Yee Sang with Crab Stick and Caviar: A Festive Fusion Recipe

Yee Sang, the vibrant and interactive salad synonymous with Chinese New Year, is a tradition enjoyed across many cultures. While the traditional recipe features raw fish, this recipe offers a delicious and accessible alternative using crab sticks and caviar for a luxurious twist. This version is perfect for those who prefer a milder flavor profile or want a more readily available ingredient option. Let's dive into this exciting and flavourful Yee Sang recipe!

Ingredients for Yee Sang with Crab Stick and Caviar:

This recipe is designed to serve 4-6 people. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your needs.

• For the Salad:

  • 200g crab sticks, shredded
  • 100g carrots, julienned
  • 100g cucumber, julienned
  • 100g white radish, julienned
  • 100g red radish, julienned (optional, for added color)
  • 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional, for added texture and visual appeal)
  • 2 tablespoons fried shallots
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley

• For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (light or dark, to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • Pinch of ground white pepper
  • 1 tablespoon caviar (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and thoroughly dry all your vegetables. Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline slicer, julienne the carrots, cucumber, and radishes into thin strips. The thinner the strips, the better the presentation and the easier it is to toss.

2. Shred the Crab Sticks: Gently shred the crab sticks into thin strands, mimicking the texture of the raw fish typically used in Yee Sang.

3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and white pepper until the sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add a little more sugar for sweetness, or more lime juice for tartness.

4. Assemble the Yee Sang: Arrange the shredded crab sticks, julienned vegetables, mandarin orange segments, pomegranate seeds (if using), fried shallots, and sesame seeds on a large platter. Try to create a visually appealing arrangement with a mix of colors and textures.

5. Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the prepared sauce evenly over the salad. Garnish with a spoonful of caviar for an extra touch of luxury. Serve immediately and enjoy the tradition of tossing the Yee Sang high into the air while shouting out your wishes for the new year!

Tips for a Delicious Yee Sang:

• Fresh Ingredients are Key: Use the freshest vegetables and crab sticks possible for the best flavor and texture.
• Don't Over-Sauce: Start with a smaller amount of sauce and add more if needed. You want the flavors of the vegetables and crab sticks to shine through.
• Get Creative with Garnishes: Feel free to experiment with different garnishes to add your own personal touch. Crispy wonton strips, chopped peanuts, or even finely shredded lettuce can add interesting textures and flavors.
• Presentation Matters: Take your time to arrange the ingredients attractively on the platter. A visually appealing Yee Sang is part of the fun!

This Yee Sang with crab sticks and caviar offers a delightful alternative to the traditional recipe. The creamy crab sticks, paired with the burst of citrus from the mandarin oranges and the luxurious caviar, create a truly memorable dish perfect for celebrating the Chinese New Year. Enjoy!