tying the dish together.
- Chinese Five Spice Powder (½ tsp) – Infuses warm, aromatic flavor; use sparingly for best results.
- White Pepper (½ tsp) – Adds a mild spice; adjust based on your heat preference.
- Sesame Oil (2 tsp) – Imparts richness; choose toasted sesame oil for an additional depth of flavor.
- Hoisin Sauce (2 tbsp) – Contributes sweetness and complexity to the dressing.
- Juice of 1½ Lemons – Balances and adds tang; fresh juice is best for a zesty kick.
Let’s bring the festive spirit to your table with this delightful Yee Sang Recipe!
How to Make Yee Sang
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Prepare Components: Begin by cutting the wonton skins into small pieces, then julienne the sweet potatoes, carrots, radish, and cucumber. Slice the salmon and rinse the jellyfish to have everything ready for assembly.
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Fry Wontons: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to medium-high heat. Carefully fry the wonton skins until they are golden and crisp, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels and set them aside.
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Fry Sweet Potatoes: In the same oil, fry the julienned orange and purple sweet potatoes until they’re crispy and golden. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
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Toast Nuts and Seeds: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the crushed peanuts and sesame seeds until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning and set aside.
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Prepare Pomelo: Gently peel and segment the pomelo into bite-sized pieces to preserve its juicy texture. This beautiful fruit adds a wonderful contrast on your plate.
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Make Dressing: In a bowl, mix together the plum sauce, Chinese five spice powder, white pepper, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, and the juice of 1½ lemons. Microwave it for about 1 minute to combine flavors, then let it cool.
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Assemble Salad: On a large platter, artfully arrange the vegetables, jellyfish, and fried items in circles to create a stunning presentation. Top it off with the sliced salmon and the crispy wontons for height.
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Serve & Toss: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing generously over the salad. Gather everyone and joyfully shout “Lou Hei!” as you toss everything together for a festive celebration!
Optional: Add fresh herbs like mint for an extra burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Yee Sang preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during celebrations! You can prep the salad components—such as the julienned vegetables, fried wonton skins, and jellyfish—up to 24 hours in advance. Store these ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and crunch. The dressing can be made ahead as well and stored for up to 3 days; just give it a good stir before using. When ready to serve, simply arrange the prepped components on a platter, top with raw salmon, and pour over the dressing right before tossing. This way, you’ll enjoy a vibrant and festive Yee Sang that’s just as delicious as if it were made fresh!
Expert Tips for the Yee Sang Recipe (Lou Sang)
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Uniform Slicing: Use a mandoline to ensure even slicing of vegetables, making tossing easier and enhancing the dish’s appearance.
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Fresh Ingredients: Always choose sashimi-grade fish for your Yee Sang; this guarantees safety and elevates the flavor profile incredibly.
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Cool Fried Components: Allow the fried wontons and sweet potatoes to cool completely before assembling. This preserves that delightful crunch everyone loves.
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Assemble Just Before Serving: Prepare all components ahead of time, but assemble your salad right before serving to maintain freshness and vibrant textures.
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Bold Flavor in the Dressing: Adjust the dressing ingredients according to your taste; a pinch more lemon juice can brighten up the Yee Sang, making it even more refreshing!
Yee Sang Recipe (Lou Sang) Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own with these exciting twists!
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Seafood Swap: Instead of salmon, try fresh tuna or abalone for a different flavor profile. Each option brings a unique twist to the traditional dish.
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Vegetarian Delight: Replace the fish with tofu and load up on extra vegetables for a delectable vegetarian option. This will still give you the festive crunch and taste without compromising on flavor.
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Crispy Alternatives: Use fried taro chips or rice vermicelli in place of wonton skins for a delightful crunch that’s a little different, yet equally satisfying.
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Color Boost: Add vibrant ingredients like diced mango or roasted beets for an unexpected burst of color and sweetness, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal.
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Nutty Twist: Experiment with different nuts, like cashews or almonds, instead of peanuts for a new dimension of flavor and texture. Toast them for extra nuttiness.
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Hearty Additions: Incorporate ingredients like sliced avocado or roasted chickpeas to make the dish more filling, perfect for those hearty appetites at your Lunar New Year feast.
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Tangy Kick: Add a splash of lime juice to the dressing for a zesty twist that elevates the overall flavor, giving your Yee Sang a bright, refreshing finish!
