When the Lunar New Year approaches, my kitchen transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors and aromas, each ingredient telling a story of tradition and celebration. It was during one of these festive moments that I first encountered the delightful Yee Sang salad, a spirited medley that perfectly encapsulates the joy of prosperity and renewal. The sizzle of crispy wontons mingling with the fresh crunch of vegetables and the zesty burst of pomelo creates a symphony of flavors that elevates any gathering.
This Prosperity Toss Salad isn’t just food; it’s a celebration in a bowl. With each toss, the symbolism of abundance comes to life—making it a must-have centerpiece for any Lunar New Year feast. Whether you’re looking for seafood options or a vegetarian twist, this recipe invites you to mix and match ingredients tailored to your taste. So roll up your sleeves and join me in crafting this delightful salad that promises not only to please your palate but also to spread joy and good fortune as we welcome a new beginning together!
Why is this Yee Sang Recipe so special?
Vibrant colors, a feast for the eyes! This Yee Sang salad brings together a colorful array of fresh veggies, making every bite a visual delight. Crispy texture achieved perfectly with fried wontons, giving a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with soft elements like salmon. Symbolic significance – tossing this salad embodies abundance and good fortune, making it a festive highlight. Versatile options let you customize with seafood or vegetarian substitutes, perfect for all guests. Quick prep means you can spend more time celebrating and less time in the kitchen!
Yee Sang Recipe Ingredients
For the Wontons
• Wonton skin (150 g) – A crispy texture is essential; cut them into rectangles and deep-fry until golden.
• Vegetable oil (3 cups) – This is for frying; make sure the oil is hot enough to achieve that perfect crispiness.
For the Sweet Potatoes
• Orange sweet potato (1 small) – Adds delightful sweetness and vibrant color; yellow or regular sweet potatoes work as well.
• Purple sweet potato (1 small) – Enhances visual appeal with its unique flavor; substitute with beetroot or more orange sweet potato if needed.
For the Salad Base
• Red pomelo (⅓) – Provides a juicy citrus note that symbolizes good luck; pink grapefruit can be substituted if pomelo is hard to find.
• Carrots (2 medium) – Contributes sweetness and crunch; consider using daikon or yellow squash for variety.
• White radish (1 medium) – Offers a peppery flavor and additional crunch; daikon is a good alternative.
• Cucumber (1 large) – Brings refreshing balance; use English cucumber to avoid excess seeds.
• Cilantro (1 bunch) – Adds a fresh, complex flavor; spring onions can be a great substitute.
For the Toppings
• Jellyfish (375 g, instant natural) – Provides a fun chewy texture; can be omitted for a vegetarian option.
• Pickled ginger (⅓ cup) – Infuses an instant zest; sushi ginger is a suitable alternative.
• Crushed peanuts (4 tbsp) – Adds crunch; omit or substitute with more sesame seeds for nut allergies.
• Roasted sesame seeds (2 tbsp) – Enhances the salad with nuttiness; pumpkin seeds can be used instead.
For the Dressing
• Sashimi-grade salmon (500 g) – Ensures freshness and flavor as the main protein; substitute with tuna or abalone if desired.
• Plum sauce (400 g) – Forms the base of the dressing; replace it with hoisin sauce combined with a little sugar for similar sweetness.
• Chinese five spice powder (½ tsp) – Infuses warm, aromatic notes into your dressing.
• White pepper (½ tsp) – Amplifies depth of flavor; black pepper is a suitable substitute.
• Sesame oil (2 tsp) – Provides an aromatic finish; any neutral oil will work as a substitute.
• Hoisin sauce (2 tbsp) – Adds sweetness and richness; feel free to tweak amounts based on taste.
• Lemon juice (1½ lemons) – Balances flavors with needed acidity in your Yee Sang recipe.
How to Make Yee Sang
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Prepare Crispy Wontons: Cut wonton wrappers into rectangles and deep-fry in medium-hot vegetable oil until they turn golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain crispiness.
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Fry Sweet Potatoes: Julienne the orange and purple sweet potatoes, then fry them in batches until crispy. Set aside to cool while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
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Prep Pomelo: Carefully cut the pomelo and peel the segments, ensuring to keep the juice sacs intact. This juicy citrus layer adds a refreshing burst to your salad.
