Yusheng from Malaysia and Singapore
Yusheng, also known as “prosperity salad,” is a celebratory dish in Malay and Singapore cultures served during New Year, where each ingredient comes with good fortune included.
It usually consists of strips of raw fish – sometimes salmon – mixed with shredded vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments, among other ingredients.
Both the raw fish slices and shredded vegetable accompaniments are presented with care, yet guests are expected to toss the ingredients up in the air with chopsticks. The higher the toss, the more prosperity, and the messier the table!
Yusheng, recipe adapted from Health Promotion Board by ladyironchef in Singapore. (Serves 6 to 8)
Ingredients
Salad:
- 1 pound fresh salmon/tuna sashimi, thinly sliced
- 2 cups julienned carrot
- 1 red capsicum, thinly sliced
- 1 cup thinly shredded cucumber
- 2 cups thinly shredded daikon radish
- ¼ cup of chopped peanuts, roasted and unsalted
- ¼ cup crushed whole-wheat crackers
- 1 teaspoon thinly shredded pickled ginger,
- 1 tablespoon five spice powder
- 4 sprigs of fresh Chinese parsley
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Dressing:
- Dressing (combine all ingredients and set aside):
- 1/8 teaspoon five spice powder
- ½ cup plum sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon peanut/ corn oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Method
- Arrange the sashimi slices in the center of a large platter.
- Position each type of shredded vegetables neatly around the platter, surrounding the fish (which has to sit in the middle).
- Sprinkle the crackers, parsley, peanut and picked ginger over the vegetables, before pouring the mixed dressing over it.
- You can now start tossing your homemade yusheng and exchanging auspicious Chinese phrases!
