📝 About This Recipe
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with this vibrant, multi-textured masterpiece known as Yusheng, a traditional symbol of abundance, vigor, and prosperity. This 'Lo Hei' salad features a stunning array of julienned vegetables, sashimi-grade salmon, and crunchy golden crackers, all brought together by a luscious plum dressing. It is more than just a dish; it is an interactive ritual where family and friends gather to toss ingredients high into the air while shouting auspicious wishes for the year ahead.
🥗 Ingredients
The Fresh Base
- 200 grams Sashimi-grade Salmon (thinly sliced into ribbons)
- 300 grams White Radish (Daikon) (finely julienned)
- 150 grams Carrot (finely julienned)
- 150 grams Cucumber (peeled and finely julienned)
- 1/2 cup Pomelo (flesh broken into small segments)
The Pickled & Preserved Elements
- 1/4 cup Pickled Red Ginger (shredded)
- 2 tablespoons Sweetened Candied Winter Melon (finely sliced)
- 3 tablespoons Pickled Leeks (thinly sliced)
- 100 grams Jellyfish (ready-to-eat, shredded)
The Golden Crunch & Aromatics
- 1 cup Pok Chui Crackers (fried golden pillow crackers)
- 1/4 cup Roasted Peanuts (crushed)
- 2 tablespoons Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Five Spice Powder (placed in a small red envelope)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon Powder (placed in a small red envelope)
The Prosperity Dressing
- 1/2 cup Plum Sauce (sweet Cantonese style)
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil (high quality toasted oil)
- 1-2 tablespoons Warm Water (to thin the consistency)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Prepare the vegetables by julienning the white radish, carrot, and cucumber into very fine, uniform strips. For the best texture, use a mandoline or a sharp knife to ensure they are matchstick-thin.
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2
Soak the julienned radish and carrot in ice-cold water for 10 minutes to make them extra crisp. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
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3
Whisk together the plum sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a splash of warm water in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. This represents 'sweetness in life'.
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4
On a large, round serving platter, begin arranging the vegetables in neat, colorful mounds. Traditionally, the white radish forms the largest base, with carrots and cucumbers providing vibrant contrast.
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5
Place the pickled ginger, candied winter melon, and pickled leeks in smaller piles around the fresh vegetables.
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6
In the center of the platter, arrange the sliced salmon ribbons to resemble a flower. This is the 'star' of the dish representing 'abundance year after year'.
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7
Scatter the pomelo segments over the salmon. These symbolize 'good luck' and add bursts of citrusy brightness.
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8
Prepare the dry garnishes: place the crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and Pok Chui crackers in separate small bowls or red packets for the table-side ceremony.
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9
Just before serving, sprinkle the five-spice and cinnamon powders over the fish while reciting auspicious greetings.
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10
Drizzle the plum sauce dressing in a circular motion over the entire platter, ensuring every component is lightly coated.
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11
Top the salad with a generous amount of golden Pok Chui crackers for maximum crunch.
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12
Gather everyone around the table with chopsticks in hand. On the count of three, toss the ingredients high into the air together, mixing the salad thoroughly while shouting 'Lo Hei!' and other well-wishes.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use a mandoline slicer for the vegetables to achieve the professional, ultra-thin julienne required for a light mouthfeel. Always use the freshest sashimi-grade fish; if salmon isn't available, abalone or poached shrimp make excellent luxury substitutes. Keep the dressing separate until the very moment of the toss to prevent the crackers from losing their crunch. If you cannot find Pok Chui crackers, fried wonton skins or crushed cornflakes can serve as a quick crunchy alternative. Ensure all vegetables are bone-dry after washing; any excess moisture will dilute the flavors of the dressing.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a chilled, aromatic white wine like a Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the sweet and tangy plum sauce. Serve alongside a pot of hot Jasmine or Pu-erh tea to cleanse the palate between bites. Follow this appetizer with a traditional steamed whole fish to continue the theme of abundance. For a modern twist, offer extra lime wedges on the side for guests who prefer a more acidic profile. Use a large tablecloth or a plastic sheet underneath the platter, as the 'tossing' can get wonderfully messy!