Lo Hei (Prosperity Salad)

Introduction:
Lo Hei, also known as the Prosperity Toss, is a vibrant and symbolic dish enjoyed during Lunar New Year celebrations, particularly in Singapore and Malaysia. Its colourful ingredients and lively tradition of tossing the salad together signify abundance, prosperity, and good fortune for the year ahead.

 

The Story Behind Lo Hei:
The phrase "Lo Hei" means "tossing up good fortune" in Cantonese, and the act of tossing the salad is as important as the dish itself. Each ingredient represents a specific blessing: salmon symbolises abundance, shredded vegetables represent prosperity, and crispy wonton crackers embody gold for wealth. Traditionally served on the 7th day of Lunar New Year (Renri, or "everyone's birthday"), this dish brings loved ones together to celebrate unity and hope for the future.

 

Ingredients

Salad:

  • 80g smoked salmon/raw salmon
  • 60g white radish, shredded
  • 60g cucumbers, shredded
  • 60g carrot, shredded
  • 40g pickled ginger
  • 60g pink pomelo flesh
  • 1/2 small red pepper, thinly sliced
  • 10 sheets of wonton wrappers
  • Oil for shallow frying

Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp plum sauce
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp white rice vinegar
  • ¼ tsp five-spice powder
  • ¼ tsp white pepper
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp hot water

 

Method

  1. Prepare the Sauce:
    Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Set aside.

  2. Fry the Wonton Wrappers:
    Heat oil in a small pot until it reaches about 1 ½ inches deep. Cut wonton wrappers into 6 equal squares and gently shallow-fry them until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel and set aside.

  3. Assemble the Salad:
    On a large plate, arrange the cucumber, carrot, white radish, pickled ginger, pink pomelo, and red pepper in small, colourful portions around the edge of the plate. Place the salmon in the centre and sprinkle the crispy wonton sheets on top.

  4. Serve and Toss:
    Just before serving, pour the sauce over the salad. Gather friends and family to toss the salad high while sharing blessings for a prosperous year ahead!

 

Suggestions and Replacements

  • Vegetarian Alternative: Replace salmon with shredded smoked tofu, jackfruit, or marinated mushrooms for a plant-based version.
  • Alternative Dressing: Try a sesame-based dressing with soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey for a different flavour profile.
  • Crunch Options: Swap wonton wrappers with crispy rice noodles or fried peanuts for a unique twist.
  • Fruits: If pomelo is unavailable, use pink grapefruit as a substitute.

 

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~200 kcal
  • Protein: ~8g
  • Carbohydrates: ~18g
  • Fat: ~10g
  • Fibre: ~3g
  • Key Nutrients: Vitamin C, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids

 

Tips for Success

  1. Shredding Made Easy: Use a mandoline or julienne peeler to shred vegetables evenly and quickly.
  2. Balancing Flavours: Adjust the sauce ingredients to taste – add more lime juice for tanginess or hoisin sauce for sweetness.
  3. Fresh is Best: Use the freshest ingredients for the best flavour and texture, especially for the vegetables and salmon.
  4. Crispy Crackers: Prepare wonton wrappers shortly before serving to keep them crispy.
  5. Personalised Toss: Encourage guests to toss the salad as high as possible – the higher the toss, the greater the fortune!

Enjoy your Prosperity Salad with family and friends as you welcome an auspicious and joyous Lunar New Year!