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Shred Vegetables: Use a julienne peeler for the carrots, white radish, and cucumber to achieve thin, even strips. Squeeze out any excess water from the radish and cucumber for a crisp texture.
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Prepare Toppings: Drain the jellyfish and toast the crushed peanuts and sesame seeds in a dry pan until aromatic. This step enhances the flavors and ensures a crunchy topping.
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Mix Dressing: In a bowl, combine the plum sauce, Chinese five spice powder, white pepper, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, and lemon juice. Microwave briefly to meld the flavors together, creating a delicious dressing.
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Assemble Salad: On a large platter, arrange the fried wontons and prepared ingredients in circular patterns. Place the sashimi-grade salmon in the center and drizzle with the dressing just before serving for maximum freshness.
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Toss for Prosperity (Lou Hei): Pour the dressing over the salad and toss all ingredients together vigorously. Shout auspicious wishes for good fortune and prosperity as you enjoy this festive tradition!
Optional: Garnish with extra toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing this vibrant Yee Sang recipe ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious minutes on the day of your Lunar New Year celebration! You can cut and fry the wonton skins and sweet potatoes up to 24 hours in advance; just ensure they cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness. Additionally, you can julienne the carrots, white radish, and cucumber up to 3 days ahead—simply refrigerate them in a sealed bag or container to keep them fresh. When it’s time to serve, toss together all the prepped ingredients, add the freshly sliced sashimi-grade salmon, and pour over the prepared dressing just before serving for that delightful crunch and flavor. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have a stunning salad ready in no time, allowing you to focus on celebrating!
How to Store and Freeze Yee Sang
Fridge: Keep any leftover Yee Sang tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will help preserve the freshness of the vegetables and the dressing.
Freezer: It’s best not to freeze Yee Sang, as the fresh ingredients may lose their texture and flavor. However, you can freeze fried wontons separately for up to 1 month.
Reheating: For added crunch, reheat frozen wontons in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare each component in advance and store separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble the Yee Sang recipe just before serving for the best flavor and presentation.
What to Serve with Yee Sang (Lou Sang) – Prosperity Toss Salad?
Bring delightful harmony to your Lunar New Year gathering by pairing this colorful salad with equally vibrant sides and refreshing drinks that enhance its celebratory spirit.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant staple that balances the bold flavors of Yee Sang, making each bite a comforting experience.
- Chicken Satay Skewers: Grilled to perfection with a peanut sauce, these satays introduce a savory element that complements the salad’s freshness.
- Crispy Spring Rolls: Their crunchy exterior and warm filling provide a delightful contrast to the cool textures of the Yee Sang while adding more festive flair.
- Chili Lime Shrimp: Juicy shrimp marinated in a tangy, spicy sauce add an exciting kick, echoing the boldness of the salad’s dressing.
- Mango Salad: Bright, tangy, and just a bit sweet, this fresh salad adds a fruity vibrancy that elevates your meal and ties in beautifully with the Yee Sang.
- Chrysanthemum Tea: A lightly floral beverage, this tea is both refreshing and soothing. It cleanses the palate, making it the perfect drink for your celebration.
- Sesame Noodles: These nutty noodles tossed in a savory sauce complement the rich flavors of salmon in your salad, offering a deliciously different texture.
- Green Tea Ice Cream: As a light dessert, this creamy treat rounds off the meal perfectly, balancing out the richly layered flavors with its subtle sweetness.
Expert Tips for Yee Sang Recipe
- Preparation Timing: Prepare all components ahead of time, but assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
- Crispy Wontons: Make sure the oil is hot enough when frying wontons; if it’s not hot, they will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- Even Slicing: Utilize a mandoline for even vegetable slices. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also makes tossing easier.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the dressing’s sweetness and acidity according to your preference; everyone has a unique taste profile.
- Vegan Variation: For a vegetarian Yee Sang recipe, skip the fish and jellyfish, and use shredded tofu skin or additional vegetables for added texture.
Yee Sang Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor this dish to your taste buds for an unforgettable experience!
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Seafood Swap: Instead of salmon, use fresh tuna sashimi, abalone, or even smoked salmon for a flavor twist.
