Recipe - Celebrating Chinese New Year with a Traditional Fish Dish: Steamed Whole Fish Recipe

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is a time of joy, family reunions, and cultural traditions steeped in symbolism. Among the many customs is the preparation of a festive meal that often includes a whole fish. In Chinese culture, fish symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and good luck, making it a must-have dish on the celebratory table.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of fish during Chinese New Year and share a traditional recipe for steamed whole fish, a dish that combines simplicity with rich flavors.

The Symbolism of Fish in Chinese New Year

The word for fish in Mandarin is “鱼” (yú), which sounds like the word for surplus or abundance, “余” (yú). The phrase “年年有余” (nián nián yǒu yú) translates to “may you have surplus every year,” signifying wishes for prosperity and wealth in the coming year. Serving a whole fish is believed to bring these blessings to the household.

Key Traditions Associated with Fish:

1. Serving It WholeThe fish is always served whole, symbolizing unity, family harmony, and completeness.

2. Direction MattersDuring the meal, the head of the fish should point toward a respected elder or guest, signifying respect.

3. Leftovers Are a MustLeaving some fish uneaten is important to emphasize the idea of surplus and abundance.

Steamed Whole Fish Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 whole white fish (sea bass, tilapia, or snapper) – about 1.5 to 2 pounds

• 2 inches of fresh ginger, thinly sliced

• 3 scallions, cut into 3-inch lengths (separate white and green parts)

• 2 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

• 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)

• Fresh cilantro sprigs (for garnish)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

1. Rinse the fish under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

2. Make 2-3 diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish to allow the flavors to penetrate.

3. Lightly season the fish inside and out with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Prepare the Steaming Setup

1. Use a large wok or a deep skillet with a steaming rack. Fill the bottom with water and bring it to a boil.

2. Place the fish on a heatproof plate that fits inside your steamer. Line the plate with half of the ginger slices and the white parts of the scallions.

Step 3: Steam the Fish

1. Place the fish on the prepared plate in the steamer.

2. Cover and steam over high heat for 8–10 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. The fish is done when the flesh flakes easily with a fork.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. While the fish steams, heat the sesame oil in a small pan over medium heat.

2. Add the remaining ginger, garlic, and chili (if using) and sauté until fragrant.

3. Add the soy sauce, sugar, and Shaoxing wine, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Once the fish is cooked, carefully remove it from the steamer and discard any accumulated liquid on the plate.

2. Pour the prepared sauce over the fish.

3. Garnish with the green parts of the scallions and fresh cilantro sprigs.

Tips for Success

1. Choose Fresh Fish: The fresher the fish, the better the flavor. Look for clear eyes, shiny scales, and a mild aroma.

2. Don’t Oversteam: Overcooking can make the fish dry. Keep an eye on the timer and check for doneness.

3. Customize the Sauce: For a spicier kick, add more chili or a drizzle of chili oil. For a milder taste, reduce the amount of ginger or omit the chili.

Pairing Suggestions

To complete your Chinese New Year feast, serve the steamed fish alongside other traditional dishes like:

• Longevity Noodles: Representing long life and happiness.

• Dumplings: Shaped like ancient gold ingots, symbolizing wealth.

• Sticky Rice Cake (Nian Gao): For prosperity and higher achievements.

Preparing a whole fish for Chinese New Year is more than just a culinary endeavor; it’s a meaningful tradition that brings families together and ushers in hopes for a prosperous year ahead. This steamed whole fish recipe honors the simplicity and depth of Chinese cuisine, offering a dish that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Wishing you “年年有余” (nián nián yǒu yú)—abundance and happiness in the new year!