Prosperity Yee Sang (Fresh Fruits and Vegetables with Classic Sweet and Sour Sauce)

This Prosperity Yee Sang is a dish I look forward to every Chinese New Year. Over here, we call it “Yee Sang/Yu Sheng” or “Lou Sang.” It’s essentially a big plate of salad where everyone gathers around the table to toss the ingredients together while saying auspicious wishes like “Good luck,” “Good fortune,” and “More money.”

There’s no one correct version of Yee Sang. Every restaurant and family prepares it differently. Traditionally, each ingredient carries a symbolic meaning. But these days, many people simply add ingredients they enjoy.

The key is balance — you want sweetness, tanginess, fragrance, and lots of crunch in every bite. For this recipe, I’m sharing a classic plum sauce dressing paired with a combination of fruits and vegetables that work beautifully together.

Where to get Bo Cui Crackers?

You can find the crackers at the Chinese New Year section in the supermarkets or buy online.

Do I need to roast the groundnuts?

No you don’t have to. You can buy roasted groundnuts.

Other recipes you may be interested:

Other Chinese New Year recipes:

Braised Abalone Mushroom Noodles

Steamed Prawns on Egg Whites with Crispy Garlic

Pineapple Tart Cookies

Teochew Style Steamed Pomfret with Meehoon

Additional Spices

When you order this Yee Sang at the restaurant, they’ll usually add pepper and five spice. Five spice mixes do vary, so I asked the for the packaging to check the ingredients. I’ve listed the Ingredients for the five spice blend below:

• Star Anise
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Cumin
• Cardamom
• Pepper

I’m not sure where to get these packets though. If you happen to know, do let me know!

Prosperity Yee Sang Tutorial:

Ingredients:

Plum sauce dressing 梅子酱汁:

100 grams sugar 100克糖

4 tablespoons plum sauce 4汤匙梅子酱

4 tablespoons water 4汤匙水

30 grams lime juice 30克青柠汁

Crunchy Toppings 酥脆配料:

140 grams groundnuts 花生140克

20 grams white sesame seeds 白芝麻20克

45 grams bo cui crackers 45克薄脆

Fresh ingredients 水果和蔬菜：

1 medium size (150 grams) carrot 1 中等大小的胡萝卜（150 克）

1 (300 grams) cucumber 1 根黄瓜（300 克）

1/2 (100 grams ) red capsicum 半个（100克）红甜椒

150 grams jicama 150克沙葛

1 Chinese fragrant pear (140 grams) 1个香梨（140克）

2 jackfruit (90 grams）2 粒菠萝蜜（90 克）

120 grams pomelo 柚子120克

30 grams coriander 30克香菜

1.5 lime 1.5个青柠

Fresh fish/seafood: 新鲜鱼/海鲜：

150 grams smoked salmon (you can substitute with raw fish slices, abalone or jellyfish) 150克烟熏三文鱼（可用生鱼片、鲍鱼或海蜇代替）

1/2 lime juice 半个青柠汁

Pinch of pepper 少许胡椒粉

Condiments and seasoning 调味料:

2 tablespoon cooking oil/olive oil 2汤匙食用油/橄榄油

few drops sesame oil 几滴芝麻油

1/8 teaspoon five spice powder 1/8茶匙五香粉

Prepare the Plum Sauce Dressing

Cook the sauce

• Add sugar and plum sauce into a small saucepan.
• Add 2 tablespoons of water first.
• Cook on low heat until the sugar fully dissolves.
• Stir often to prevent the base from burning.

Adjust consistency

• Switch off the heat.
• Add lime juice and mix well.
• Scoop up 1 teaspoon and place on the saucer. Allow it to cool down.
• Check the consistency by tilting the saucer. It should flow slowly.
• If needed, add a little more water and mix well.
• Transfer to a sauce dish or bowl.

Prepare the Toppings

Peanuts

• Place toasted peanuts into a blender.
• Pulse a few times until finely chopped.

Sesame seeds

• Toast sesame seeds until slightly brown.
• Remove from heat immediately.

Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

Carrot

• Julienne the carrot into fine strips.
• Wrap with cling wrap to prevent drying.

Cucumber

• Julienne the cucumber into fine strips. Use only the outer layer and discard the seeds (the seeds release too much water).
• Transfer to a plate and cover with cling wrap.

Capsicum

• Remove the inner white layer.
• Slice into thin strips.

Jicama & Chinese fragrant pear

• Peel the skin.
• Slice thinly, then cut into fine strips.
• Cover with cling wrap to prevent browning.

Jackfruit

• Remove the seed.
• Slice into thin strips.
• If substituting with mango, squeeze some lemon juice over it to prevent dull colour. Then cover with cling wrap.

Pomelo

• Remove the outer skin and inner membrane.
• Use only the flesh.
• Break it up slightly and set aside.

Coriander

• Chop into smaller pieces.

Assemble the Lou Sang

Arrange the ingredients

• Use a very large plate.
• Place jicama in the centre and shape into a round mound.
• Add pomelo on top.
• Arrange cucumber, carrot, pear, coriander, capsicum, and jackfruit around.
• Add lime wedges

Add protein (optional)

• Add smoked salmon.
• You may also use raw fish, jellyfish, or omit for a vegetarian version.
• Squeeze lime (or lemon) over the fish.
• Add a pinch of pepper.

Add final toppings

• Sprinkle chopped peanuts and toasted sesame seeds.
• Add crispy crackers if desired.
• Pour the plum sauce dressing over the dish.
• Drizzle some cooking oil.
• Add a few drops of sesame oil and a pinch of five spice powder.

Cooking tips:

Proportion of sauce to fresh ingredients:
The sauce amount here is just right for the ingredients listed. If you’re adding more fresh ingredients, I would recommend increasing the sauce as well.

Balance is key:
Lou Sang should have sweetness, tanginess, fragrance, and crunch. Try to include a mix of textures and colours.

Check sauce consistency after cooling:
The sauce thickens slightly as it cools. Make sure it is thick enough to coat the ingredients but still pourable.

Discard cucumber seeds:
The seeds release too much water and may make the dish soggy.

Cut ingredients finely:
Thin strips give a better texture and allow everything to mix evenly when tossing.

Cover prepped ingredients:
Wrap with cling film to prevent drying or browning before assembly.

Five spice powder:
Adding a small pinch of five spice powder enhances the overall flavour of the dish. Use it sparingly so it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a fixed list of ingredients for Lou Sang?
No. There is no one correct version. Every family and restaurant prepares it differently. Traditionally, each ingredient carries a symbolic meaning. But these days, many people simply add the ingredients they enjoy.

Can I skip the fish?
Yes. You can use smoked salmon, raw fish, jellyfish, or make a vegetarian version without seafood.

Can I substitute pomelo?
Yes. Grapefruit can be used as a substitute if pomelo is not available.

Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Yes. Prepare and slice the ingredients ahead of time, but keep them covered to maintain freshness.

I personally recommend preparing all the ingredients on the same day to keep everything fresh and crunchy. For the best texture and flavour, assemble just before serving.

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