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Spice It Up: Stir in some diced chili or a dash of chili flakes to the salad for those who enjoy a little heat. It adds a delightful contrast to the sweet elements in the salad!
What to Serve with Yee Sang Recipe (Lou Sang)?
Creating a memorable feast around your Yee Sang salad will elevate your Lunar New Year celebration. Let’s explore delightful pairings that enhance this festive dish!
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: Serves as a neutral base that balances the vibrant flavors of the Yee Sang while making every bite satisfying.
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Sweet and Sour Fish: The tanginess of this dish complements the refreshing notes of the salad, enhancing the overall flavor balance.
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Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry: A nice kick of heat with tofu brings a warm contrast to the cooler, refreshing elements of the Yee Sang.
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Chinese Dumplings: These savory bites bring a hearty, comforting element to the meal, perfect for sharing and adding to the celebration.
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Chilled Lychee Drink: The sweet, floral notes of this refreshing beverage will cleanse the palate and complete your festive dining experience.
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Coconut Tapioca Pudding: This creamy and slightly sweet dessert offers a wonderful, smooth finish to your meal, leaving everyone satisfied.
When planning, think about textures and flavors that create a harmonious dining experience, where every dish enhances the joyful spirit of the occasion!
How to Store and Freeze Yee Sang
Fridge: Store any leftover Yee Sang in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day for optimal freshness. Avoid combining dressing until ready to eat.
Dressing: The salad dressing can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in a sealed jar to preserve flavor and prevent spoilage.
Assembly Tips: For best texture, prepare all components ahead but assemble the Yee Sang right before serving to keep crispy elements intact.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for Yee Sang, as the fresh ingredients may lose their texture and flavor upon thawing.
Yee Sang Recipe (Lou Sang) Recipe FAQs
What type of fish is best for Yee Sang?
Absolutely! For the best results, use sashimi-grade fish like salmon or tuna. Ensure it’s fresh to avoid any health risks, and feel free to experiment with abalone for a delightful twist!
How should I store leftover Yee Sang?
If you have any leftovers (which may not be likely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. However, avoid mixing the dressing until you’re ready to enjoy it again to keep the textures as fresh and crispy as possible.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Very! The salad dressing can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in a sealed jar to maintain its flavor and freshness, ensuring you’re ready for a quick assembly when it’s time to serve.
What if my sweet potatoes aren’t crispy after frying?
If your sweet potatoes aren’t crispy, it could be due to the oil temperature. Make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) before adding them to fry. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches when necessary to allow hot oil to circulate freely.
Can I make Yee Sang vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the sashimi with marinated tofu or a variety of colorful vegetables. You can still enjoy the crunch from fried wontons or taro crisps, and use the same dressing to ensure all those vibrant flavors come together beautifully.
How do I freeze Yee Sang?
Freezing is not recommended for Yee Sang since the fresh ingredients may lose their appealing texture once thawed. Instead, focus on prepping components ahead of time, then assemble fresh on the day you plan to serve it. This way, you’ll maintain that delightful crunch and vibrant flavors!
Yee Sang Recipe – Celebrate with a Prosperity Toss Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Components: Begin by cutting the wonton skins into small pieces, then julienne the sweet potatoes, carrots, radish, and cucumber. Slice the salmon and rinse the jellyfish to have everything ready for assembly.
- Fry Wontons: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to medium-high heat. Carefully fry the wonton skins until they are golden and crisp, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels and set them aside.
- Fry Sweet Potatoes: In the same oil, fry the julienned orange and purple sweet potatoes until they're crispy and golden. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Toast Nuts and Seeds: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the crushed peanuts and sesame seeds until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning and set aside.
- Prepare Pomelo: Gently peel and segment the pomelo into bite-sized pieces to preserve its juicy texture. This beautiful fruit adds a wonderful contrast on your plate.
- Make Dressing: In a bowl, mix together the plum sauce, Chinese five spice powder, white pepper, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, and the juice of 1½ lemons. Microwave it for about 1 minute to combine flavors, then let it cool.
- Assemble Salad: On a large platter, artfully arrange the vegetables, jellyfish, and fried items in circles to create a stunning presentation. Top it off with the sliced salmon and the crispy wontons for height.
- Serve & Toss: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing generously over the salad. Gather everyone and joyfully shout 'Lou Hei!' as you toss everything together for a festive celebration!