Yee Sang is a wonderful symbol of celebration with harmonious flavours.

Originating in Seremban in the 1940s, it was invented by a gentleman named Loke Ching Fatt who owned a restaurant business that flourished as a result of this dish.

It has since grown to become an emblem of joy and jubilation all over Malaysia.

Sharing in this dish is something that is pivotal, almost like a rite of passage to pave way for the new year. The year hasn’t really begun until everyone tosses Yee Sang together.

The reason why the Yee Sang is so symbolic is that the ingredients are specifically chosen to represent ideas of abundance, prosperity and good luck in the coming year.

Most importantly, the act of tossing the salad in itself is one of celebration, where everyone calls out for all the things they would like to see throughout the year – for example, “Wealth!”, “Health!”, “Success!”, “Abundance!”, “Happiness!” and “Prosperity!”

With that in mind, here’s hoping this Yee Sang brings the very best to everyone for 2021.

Lou Hei Yee Sang!

Flavours and pairings:

Sweet, sour, crisp and tangy mouthfuls of joy. The crisp daikon adds a layer of freshness, the salmon brings a velvety richness to the mix and the pomelo tops it off with a burst of sweetness. Bear in mind that choosing the right plum sauce is key.

To honour both taste and tradition, this dish is best shared with friends and family around the table.

Ingredients:

• 200gr sashimi-grade salmon
• 1 medium daikon radish, finely sliced or julienned
• 1 large carrot, finely sliced or julienned
• 1 medium cucumber, finely sliced or julienned
• 2 cups of peeled pomelo segments, white piths removed
• 1 cup of coriander leaves
• 2-3 tablespoons of Japanese pickled ginger
• 6 wantan wraps, cut into 1cm strips and deep-fried
• 3 tablespoons Lee Kum Kee plum sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 ½ tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
• ½ teaspoon Five-spice powder
• ½ lime, cut into wedges

Method:

• Arrange daikon, carrot, cucumber, pomelo, coriander, fried wantan strips and pickled ginger in a circular bowl.
• Arrange salmon in the middle of the bowl.
• When ready to toss, drizzle plum sauce, honey and sesame oil over all the ingredients.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds and five-spice powder.
• Add a final squeeze of lime and it’s ready to toss together with the family.

@theorangesieve serves up recipes from the heart, inspired by travels near and far. It’s all about food that humbly invites you to discover the truth about flavour, that is: the people, the culture and the stories behind them. The kind of food that leaves you with a smile you can’t quite put your finger on.