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Holidays & Special Occasions

Spring Festival Whole Fish (年年有余 (Niánnián Yǒu Yú))

sjfegan

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10
Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 whole fish (about 1 kg / 2.2 lb), cleaned
  • 3 slices ginger
  • 2 scallions, plus extra to garnish
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice wine
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • Salt to taste

Method

  1. Score the fish a few times on each side and season with salt.
  2. Stuff the cavity with ginger slices and scallions.
  3. Place the fish on a heatproof plate and steam over vigorously simmering water for 12–15 minutes until just cooked through.
  4. Meanwhile, combine the soy sauce and rice wine.
  5. Once steamed, pour off any excess liquid from the plate, then pour the soy sauce mixture over the fish.
  6. Heat the oil until smoking and carefully pour it over the fish and fresh scallion garnish to finish, allowing it to sizzle.
  7. Serve immediately for the New Year celebration.

Introduction: A whole steamed fish served at the New Year feast, symbolising abundance and prosperity for the coming year in ancient Chinese tradition.

Cultural Background: Serving a whole fish at the New Year holds deep symbolic meaning in Chinese culture, the word for ‘fish’ sounding similar to the word for ‘surplus’ or ‘abundance’, making it an essential dish believed to bring prosperity for the year ahead.

Tips: Serve the fish whole, head and tail intact, as this is essential to the dish’s symbolic meaning of a complete, abundant year. Steam just until cooked through, as overcooking will toughen the delicate flesh.

Variations: Traditionally, a little of the fish is left uneaten to symbolise surplus carrying into the new year. Use a fish appropriate to what’s available, though the whole presentation is essential regardless of variety.

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day.

Reheating: Reheat gently by steaming briefly, though best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 280 kcal, 32 g protein, 14 g fat, 4 g carbohydrate.

FAQs:

Q: Why is fish so symbolically important at Chinese New Year?

A: The Chinese word for ‘fish’ (n, yú) sounds identical to the word for ‘surplus’ or ‘abundance’ (n), making it an auspicious dish believed to bring prosperity for the coming year.

Q: Why is the fish served whole with head and tail intact?

A: A complete fish, from head to tail, symbolises a complete and prosperous year, an important part of the dish’s symbolic meaning.

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