Each seafood variant infuses a unique taste profile, perfect for ocean lovers! -
Vegan Delight: Ditch the fish and jellyfish entirely and double up the colorful vegetables with a generous serving of shredded tofu skin for protein.
This way, you keep the spirit of Yee Sang alive while catering to vegan diets! -
Crunchy Toppings: Try adding roasted coconut flakes or crushed pistachios for a delightful twist.
The combination of different nuts and textures will elevate the crunchiness of the salad. -
Spicy Kick: Drizzle a bit of chili oil or sprinkle some sliced fresh chilies for an unexpected heat.
This spicy addition contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the dressing! -
Herb Substitutes: Swap cilantro for fresh mint or basil if you want a different herbal note that adds freshness.
You’ll enjoy a whole new flavor dimension to your salad while maintaining that delightful crunch. -
Dressing Options: Replace plum sauce with a zesty hoisin combination or even a tangy vinaigrette for a lighter touch.
This can make for a refreshing change while still keeping it delicious. -
Fruit Variations: Incorporate other citrus fruits like mandarin oranges or fresh pomegranate seeds for added sweetness and color.
The burst of flavors from these fruits can create an enticing salad presentation! -
Nut-Free Version: If nuts are a concern, replace crushed peanuts with sunflower seeds or omit them altogether.
The salad remains just as vibrant and tasty without the crunch!
Yee Sang (Lou Sang) – Prosperity Toss Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ingredients for my Yee Sang salad?
Absolutely! For the freshest results, select vegetables that are firm and vibrant. Look for sweet potatoes with smooth skins, avoid any with dark spots or blemishes. When picking pomelo, choose ones that feel heavy for their size and have a fragrant aroma. If you’re opting for fresh fish, ensure it’s sashimi-grade, meaning it should be bright and smell like the ocean—freshness is key!
What’s the best way to store leftover Yee Sang?
Very! If you have any leftovers, simply cover them tightly and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. To maintain the freshness of the salad, it’s best to store the components separately, especially the dressing and fried wontons, in airtight containers. This will help preserve their distinct textures and flavors!
Can I freeze any part of my Yee Sang salad?
Not really! While it’s best not to freeze the complete salad due to the fresh ingredients losing their crispy textures, you can freeze the fried wontons for up to 1 month. Just ensure they are completely cooled, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for that delicious crunch!
What should I do if my fried wontons become soggy?
Oops! Soggy wontons can be a bummer, but don’t worry! If your wontons end up a bit soft, a simple trick is to re-fry them in hot oil for about 30 seconds until they regain their crisp texture. Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding them back in. If you only have soggy wontons leftover, consider blending them into a crunchy topping for a soup instead!
Is this Yee Sang recipe suitable for people with allergies?
Absolutely! This recipe can be tailored to accommodate various dietary restrictions. If you have guests with nut allergies, simply skip the crushed peanuts or replace them with more roasted sesame seeds. For those with seafood allergies, omit the jellyfish and opt for additional vegetables or shredded tofu. It’s all about crafting a dish everyone can enjoy!
Can I prepare in advance for this Yee Sang recipe?
Certainly! To save time and stress, you can prepare individual components in advance. Fry the wontons and sweet potatoes, chop your vegetables, and mix your dressing a few hours before serving. Just remember to keep them in separate containers in the fridge. Assemble your salad right before serving to enjoy maximum freshness and vibrancy!
Zesty Yee Sang Recipe – Prosperity Toss Salad for Lunar Celebrations
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Crispy Wontons: Cut wonton wrappers into rectangles and deep-fry in medium-hot vegetable oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Fry Sweet Potatoes: Julienne orange and purple sweet potatoes, then fry until crispy. Set aside.
- Prep Pomelo: Cut and peel the pomelo segments, keeping juice sacs intact.
- Shred Vegetables: Use a julienne peeler for carrots, white radish, and cucumber. Squeeze out excess water.
- Prepare Toppings: Drain jellyfish and toast peanuts and sesame seeds until aromatic.
- Mix Dressing: Combine plum sauce, Chinese five spice powder, white pepper, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, and lemon juice. Microwave briefly.
- Assemble Salad: Arrange fried wontons and ingredients on a large platter with salmon in the center. Drizzle with dressing.
- Toss for Prosperity (Lou Hei): Pour dressing over salad and toss vigorously while wishing for good fortune.