Chinese New Year Seafood Dishes

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time of celebration and tradition in many parts of the world, particularly in East Asian countries like China, Taiwan, and Singapore. One important aspect of the Chinese New Year celebrations is the food that is traditionally eaten during this time. Fish is a particularly important food to eat during Chinese New Year, as it is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of eating fish during Chinese New Year, as well as some of the traditional dishes that are prepared using fish.

The tradition of eating fish during Chinese New Year dates back centuries, and it is believed to have originated in the northern regions of China. In these colder regions, fish was a staple food during the winter months due to its abundance and accessibility. It was also believed that the scales of the fish symbolized coins, and therefore eating fish was thought to bring financial prosperity.

Over time, the tradition of eating fish during Chinese New Year spread to other parts of China and beyond, and it is now a common practice in many East Asian countries. In addition to the belief that it brings prosperity, fish is also considered a symbol of abundance and surplus, as it is a renewable resource that can be caught and eaten year after year.

There are many different ways that fish is traditionally prepared and served during Chinese New Year. One of the most popular dishes is fish with ginger and scallions, which is a simple yet flavorful dish made by sauteeing slices of ginger and scallions in oil and then adding slices of fish and cooking until the fish is just done. This dish is often served with rice or noodles, and it is believed to bring good fortune to those who eat it.

Another popular way to prepare fish during Chinese New Year is by steaming it. Steamed fish is a healthy and light dish that is easy to prepare, and it is often served with a variety of vegetables and spices. One traditional steamed fish dish that is often served during Chinese New Year is “dragon and phoenix,” which consists of a whole fish that is steamed and then topped with a mixture of diced chicken and shrimp.

Another traditional Chinese New Year dish that features fish is “yusheng,” which is a raw fish salad that is popular in Singapore and Malaysia. Yusheng is made by shredding raw fish, such as salmon or tuna, and mixing it with a variety of vegetables, spices, and sauces. The dish is often served as an appetizer, and it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who eat it.

In addition to these traditional dishes, there are many other ways that fish is enjoyed during Chinese New Year. Whole fish is often served as a symbol of abundance and prosperity, and it is typically presented with the head and tail intact to symbolize a good beginning and a good end to the year. Fish is also often used in soups and stews, and it is a common ingredient in dumplings and other stuffed dishes.

While fish is an important food to eat during Chinese New Year, it is important to remember that it is just one part of the larger celebrations. In addition to eating fish, Chinese New Year is also a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, and the exchange of red envelopes filled with money. It is a time to honor ancestors and to celebrate the new year with good food, good company, and good cheer.

In conclusion, the tradition of eating fish during Chinese New Year is an important part of the celebrations in many East Asian countries. Fish is believed to bring prosperity and abundance, and it is featured in a variety of traditional dishes that are prepared and served during this time. Check out the wide variety of fresh seafood from our shop!